Jeff Burtka

Jeff Burtka

Attorney · George Mason University Law School

Jeff Burtka joined the Nolo staff as a Legal Editor in 2023 and focuses on DUI and estate planning law.  

Legal career. Jeff is a member of the State Bar of Michigan. He began his legal career as a law clerk to the judges of the Arlington County Circuit Court in Virginia. He then served as a prosecutor for six years before working in health care law and estate planning. Immediately before joining Nolo, Jeff was a staff attorney at the Institute of Continuing Legal Education in Michigan, where he wrote and edited legal education resources for Michigan attorneys.

Education. Jeff has a bachelor’s degree in English and history from the University of Michigan and a law degree from George Mason University.

Other pursuits. Jeff also has worked as a freelance writer with a focus on articles about sports, the outdoors, and the environment. His articles, such as  How a majority Black school in Detroit shook up the world of lacrosse, have appeared in The Guardian, Outside, Crain’s Detroit Business, Civil Eats, and more. He enjoys running, coaching youth sports, and spending time outdoors.

Articles by Jeff Burtka

How Much It Costs to Make a Will and Estate Planning Documents?
How much an estate planning attorney costs depends on several factors, including whether they charge by the task or by the hour.
How Beneficiaries Can Claim Life Insurance and Social Security Benefits
Beneficiaries need to know how to collect life insurance and Social Security payments that belonged to the deceased; the executor of the estate doesn't usually handle this task.
Living Trust vs. Will
What is the difference between a revocable living trust and a will? And which should you make?
Finding and Filing the Will
Finding the will when a loved one dies can be difficult. Where to look and what to look for.
What Happens If I Can’t Pay My Traffic Ticket?
Learns about some of the options available for dealing with a traffic ticket when you don't have the money to pay the whole thing up front.
Tickets for Unsafe Lane Changes
In every state, you can be ticketed for making an unsafe lane change. Here are what these laws prohibit and some possible defenses to use in traffic court.
What Does "BAC" Stand For?
Learn about what BAC means and the relationship between breath and blood alcohol concentration.
What “Per Se” DUI Means
How having drugs or alcohol in your system can get you convicted of driving under the influence (DUI) even if you weren't actually drunk or high.
Understanding the DUI Police Report
If you're facing a DUI/DWI charge, the police report is the most important piece of evidence in your case.
Reckless Driving Traffic Violations
Most states have a general definition for reckless driving, but many states also have reckless driving charges for specific driving behaviors. Learn about the penalties you'll face for a conviction.
<< < 1 2 3 4 5 6 > >>