Oconee County DUI Lawyer

Driving under the influence is a serious criminal offense, and a single DUI charge can have permanent ramifications. Many people mistakenly believe that the best option is to plead guilty and accept the penalties because DUI is usually a misdemeanor charge. However, this is not true. There are always defenses we can use for your case. Call now for a free case evaluation and see how we can help with your case.

DUI Charges in Oconee County

Facing DUI charges can be a humiliating and even frightening experience. Law enforcement, the arrest, being booked at the police station and spending time in a holding cell is upsetting for almost anyone. Unfortunately, this is only the beginning of what could be a serious legal problem. A DUI conviction, even the first offense, can result in jail time, fines, suspension of your driver's license, court-ordered community service, and enforced attendance at an alcohol education program. You will likely be on probation for months if you do not go to jail. Should you violate probation, such as failing to pay the fines on time or not completing your program, you could get the full sentence, which in first time DUI cases can be up to a year in jail. It is crucial that you contact an Oconee County DUI Lawyer as soon after the arrest as possible.

Our Oconee County DUI Attorneys Have the Experience You Need

Not all attorneys have the broad and comprehensive knowledge and experience that is gained through years of dealing with DUI cases. At The Law Offices of Richard S. Lawson, our legal team concentrates solely on DUI defense and has brought together some of the strongest resources available to lend to all types of cases, no matter how serious. They understand the ramifications of a poorly handled case and are therefore unwaveringly devoted to protecting the rights of their clients with high-quality and effective legal assistance. You can be confident that if you seek out their legal representation that they will stop at nothing in their efforts to protect your rights. 

With over 25 years of experience and an unwavering focus on cases of driving under the influence, you can be confident that their firm will do everything that they can to help you navigate the criminal process, regardless of whether you are an out of state driver or under 21 years of age. If you have prior DUI convictions on record within the past 5 years, the penalties that you may be facing are much more severe. You could spend 90 days to one year in jail, face a three-year suspension of your driver's license, pay up to $1000 in fines or more. All of these penalties involved with a second, third, or fourth DUI will result in extreme life changes, and it may be challenging to get a job, loan or place to live in the future. Don't wait to seek professional legal help from a DUI attorney so that you can fight your charges with the best legal representation possible.

When the police pull over a driver on suspicion of DUI, the driver will be asked to submit to a blood/alcohol test and to perform one or more field sobriety tests to check for signs of intoxication. If you have been charged with refusing a blood or breath test, one of our DUI Attorneys in Oconee County can provide you with the aggressive defense you need. At our firm, you can breathe easier knowing that they will be able to provide you with dynamic assistance in a variety of cases, including those involving DUI checkpoints, field sobriety tests, prescription drugs, and marijuana cases.

They are also able to protect clients against some of the more serious charges of child endangerment, minor in possession of alcohol, vehicular homicide, and serious injury by vehicle. Their legal team is also able to help defend yourself at an ALS hearing or explain the benefits of pursuing a plea bargain versus a trial. You can trust that regardless of your situation that they will do everything necessary to help you navigate through the tricky, unsteady process. When you are looking for the best DUI lawyer in Oconee County, you can't go wrong with a firm that has such a long track record for client success and results!

Oconee County Superior Court

Oconee County Superior Court has exclusive jurisdiction over all felony DUI cases. In addition, if your case began in Oconee County Probate Court or Watkinsville Municipal Court, and you request a jury trial, your case will be bound over to Superior Court. The Superior Court is located at 23 North Main Street, Watkinsville, GA 30677.

The Superior Court judges in Oconee County are part of the Western Judicial Circuit. The judges handle cases in both Oconee County Georgia and Athens-Clarke County.  It is common throughout the State of Georgia that counties with smaller populations share a judiciary and staff with counties that have a larger population.

The Chief Superior Court Judge is Eric Norris. The other Superior Court Judges are Lawton E. Stephens, H. Patrick Haggard and Lisa Lot. Ms. Angela Elder-Johnson is the Clerk of Superior Court and can be reached at 706-769-3940.

Oconee County Probate Court

Oconee County Probate Court handles DUI cases arising outside of Watkinsville. The Honorable Judge David Anglin presides over the Court. Ms. Shelia Hicks is the Clerk of Probate Court. The Court is located at 23 North Main Street, Watkinsville, GA 30677.

Watkinsville Municipal Court

Watkinsville Municipal Court handles cases involving city ordinance violations, traffic offenses, and other misdemeanor charges, including shoplifting and DUI that occur within Watkinsville city limits. The Municipal Court is located at 191 VFW Drive, Watkinsville, GA 30677. Ms. Lee Black is the Municipal Court Clerk, and can be reached at 706-769-5161.

Contact Our DUI Attorneys in Oconee County Today

Given the complexity of DUI cases and the severe penalties that accompany a DUI conviction, it is critical that you hire an Oconee County DUI Lawyer. There are numerous ways we can defend your case. Call now for a free case evaluation.