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Name:
Hunter, Katherine Caldwell
Date of Booking:
08/07/2026
Reason(s) For Booking:
Marijuana-possess less than 1 oz.
DUI-Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol (less safe)
Speeding in Construction Zone
Consumption/Open Container of Alcoholic Beverage in Passenger Area
Officer’s Narrative:
[Please note: The following is a direct transcription from the official initial incident report. The Georgia Gazette does not fix any spelling or grammatical errors that may exist. Any changes or redactions made by our staff are placed inside brackets. Some errors may exist. All subjects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The topics discussed may be sensitive to some readers. Discretion is advised.]
[NARRATIVE #1 on August 07, 2026]
On 08/07/2026, I responded to the area of University Pkwy and Carl-Bethlehem Rd at the request of Lt. Hansen who was on a traffic stop.
Upon arrival, I spoke to Lt. Hansen who advised that he had stopped a black Mercedes Benz C300 (GA – [REDACTED]) for 95 mph in a 55-mph construction zone. He also advised that he suspected the driver, identified as Katherine Hunter, to be under the influence of alcohol as she was observed to have glassy eyes and slurred speech.
I then approached the vehicle and began speaking to Katherine. She stated that she was on her way home from a birthday party and that she had consumed one martini at dinner, approximately three hours prior. While speaking with Katherine, I could smell the odor commonly associated with that of an alcoholic beverage coming from the interior of the vehicle. I also observed Katherine to have glassy eyes and slurred speech. In addition to the odor of alcohol, I could also smell a faint odor of marijuana. Due to suspecting Katherine was under the influence of alcohol, I asked her to participate in voluntary field sobriety exercises, but Katherine refused.
After speaking with Lt. Hansen for a moment, I returned to the vehicle and instructed Katherine to exit. She then walked to the front of Lt. Hansen’s patrol vehicle where I continued to speak with her. She again stated that she had only consumed one martini but advised she did not have much to eat. Katherine again refused to participate in voluntary field sobriety exercises and refused to provide a breath sample. Katherine stated multiple times that she was just trying to get home and requested that I just follow her home. During this time, I could smell a strong odor of alcohol coming from Katherine’s breath.
I then inquired about the odor of marijuana and Katherine stated that she has a medical marijuana card. I informed her that marijuana flower is not included under Georgia medical marijuana, and she stated that she smokes marijuana oil. I informed Katherine that a probable cause search of the vehicle would be conducted, and she stated that she refused and did not provide consent to search the vehicle. I informed Katherine that due to the odor of marijuana, I had probable cause to search the vehicle and did not need her consent.
During a probable cause search of the vehicle, a white Styrofoam cup containing an unknown alcoholic beverage was located in the door. Inside the cup was also a burnt marijuana blunt. A small glass jar containing approximately [REDACTED BY AGENCY] of marijuana was also located in the center console. The marijuana was collected and submitted into evidence. A Glock 19 (SN: BKRB725) was also located inside the vehicle. The firearm was collected and submitted into evidence for safekeeping.
Based on my observations, the traffic violations, the general demeanor of Katherine, and the totality of the circumstances, I believe Katherine was operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol less safe. I informed her that she was under arrest for DUI (less safe), speeding, open container, and possession of marijuana. She was handcuffed behind her back. The handcuffs were checked for proper fit and double locked. Katherine was searched incident to arrest, and no weapons, contraband, or means of escape were located. She was placed in the rear seat of a patrol vehicle and secured with the seat belt. I read Katherine the Georgia Implied Consent Notice for suspects over the age of 21; however, she refused to submit to chemical testing of her blood.
Katherine was transported to the Barrow County Detention Center where she was released into the custody of the jail staff. I searched the back seat of my patrol vehicle for contraband before and after transport with negative results.
Katherine was issued citations for OCGA 40-6-391(a)(1) – DUI – Alcohol (Less Safe) (Citation No: E032325); OCGA 40-6-188 – Speeding in construction zone (Citation No: E032326); OCGA 16-13-2 – Possession of marijuana less than 1oz (Citation No: E032327); and OCGA 40-6-253 – Open container (Citation No: E032328)
Katherine was also served with the Georgia Department of Driver Services Notice of License Suspension due to her refusal to submit to the State administered chemical testing.
The vehicle was removed from the scene by Patrick’s Towing. An inventory of the vehicle was completed.
