Houston County DUI Lawyer

Being charged with DUI in Georgia is not something to be taken lightly. Even a first DUI conviction can have a major impact on your life. If you or a loved one has found themselves facing a DUI conviction, you need to call our DUI Attorneys in Houston County immediately. Our office is open 24 hours a day/7 days a week to answer your call. Contact us now.

Administrative License Suspension Case

Many people are unaware that a DUI arrest starts 2 cases against you: an administrative case and the criminal case. The administrative case is through the Department of Driver Services and is resolved separately from the criminal case.

There are multiple ways that a person can have their license suspended:

1. By refusing the state administered chemical testing

2. Having a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) over .08

3. Being convicted of DUI

If you refuse to submit the state administered chemical test, your license could be automatically suspended for one year. During a refusal, generally, the police officer will issue a DS-1205 form. On the form, it states that you only have 30 days to appeal the license suspension by requesting an administrative license suspension (ALS) hearing. This hearing must be requested in writing along with $150. A failure to timely send in the request will result in a license suspension.

At the ALS hearing, your Houston County DUI Lawyers has a couple of options. They can negotiate with the police officer to dismiss the license suspension in exchange for a plea, or there can be a hearing. At the hearing, the burden is on the State to show by a preponderance of the evidence that your license should remain suspended.

A win at the ALS hearing means that you can keep your license, whereas if you lose, then you will face a one year license suspension. That is why it is critical that you hire an experienced DUI Attorney in Houston County to save your license.

The Criminal Case

In addition to the administrative case concerning your license suspension, there is also the criminal charge that a person accused of a DUI must face. Almost all DUI arrests end up being misdemeanors, but the minimum jail time and other fines and penalties are greater depending on the amount of priors and when they occurred. Depending on the facts of each individual case, there are many ways your Houston County DUI Lawyer can fight a DUI.

For first time DUI offenders, some jurisdictions offer pre-trial diversion for DUI. This is where you receive a dismissal of your case after paying a program fee and completing any requirements of the program, which can include community service and classes. Pre-trial diversion can be a good option for a first time offender where the evidence against them at trial would be strong or overwhelming. However, you should never enter into pre-trial diversion without first speaking with a DUI Lawyer in Houston County.

Similarly, even if a jurisdiction does not offer pretrial diversion or you do not qualify, your Houston County DUI Attorney may be able to negotiate your DUI charge down to a reckless driving offense based on weaknesses in the case or other circumstances. The major benefit of a reckless driving plea is that it does not automatically suspend your license for one year after conviction and is widely considered a less serious offense for your criminal history.

There are multiple ways our DUI Lawyers in Houston County can defend your case without having to go to trial. One way is through the filing of motions. In a motion to suppress, a judge may order that certain evidence may not be used against you at trial if your fourth or fifth amendment rights were violated. For example, if an officer stopped a vehicle without reasonable suspension or a roadblock was set up without adhering to legal requirements, the evidence acquired against you as a result may be suppressed by the judge.

Houston County Superior Court

Houston County Superior Court has jurisdiction over felony DUI cases that arise within the County. Ms. Carolyn Sullivan is the Superior Court Clerk. She can be reached at 478-218-4730. The Courthouse is located at 201 N. Perry Parkway, Perry, GA 31069.

Houston County State Court

If you were arrested for misdemeanor DUI in an unincorporated area of Houston County, or if you would like a jury trial, your case would go through Houston County State Court. The Houston County State Court Judge is the Honorable Jason Ashford, and Kendra Simons is the State Court Clerk. Court is held at 202 Carl Vinson Parkway, Warner Robins, GA 31088. Call (478) 542-2105 for more information.

Centerville GA Municipal Court

If you have been arrested for DUI in Centerville GA, your case will proceed in Centerville Municipal Court. Ms. Sara Caldwell is the Court Clerk and she can be reached at 478-953-4795. Centerville Municipal Court is located at 310 E. Church Street, Centerville GA 31028.

Perry GA Municipal Court

Perry Municipal Court has jurisdiction over city ordinance violations, traffic offenses, and other misdemeanors, including DUI and shoplifting, that occur within Perry city limits. Chief Judge James Freeman presides over the Court along with Associate Judge Ashley Deadwyler-Hewman. Ms. Mirian Arrington is the Court Clerk. Perry Municipal Court hearings are held on the first and third Wednesday of each month at the Perry Events Center located at 1121 Macon Road, Perry, GA 31069. For more information, contact the Clerk's Office at 478-988-2814.

Warner Robins Municipal Court

Warner Robins Municipal has jurisdiction over DUI's that occur within the city of Warner Robins. The Municipal Court is located at 308 N. Davis Drive, Warner Robins, GA 31093. For more information, contact us at 478-302-5600.

Contact Our DUI Attorneys in Houston County

If you or a loved one have been charged with DUI in Houston County, we understand that you may be frightened and concerned about your future. Our Houston County DUI Lawyers are here to help and know how to protect you. With over 50 combined years of experience, we guarantee that you will receive the best representation. Call now for a free case evaluation.