Berkeley Lake DUI Attorney

Facing a Berkeley Lake DUI charge can be a terrifying experience. If you are like most people, you may not know where to turn. Our Berkeley Lake DUI Lawyers are Georgia's top-rated DUI lawyers, and clients have consistently rated us as one of the best DUI firms in Georgia. As local Berkeley Lake DUI Attorneys, we concentrate our efforts on providing the best DUI defense to those charged in Atlanta and the surrounding counties. Furthermore, our founder, Richard S. Lawson, worked as a prosecutor before opening up his own firm. This experience gives us the advantage because we know how the other side thinks. 

We understand what is at stake for you - a potential criminal conviction, suspension of your driver's license, jail time, and detrimental harm to your family and reputation. That is why we give every client the personalized attention their case needs to achieve a favorable outcome. Our DUI Lawyers in Berkeley Lake are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to take your call. They care about you and understand that you may need answers outside of regular business hours. Call now.

Our DUI Lawyers in Berkeley Lake are Experts in DUI Defense

In Berkeley Lake, driving under the influence (DUI) is a criminal charge that carries the possibility of jail time and a driver's license suspension. Georgia DUI laws carry mandatory jail sentences for subsequent offenses. Some judges impose jail time even for a first DUI conviction. A guilty verdict or a poorly negotiated plea deal can stick with you for the rest of your life. We never recommend clients to simply plead guilty! There are always DUI defenses available to help your case.

As experienced Berkeley Lake DUI Lawyers, we focus our entire practice on DUI charges in Georgia. We have more than 25 years of experience defending those charged with DUI and have honed our trial and negotiation skills through the thousands of clients we have represented. Furthermore, our founding partner, Richard Lawson, was a former prosecutor for years. His experience as someone on the other side of the law has proven tantamount to our success. He understands how the prosecution thinks and knows what the best options are for your case. Instead of law working against you, we know how to make it work in your favor!

Unlike most areas of criminal defense, Georgia DUI defense is an area of law in which an experienced Berkeley Lake DUI Lawyer can challenge and beat cases where the typical client or inexperienced attorney may believe there is no chance of success. Berkeley Lake DUI charges are extremely technical, and to be convicted, the prosecutor must prove that the police complied with dozens of statutory and regulatory provisions. At The Law Offices of Richard S. Lawson, we understand that police officers make mistakes, and these mistakes could be the difference between a conviction and a dismissal of the case.

No matter what the specifics of your case are, we guarantee that we can help! With over 25 years of experience and 5,000 cases defended, we have seen it all! Let our team of DUI Lawyers in Berkeley Lake assist you today. We know what it takes to be successful and are prepared to walk you through the process.

Berkeley Lake DUI Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Will I lose my license?

Many people are unaware that when you are charged with DUI, it starts two cases against you: the criminal case and the administrative case with the Department of Driver Services (DDS). If you or your Berkeley Lake DUI Lawyer do not file a letter within 30 days, your license will be automatically suspended for up to 1 year.

Furthermore, depending on whether you have had prior DUI convictions, a license suspension may be one of the penalties. However, it is best to contact one of our Berkeley Lake DUI Attorneys to determine what the options are for your case.

2. What happens at my arraignment?

Your first appearance in front of a judge is referred to as an arraignment. At this arraignment, the judge will formally read the charges against you and ask you if you plead guilty or not guilty. A not guilty plea keeps your options open and allows you to discover all of the evidence against you. It can help you be able to negotiate a favorable plea agreement later on. Then, the judge will set bail, and your case commences. Most courts allow you to waive your appearance at your arraignment if a waiver is filed with the court before your first court date.

3. Can I get a jury trial for my Berkeley Lake DUI case?

If you were arrested within the city limits of Berkeley Lake, your case will proceed to Berkeley Lake Municipal Court. If you or your attorney think it is in your best interest to have a jury trial, you can request your case be transferred to Gwinnett County State Court.

4. What is the look-back period for Georgia DUI convictions?

Georgia DUI law provides enhanced penalties for those charged with DUI when you have been convicted of a prior DUI offense within the preceding 10 years. Second, third, and fourth DUI convictions within a ten year period come with mandatory jail sentences and can result in the driver being declared a habitual violator.

4. What is the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) in Georgia?

For individuals over the age of 21, the legal limit is .08%. Above this limit, you are deemed by law to be driving under the influence. This is also known as DUI per se. However, there are some exceptions to this rule. If you are under 21 years of age, the legal limit is .02%. If you have a commercial driver's license (CDL), then the legal limit is .04%.

5. What is the implied consent notice?

By driving on Georgia's roads, you are impliedly consenting to a chemical test if arrested on suspicion of DUI. A chemical test can be a breath test, blood test, or both. For out of state drivers, by utilizing the roads and highways of Georgia, they are also impliedly consenting to chemical testing after an arrest.

6. Is DUI a misdemeanor or felony charge in Georgia?

In Georgia, DUI is generally a misdemeanor charge. However, a fourth DUI conviction within 10 years will be a felony offense.

7. What is DUI Less Safe?

DUI less safe means that a driver can be convicted of DUI even if the driver's BAC is less than .08 grams but if the driver is under the influence of alcohol or drugs to the extent that they are less safe to drive. DUI less safe charges can be based entirely on circumstantial evidence. That is why it is critical to hire an experienced Berkeley Lake DUI Lawyer if you have been charged with DUI less safe.

8. Will I go to jail if arrested for DUI in Berkeley Lake?

For a first conviction of DUI per se, there is a mandatory minimum requirement of 24 hours in jail. For a DUI less safe conviction, there is no mandatory jail requirement. For a second or subsequent conviction, there are mandatory jail times.

9. Can my Berkeley Lake DUI case be defended?

YES! There are a variety of defenses that can be used to defend your case. From challenging the results of the breath test to the reasons for the initial stop, we know how to weaken the prosecution's case against you and help reduce the punishments.

10. What is an ignition interlock device (IID)?

An ignition interlock device is a device that prevents individuals from operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol. The device acts as a breathalyzer attached to an individual's vehicle. The driver must blow into the device to start the vehicle. As you are using the car, the device will require that you continue to provide breath samples as you are driving to ensure that you are not drinking and driving. This also serves to prevent other sober individuals from starting the vehicle for you.

Berkeley Lake Municipal Court

Berkeley Lake Municipal Court is responsible for hearing city ordinance and traffic violations that occur within the city limits of Berkeley Lake. Berkeley Lake Municipal Court is held in the Berkeley Lake City Hall auditorium to the right of the main entrance at 4040 South Berkeley Lake Road, Berkeley Lake, GA 30096. For more information, call (770) 368-9484.

Contact Us

At The Law Offices of Richard S. Lawson, we are dedicated to defending those charged with DUI in Berkeley Lake. If you have been arrested, we understand that you are likely in an unfamiliar situation, and it can be extremely intimidating. You may feel as if you do not know where to turn for help. Fortunately, you have come to the right place. We have extensive experience assisting clients with DUI charges. Contact our Berkeley Lake DUI Lawyers today for a free case evaluation.