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Name:
Quackenbush, Jacob Alan
Date of Booking:
03/16/2026
Reason(s) For Booking:
Failure To Stop At Railroad Crossing – M
Driving On Wrong Side Of Roadway – M
Reckless Driving – M
HIT AND RUN; DUTY OF DRIVER TO STOP AT OR RETURN TO SCENE OF ACCIDENT – M
DUI – DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL – M
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.]
On 03/16/2026, I, Ofc. M. Johnston, was on uniformed patrol when I was dispatched to a Hit & Run at Pooler Parkway/Maxwell Dr at 2148 hours. Caller stated a gold Kia had rear ended a silver Honda. For details of the initial incident, please refer to the Accident Report.
The victim, Mr. [VICTIM #1], from the accident had dash camera footage of the incident.
According to the footage, Mr. [VICTIM #1] was in the right hand lane of Pooler Parkway going southbound. As they approached Maxwell Dr, Mr. [VICTIM #1]’s turn indicator could be heard in the video. He then merged into the left hand lane. He was driving in the lane for a moment before a car horn was heard followed by the sound of an impact. The camera jerked forward and the occupants and Mr. [VICTIM #1] made audible grunts from the impact.
The camera paned to the right as Mr. [VICTIM #1] turned the vehicle that direction. The camera paned over to see a gold in color Kia that Mr. [VICTIM #1] had stated was the vehicle that struck him from behind. The Kia moved from the right lane of Pooler Parkway into the right hand turn lane for Maxwell Dr. The Kia was behind another vehicle. It kept close to the rear of the other vehicle as it made the right hand turn onto Maxwell Dr.
The Kia then turned onto Maxwell Dr when it accelerated and made a left turn onto Traders Way. Mr. [VICTIM #1] followed the Kia onto Traders Way. Once more, the Kia accelerated down the roadway. There was another vehicle in the southbound lane of Traders Way. The Kia passed this vehicle while in a no passing area.
It then slowed down and made a right into the parking lot of 134 Traders Way (Primrose School of Godley Station). The Kia then went through the parking lot to the Godley Station Blvd entrance. This is an entrance only from Godley Station Blvd into the Primrose Parking Lot. The Kia then turned left onto Godley Station Blvd and drove on the wrong side of the road. The Kia continued driving the wrong way on Godley Station before it pulled around the median and into the correct lane of travel.
Mr. [VICTIM #1] then stoped following the Kia. He turns left onto Herbert Dr where he then goes to the First Watch parking lot.
In the dash camera footage, I was able to obtain the tag of the at fault Kia. It was a Georia tag of [REDACTED]. I checked the tag through NCIC/GCIC. The Kia came back registered to a Jacob Quackenbush. Mr. Quackenbush’s information stated he live in Guton Georgia.
I was notified by a deputy that Effingham SO around thirty to forty minutes later that they had the suspect vehicle pulled over at [3400 BLOCK] Courthouse Rd in Guyton. The vehicle was a gold 2021 Kia K5 (GA Tag: [REDACTED]). The driver of the vehicle was Jacob Quackenbush. The Effingham Deputies stated they believed Mr. Quackenbush was intoxicated.
Upon my arrival I examined the Kia. It’s front bumper and missing and I was unable to verify if the damage was new or old. There was damage on the front driver door that appeared as scratch marks, dents, and scuffs. Later, when searching the vehicle, the front driver door was difficult to open as the damage appeared to cause the door to become stuck on the vehicle’s frame.
I then went to the location to speak with Mr. Quackenbush.
I then spoke with Mr. Quackenbush. When I asked him if he had been driving on Pooler Parkway around 2140 hours. He stated he had been but was not sure where exactly on the roadway he was on. When asked if he was involved in an accident, Mr. Quackenbush stated he had to slam on his brakes, but he did not believe he was involved in an accident.
I aksed him about the damage to the front of his vehicle. He stated that it had been that while for some time and was not new damage. As I was speaking to Mr. Quackenbush, I could smell the odor of an alcoholic beverage on his breath. As he spoke, he slurred his words. His eyes appeared to be bloodshot and glassy. Later on, when Mr. Quackenbush exited his vehicle, he had difficulty exiting it and had an uneasy gate as he walked.
An Effingham Deputy that was certified in Field Sobriety responded. I stood by as he spoke with Mr. Quackenbush. Mr. Quackenbush refused to do field sobriety tests and refused Implied Consent when the Effingham Deputy read it to him.
At 2309 on 03/16/2026, Mr. Quackenbush was placed under arrest for DUI Less Safe, Fleeing the Scene of an Accident, Disregarding a Traffic Control Device, Reckless Driving, and Driving on the Wrong Side of the Roadway. I also read Mr. Quackenbush Implied Consent for Breath or Blood for 21 and older. He verbally refused by saying “Nope” and shaking his head side ot side.
