Clarkesville GA DUI Lawyer

If you or a loved one has been charged with DUI in Clarkesville, we understand that you may be feeling scared or overwhelmed. The consequences for a DUI conviction are severe in Georgia, and the whole process could seem impossible to navigate. This is why it is advised to have experienced Clarkesville DUI Lawyers at your side. Our office is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to take your call. Contact us today for a free case evaluation.

DUI Process in Clarkesville GA

When arrested for DUI, there are usually several court appearances and a lot of stages that your case has to proceed through. Our goal as Clarkesville DUI Lawyers is to help you understand each stage and your options. After the initial DUI arrest, booking & bail occurs, followed by arraignment, preliminary hearing, pre­trial motions, plea bargains, trial, sentencing, and appeals.

Arrest: An arrest is made when the police officer has probable cause to believe a crime of DUI has occurred.

Bail and Bond: Bail is a specified amount of money that will ensure your return to the court. This process begins when you post the money to bond out. In case you don't have money, you can contact a bail bondsman or wait for the first court appearance.

Arraignment: The arraignment is the initial appearance in court to hear the charges against you. If you have an attorney, your DUI Attorney in Clarkesville will appear on your behalf will enter a plea of not guilty, and deny the charges. For those who don't have an attorney, the exact charge will be announced by the state at the time of the arraignment.

Administrative License Suspension (ALS) Hearing:

Separate from the criminal case, you also have an administrative case that you must resolve with the Department of Driver Services. Within 30 days of your arrest, you or your Clarkesville DUI Lawyer must file a 30 day letter to protect you from an automatic license suspension. A win at the ALS hearing helps you keep driving!

Pre­trial Motions: Motions are a critical part of a successful DUI defense. Your Clarkesville DUI Attorney can file a motion to suppress, motion to dismiss, motion to compel, or a motion in limine. Successful motions hearings can result in evidence being excluded.

Discovery: Discovery is the process in which your attorney can obtain evidence from the other party. Police reports, videos, and breath test results are just some of the information our lawyers will result.

Plea Bargains: During this stage, your Clarkesville DUI Lawyer will attempt to enter into a plea bargain with the solicitor in order to avoid trial. Most of the cases are resolved during plea bargaining. If an agreement is reached, you enter a plea, and the case will be over. Otherwise, you will proceed to trial.

Trial: There are two options if your case proceeds to trial. You can request a jury trial, where your case will be transferred to Habersham County Superior Court. Or your case will be heard by the judge in a bench trial. Choosing whether to proceed with a bench trial or request a jury trial is a decision that should be thoroughly discussed with a DUI Attorney in Clarkesville GA.

Sentencing and Appeals: Following a conviction for DUI or a reduced charge, the judge will impose a penalty. Your sentence can include fines, jail time, community service, DUI course, or other penalties. If you are convicted, you have the right to appeal. In appeal cases, it is imperative that you hire a Clarkesville DUI Lawyer.

Clarkesville Municipal Court

Clarkesville Municipal Court handles traffic violations, city ordinance violations, and other misdemeanor charges, including DUI and shoplifting, that occur with Clarkesville city limits. Judge Robert Sneed presides over the Court. The Municipal Court is located at 123 Laurel Drive, Clarkesville, GA 30523. For more information, call 706-754-5390.

Contact a DUI Attorney in Clarkesville GA Today

While we have outlined some information about each of these stages, nothing replaces speaking with a Clarkesville DUI Attorney about your case. Call now to hire a Clarkesville GA DUI Attorney right now to make the whole DUI process less hectic and increase your chances to avoid penalties.