[End of Narrative]
[NARRATIVE #2 on August 07, 2026]
On 7 August 2026 at approximately 0303 hours, I was sitting stationary monitoring traffic on University Parkway eastbound, east of Patrick Mill Road SW, around mile marker 3 in Winder Barrow County Georgia. I observed a vehicle traveling eastbound at an estimated speed of 93 mph. This section of University Parkway is a construction zone with orange barrels and appropriate signage out marking the construction zone. Using a department Stalker XS Lidar (LH002412) I received a speed of 95-mph at 1,054 feet. As the vehicle passed me, I turned on my headlights and observed it to be a black passenger car. Pulling out onto University Parkway, I activated my emergency lights and siren and proceeded to catch up with the vehicle.
The vehicle, a 2022 black Mercedez Benz C300 displaying GA LPN [REDACTED] initially stopped in the turn lane to Carl-Bethlehem Road. However, upon exiting my patrol vehicle the Mercedez completed a right-hand turn and continued to travel down Carl-Bethlehem Road. I followed the vehicle with lights and siren activated, at one point ordering the driver to stop and pull over via my public address system. The Mercedez came to a stop, and I exited my patrol vehicle, drawing my service weapon and ordering the driver to turn the vehicle off. After several shouted commands, I heard a female’s voice advising the vehicle was off. I then approached the driver’s side window.
Contact was made with the female driver and sole occupant of the Mercedez. I introduced myself, requesting her license, and identified the driver as Katherine Hunter. I notified Katherine that the reason for the stop was 95-mph in a 55-mph construction zone. When asked where she was coming from Katherine advised she was coming from Buckhead. While speaking with Katherine, I observed her eyes to be glassy and she had slurred speech. I questioned Katherine as to how much she had drank tonight and she responded with not much. Suspecting Katherine may be under the influence, I contact Sgt. Bazinet via radio requesting him to respond.
Upon his arrival on scene, I explained the reason for the stop and the manifestations of intoxication I observed. I then turned the traffic stop over to Sgt. Bazinet. Katherine was ultimately arrested for DUI less safe, speeding in a construction zone and several other offenses. A probable cause search was conducted of the Mercedez based on the odor of marijuana Sgt. Bazinet smelled when he interacted with Katherine. Next list wrecker was called, and Patrick’s Towing responded and took possession of the Mercedez. A vehicle impound was completed.
[End of Narrative]
All information is sourced directly from the official, public court database. Case history is organized and curated by The Georgia Gazette staff. The “What this means:” explanations are written by AI and reviewed by our staff before publishing.
Court records are subject to change at the court’s discretion. The Georgia Gazette is not responsible for errors or omissions. Nothing here is legal advice. All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Case History:
8/20/26
DEFENSE ATTORNEY ENTERS APPEARANCE FOR KATHERINE CALDWELL HUNTER
What this means: William D. Healan, III, of Healan Law Offices, P.C., filed a formal Entry of Appearance in the State Court of Barrow County on August 20, 2026, notifying the court that he is representing Katherine Caldwell Hunter in case number 26-NA-00993. This is a standard procedural step that officially puts the court and the prosecution on notice that Hunter has retained legal counsel.
9/10/26
ACCUSATION FORMALLY FILED IN STATE COURT OF BARROW COUNTY
What this means: On September 10, 2026, the State Court of Barrow County formally filed the accusation against Katherine Caldwell Hunter under case number 26-ST-00901, signed by Kristen Murphy, Chief Assistant Solicitor General. An accusation is the formal charging document used in State Court — it is the official written statement of the charges the prosecution intends to pursue. The five counts filed mirror those from the August 7, 2026 arrest: DUI Less Safe (Alcohol), DUI Less Safe (Combined Influence), Possession of Marijuana Less Than an Ounce, Speeding in a Construction Zone, and Open Container. Katherine Caldwell Hunter is presumed innocent of all charges.
9/10/26
KATHERINE CALDWELL HUNTER WAIVES ARRAIGNMENT — ENTERS NOT GUILTY PLEA
What this means: Through her attorney William D. Healan, III, Katherine Caldwell Hunter filed a Waiver of Arraignment on September 9, 2026, which was e-filed with the Clerk of State Court on September 10, 2026. By waiving arraignment, Hunter skipped the formal court appearance where charges are read aloud and a plea is entered in open court. Instead, her attorney entered a plea of not guilty on her behalf to each and every charge in writing. This is a common and routine step when a defendant has legal representation.