I then searched the Kia due to incident of an arrest and to catalogue any property in the vehicle prior to it being towed. As I searched the vehicle, I located a S&W 9mm pistol which Mr. Quackenbush had stated earlier was his. The firearm was in a motorcycle jacket pocket. The jack was on the rear floor on the passenger side.
I removed the firearm from the jacket and placed it in the glove box per Mr. Quackenbush’s request for it to remain with the vehicle. There were no other items of interest inside the vehicle. There did not appear to be intoxicants inside the vehicle.
As Mr. Quackenbush was under arrest, I contacted Sapp’s Wrecker Service to have his vehicle towed.
On 03/17/2026 at 0006 hours, I transported Mr. Quackenbush to 100 US Highway 80 SW (Pooler Police Department) to obtain a DDS 1205 Form. We arrived at 0028 without further incident. I completed the DDS 1205 form and Mr. Quackenbush signed.
I took possession of his Driver’s License and issued him his copy of the DDS 1205 form. I advised him the form was a temporary license for up to 45 days starting on 03/17/2026. He would need to follow the instructions on the form to obtain a new license prior to the 45 days. After the 45 days, the DDS 1205 form would no longer be a valid driver’s license.
I then transported Mr. Quackenbush to 4500 Waters Ave (Memorial Medical Center) at 0055 hours. We arrived at 0116 without further incident. He was medically cleared by the ER staff.
At 0130 hours, I began to transport Mr. Quackenbush to 1050 Carl Griffin Dr (CCDC). We arrived at 0145 hours without further incident. He was then transferred into CCDC custody.
Mr. Quackenbush was charged with DUI Less Safe (OCGA 40-6-391A), Leaving the Scene of an Accident (OCGA 40-6-270A), Reckless Driving (OCGA 40-6-390), Driving on the Wrong Side of the Road (OCGA 40-6-40A), and Failure to Obey a Traffic Control Device (OCGA 40-6-20). He was given a court date of 04/09/2026 at 1000 hours. He was given a bond of $1,350.00.
[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:
3/16/26
JACOB ALAN QUACKENBUSH BOOKED INTO CUSTODY
What this means: Jacob Alan Quackenbush was arrested and booked in Effingham County on March 16, 2026. At the time of booking, he was accused of five misdemeanor offenses: failure to stop at a railroad crossing, driving on the wrong side of the roadway, reckless driving, hit and run (duty of a driver to stop at or return to the scene of an accident), and driving under the influence of alcohol. These are the charges that prompted the formal legal process now underway in the State Court of Effingham County.
3/31/26
ACCUSATION FILED — JACOB ALAN QUACKENBUSH CHARGED WITH DUI LESS SAFE (ALCOHOL)
What this means: On March 31, 2026, Effingham County Solicitor General Spencer Tyson formally filed a criminal accusation against Jacob Alan Quackenbush in the State Court of Effingham County (Case No. STCR2026000329). An accusation is the formal charging document used in State Court — it officially puts the charge on record and triggers the court process. The accusation was filed based on an affidavit from Deputy Garren Chan Ballard of the Effingham County Sheriff’s Office.
The accusation charges one count: Driving Under the Influence (Less Safe) (Alcohol), under O.C.G.A. § 40-6-391(a)(1). Jacob Alan Quackenbush is accused of operating a motor vehicle on March 16, 2026, in Effingham County while under the influence of alcohol to the extent that it was less safe for him to drive.
3/31/26
CRIMINAL ARRAIGNMENT CALENDAR
What this means: Jacob Alan Quackenbush’s case was placed on the criminal arraignment calendar in the State Court of Effingham County on March 31, 2026. An arraignment is a court hearing where a defendant is formally informed of the charges against them and asked to enter a plea. Being placed on the calendar means a date was set for that proceeding to take place.
4/3/26
DEFENSE ATTORNEY ENTERS APPEARANCE — COURTNEY LERCH RETAINED
What this means: On April 3, 2026, attorney Courtney Lerch of Schneider Lerch, LLC in Savannah, Georgia filed an Entry of Appearance in Case No. STCR2026000329, formally notifying the State Court of Effingham County that she is representing Jacob Alan Quackenbush. This means all future court filings and hearing notices in this case will be directed to her on the defendant’s behalf.
4/3/26
DEFENSE FILES DEMAND FOR STATUTORY DISCOVERY
What this means: Also on April 3, 2026, Jacob Alan Quackenbush’s defense team filed a Demand for Statutory Discovery in Case No. STCR2026000329. This is a formal legal request requiring the prosecution to turn over evidence it intends to use against the defendant. The defense specifically requested the formal charging document, a complete list of the State’s witnesses, any statements made by Jacob Alan Quackenbush while in police custody, and all scientific reports — including any photos, videos, or recordings — gathered during the arrest. Under Georgia law, the prosecution is required to provide this material.
