Helen GA DUI Lawyer

Helen is an extremely popular town in Georgia. All year round, visitors frequent Helen for the scenery, restaurants, and numerous festivals. However, what was supposed to be a nice vacation can quickly turn into a nightmare when you or a loved one is arrested for DUI. No matter your situation, our DUI Attorneys in Helen GA are here to help. Our found, Richard Lawson, served as a White County prosecutor and understands how to defend against your charges because he was once in their shoes. With his experience and our 25 years of defending DUI charges, we know how to achieve a favorable outcome in your case. Call now for a free case evaluation.

Subsequent DUI Penalties in Helen GA

Although it is always important to hire an experienced and knowledgeable Helen GA DUI Lawyer regardless of your criminal history, it is particularly important if you have prior DUIs on your record. Georgia DUI law is substantially more complicated for people who have been through the system before, and the punishments can be exponentially more severe. You simply cannot afford to try and handle it alone. 

For a second DUI conviction within a 10 year period, Georgia law requires:

• A fine of at least $600.
• A period of imprisonment of at least 72 hours.
• At least 240 hours of community service.
• Completion of a DUI Risk Reduction program.
• A clinical evaluation
• A period of 12 months on probation.

These are all mandatory minimums required by Georgia law. Judges do not have the discretion to go below these guidelines. They may, however, punish more harshly than this, and they frequently do.

In addition to this harsh punishment by the courts, a second DUI within the previous five years will result in serious consequences from the Georgia Department of Driver Services. If you are convicted of a second DUI in the last 5 years, you are facing a 120-day hard suspension. This means that no limited driving permits are available for any purpose. Following this 120 day period, you are required to install an ignition interlock device on your vehicle, which must remain in place for 12 months. This device is designed to prevent individuals from driving under the influence by forcing them to blow into the device in order to start the ignition. They are costly to install and maintain. Following this 12-month period, you may remove the interlock device and acquire a regular limited driving permit, which will permit you to drive to work, school, medical appointments, and court-related events.

For a third DUI conviction within a 10-year period, Georgia law requires:

• A fine of at least $1,000.
• A period of imprisonment of at least 15 days.
• At least 30 days of community service.
• Completion of a DUI Risk Reduction program.
• A clinical evaluation.
• A 12-month probationary sentence.

Additionally, a third DUI conviction in 10 years will result in a license revocation for 5 years, as you will be considered a “habitual violator.”

We Will Fight for You

Being charged with DUI in Helen or anywhere else in White County is a serious offense. The penalties, if convicted, can be severe and have long-term consequences. At the Law Office of Richard Lawson, our Helen DUI Attorneys know how harsh the penalties are for a conviction and how difficult losing your driver's license can be. That is why we are dedicated to safeguarding the legal rights of each and every client. If you, a friend of yours, or a loved one has been arrested and charged with DUI, our Helen GA DUI Attorneyscan provide experienced and skilled legal advice. 

Law enforcement agencies, as well as the general public consider DUI to be a particularly heinous crime. That is why police departments take quick and decisive action to make DUI arrests. Our Helen GA DUI Lawyers at the Law Office of Richard Lawson have years of experience with DUI cases and know all the most effective Georgia DUI Defenses. At our firm, we strongly believe that a DUI arrest does not make you automatically guilty. Protect yourself and your rights by contacting our office as soon as possible after your arrest to speak with a knowledgeable DUI Attorney in Helen GA. We will work hard to achieve the best outcome possible with every case we take on.

Helen GA Municipal Court

If you have been arrested for DUI in Helen GA, your case will proceed in Helen Municipal Court. Court meets on the 2nd Wednesday of each month at 4:00 p.m. at Helen City Hall located at 25 Alpenrosen Strasse, Helen, GA 30545. For more information, call 706.878.2733.

Contact Our DUI Attorneys in Helen GA Today

If you want the best results, you need to hire the best representation. At The Law Offices of Richard S. Lawson, that is exactly what you will get. With over 5,000 clients represented throughout Georgia, we know what it takes to reach a successful outcome. Call our Helen DUI Lawyers for a free case evaluation.