9/10/26
DEFENSE FILES CONSOLIDATED MOTIONS, DEMANDS, AND DEMURRERS
What this means: Attorney William D. Healan, III filed a wide-ranging package of pretrial motions on behalf of Katherine Caldwell Hunter on September 9, 2026, e-filed September 10, 2026, in case number 26-NA-00993 in the State Court of Barrow County. The filing includes several distinct legal requests. The Motion for Discovery asks the court to order the prosecution to turn over all evidence favorable to the defense, including any exculpatory material, witness statements, scientific test results, crime lab reports, speed detection device certifications, chemical test results, field sobriety evaluation records, and any promises made to witnesses. The Objection to Crime Lab Report puts the prosecution on notice that Hunter objects to any crime lab report being admitted without the lab employee appearing in court to testify and be cross-examined. The Demurrers challenge the legal sufficiency of the accusation itself, arguing that the charges fail to adequately identify a crime or inform Hunter of the specific conduct she is accused of, and asking the court to dismiss the charges. The Motion for Pretrial Disclosure of Independent and Separate Offenses asks the court to require the prosecution to disclose in advance any evidence of other alleged bad acts it intends to use at trial. The Demand for Copy of Accusation and Witness List asks for a copy of the formal charges and the names and contact information of all witnesses the State plans to call. The Demand for Statements of Defendant asks for any written or recorded statements Hunter made while in police custody. The Demand for Police Reports under the Georgia Open Records Act requests access to all arrest, accident, and incident reports related to this case within three business days. The Motion for Additional Time to File Additional Motions asks the court to allow the defense to file further motions after reviewing the discovery materials.
9/10/26
DEFENSE FILES MOTION TO SUPPRESS AND MOTION IN LIMINE
What this means: Attorney William D. Healan, III filed a Motion to Suppress and Motion in Limine on behalf of Katherine Caldwell Hunter on September 9, 2026, e-filed September 10, 2026, in the State Court of Barrow County. A Motion to Suppress asks the judge to throw out evidence before trial on the grounds that it was obtained illegally. A Motion in Limine asks the judge to prohibit certain evidence or topics from being raised in front of a jury. In this filing, the defense argues that the stop, detention, and arrest of Katherine Caldwell Hunter on August 7, 2026 were unlawful because, according to the motion, officers witnessed no improper driving and lacked reasonable suspicion or probable cause. The defense contends that because the stop was illegal, all evidence gathered as a result — including any field sobriety test results, chemical test requests, and any statements Hunter made — must be excluded from trial under the Fourth and Fifth Amendments to the U.S. Constitution and corresponding provisions of the Georgia Constitution. The motion further argues that Hunter was never properly advised of her Miranda rights, making any statements she made inadmissible. The defense also challenges the field sobriety evaluations on multiple grounds, including that the officer was not properly trained, did not administer the tests correctly, and that Hunter’s refusal to participate in certain tests was an exercise of her constitutional right against self-incrimination and cannot be used as evidence against her. The motion asks the court to hold a hearing before trial to rule on these issues.
9/17/26
JUDGE SCHEDULES MOTIONS HEARING FOR 12/17/26
What this means: Judge Robert M. Gardner, Jr. of the State Court of Barrow County issued an Order Scheduling Hearing on September 17, 2026, setting a hearing date for any and all outstanding motions in the case against Katherine Caldwell Hunter. The hearing is scheduled for December 17, 2026 at 9:30 a.m. in Hearing Room 1 of the Barrow County Judicial Courthouse, 652 Barrow Park Drive, Winder, Georgia. At this hearing, the judge will consider the pretrial motions filed by the defense, including the Motion to Suppress, the Motion in Limine, and the Consolidated Motions, Demands, and Demurrers. Copies of the order were sent to defense attorney William D. Healan, III and Chief Assistant Solicitor General Kristen Murphy.
12/17/26
MOTIONS HEARING SCHEDULED IN STATE COURT OF BARROW COUNTY
What this means: A motions hearing has been scheduled for December 17, 2026 at 9:30 a.m. before Judge Robert M. Gardner, Jr. in the State Court of Barrow County, case number 26-ST-00901. The hearing will address the outstanding pretrial motions filed by defense attorney William D. Healan, III on behalf of Katherine Caldwell Hunter, including the Motion to Suppress, Motion in Limine, and Consolidated Motions, Demands, and Demurrers. The hearing will take place in Hearing Room 1 of the Barrow County Judicial Courthouse, 652 Barrow Park Drive, Winder, Georgia.