5/13/26
JACOB ALAN QUACKENBUSH WAIVES ARRAIGNMENT AND ENTERS NOT GUILTY PLEA
What this means: On May 13, 2026, Jacob Alan Quackenbush’s attorneys — Courtney Lerch and Cris Schneider of Schneider Lerch, LLC — filed a Waiver of Arraignment and Entry of Plea in Case No. STCR2026000329 in the State Court of Effingham County. Rather than appearing in court for a formal arraignment hearing, Jacob Alan Quackenbush chose to waive that proceeding in writing. Through this filing, the defendant confirmed he received a copy of the charging document, entered a plea of Not Guilty to all charges, and requested a trial by jury. Waiving arraignment is a common and routine step — it simply skips the in-person formality of being read the charges aloud in court.
5/13/26
JACOB ALAN QUACKENBUSH WAIVES RIGHT TO BE PRESENT AT ARRAIGNMENT
What this means: Also filed on May 13, 2026, Jacob Alan Quackenbush personally signed a Waiver of Right to Be Present, confirming that he understood he had the right to appear in person at his arraignment — scheduled for May 26, 2026, at 9:00 AM — but chose to waive that right after consulting with his attorney, Courtney Lerch. This document was filed alongside the waiver of arraignment and is standard practice when a defendant’s legal team handles the arraignment on paper rather than in person.
5/13/26
DEFENSE FILES NOTICE OF MOTIONS AND CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
What this means: On May 13, 2026, the defense team for Jacob Alan Quackenbush formally filed a Notice of Filing of Motions in Case No. STCR2026000329 in the State Court of Effingham County. The filing was served on ADA Spencer Tyson of the Ogeechee Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office by U.S. mail. The notice listed eight separate filings submitted on Jacob Alan Quackenbush’s behalf:
1. Notice of Appearance by defense counsel. 2. Waiver of Arraignment and Request for Jury Trial. 3. Demand for Statutory Discovery. 4. Motion for Discovery Under Brady v. Maryland — a request requiring the prosecution to disclose any evidence that could be favorable to the defendant. 5. Motion in Limine — a request asking the court to exclude certain evidence from being presented at trial. 6. Motion to Exclude or Suppress evidence based on alleged violations of the Georgia Constitution, the U.S. Constitution, and Georgia statutes O.C.G.A. § 17-5-30 and O.C.G.A. § 24-9-20. 7. Motion in Limine to Exclude or Suppress evidence of Jacob Alan Quackenbush’s refusal to submit to a State-administered chemical test, or alternatively, a Motion to Dismiss for Lack of Probable Cause. 8. Motion for a Hearing to Determine the Voluntariness of Jacob Alan Quackenbush’s custodial statements — asking the court to examine whether any statements he made while in police custody were made freely and without coercion before allowing them to be used as evidence.
5/26/26
CRIMINAL ARRAIGNMENT CALENDAR — ARRAIGNMENT DATE
What this means: May 26, 2026 was the scheduled arraignment date for Jacob Alan Quackenbush in the State Court of Effingham County, as referenced in the Waiver of Right to Be Present filed on May 13, 2026. Because the defendant had already waived his arraignment and entered a Not Guilty plea in writing, his personal appearance at this calendar date was not required.
6/16/26
JACOB ALAN QUACKENBUSH CASE PLACED ON CRIMINAL PLEA DAY CALENDAR
What this means: Jacob Alan Quackenbush’s case was placed on the Criminal Plea Day Calendar in the State Court of Effingham County for June 16, 2026. Plea Day is a scheduled court session where defendants may enter formal pleas or resolve their cases. Being placed on this calendar does not mean a plea was entered — it means the case was scheduled for that opportunity.
8/13/26
JACOB ALAN QUACKENBUSH SUMMONED TO APPEAR IN STATE COURT
What this means: The State Court of Effingham County issued a Summons/Notice of Return ordering Jacob Alan Quackenbush to appear before the Honorable Judge Melissa M. Calhoun on August 13, 2026, at 9:00 AM in the State Courtroom on the second floor of the Effingham County Judicial Complex in Springfield, Georgia. The notice was certified and presented in open court by Deputy Clerk of Court Benjamin Herndon. This is a formal court-ordered appearance date in Case No. STCR2026000329, and the document notes it is the only notice the defendant will receive.
Defense attorney Courtney Lerch was separately notified of the same August 13, 2026 appearance by court administrator Walt Lawson, confirming that Case No. 2026-ST-CR-329-C — charging Jacob Alan Quackenbush with Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol (Less Safe) — is scheduled to be called at 9:00 AM on that date.