Smyrna DUI Attorney

Have you or a loved one been charged with a DUI in Smyrna? You may be facing criminal, administrative, personal, and career-related penalties. Not only could you face jail time, fines, increased insurance premiums, and a suspension of your driver's license, but your reputation and relationships could suffer from a DUI conviction.

Pleading guilty is not the answer to a DUI charge in Smyrna! No matter your situation, our Smyrna DUI Lawyers can use a variety of defenses to strengthen your case and reach a favorable outcome. You need to work with a hard-hitting DUI defense attorney in Smyrna to get the most out of your case. At The Law Offices of Richard S. Lawson, you can depend on receiving a thorough, aggressive defense.

What To Look For in a DUI Attorney in Smyrna

We understand that there are hundreds of attorneys out there, and it can be overwhelming to try and choose who is best for your case. The first thing we tell clients is hire a Smyrna DUI Lawyer that focuses their practice on DUI defense. DUI laws change regularly, and it is critical to hire someone who practices DUI law daily. DUI laws are very complex, and a lawyer who only handles the occasional DUI case will not be able to give you the robust defense you need!

This coincides with another factor to consider when hiring a DUI Lawyer in Smyrna: their track record. You want someone who has years of experience handling DUI cases in Smyrna. Our experience with DUI law, coupled with our knowledge of the officers, judges, prosecutors, and probation staff will be invaluable to your case.

We also encourage potential clients to consider the accessibility you will have to your Smyrna DUI Lawyer. You will have lots of questions and you deserve to have those questions answered. Look at whether you will be speaking to a paralegal or if you will get to actually get to speak with a lawyer. Furthermore, look into the hours the office is open. You want a lawyer that is available when you need answers.

At The Law Offices of Richard S. Lawson, we understand what you need in an attorney. Our Smyrna DUI Lawyers have been exclusively practicing DUI defense for over 25 years. We frequently handle cases in Smyrna courts and know all of the court staff due to our years of practicing in that area. Furthermore, Richard Lawson was a prosecutor for many years. His experience working on the other side gives us an advantage when defending your DUI charge in Smyrna because he knows how prosecutors think.

With our DUI Lawyers in Smyrna, you will find vigorous advocacy backed by 25 years of legal experience. With the insights Richard Gaines as a prosecutor, you can rest assured that we are fully aware of all the prosecution's tactics. We have defended thousands of DUI cases and have a tremendous success rate. Our DUI Lawyers in Smyrna are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to answer your call. We want your questions to be answered whenever you have them and don't feel like you should have to wait until the next business day. Furthermore, we offer a free consultation. Call now and see how our team will make all the difference in your case.

Understanding the Cost of a DUI Conviction in Smyrna

If this is your first DUI charge you are facing in Smyrna, it is possible you may be able to avoid jail time, but you could also face: 

• 12 months of probation
• Fine between $300-$100 plus court costs and surcharges
• At least 40 hours of community service
• DUI school
• Driver's license suspension, with a limited permit to drive
• MADD panel
• Substance abuse counseling

For a second DUI conviction in Smyrna, the penalties could include:

• Minimum three days in jail
• 12-36 months or probation
• Fines between $600-$1,000
• 240 hours of community service
• License suspension for at least 1 year
• Installation of an ignition interlock device
• Surrender or license plate
• 17 weeks of alcohol and drug counseling
• Publication of photo in the local newspaper
• DUI Court programs

For a third DUI conviction in Smyrna, the penalties you could face include: 

• 12-36 months of probation
• Fine between $1,000-$5,000
• Surrender of license plate
• 5-year license suspension with a limited permit available after two years of ignition interlock device
• 17 weeks of alcohol and drug counseling
• Publication of photo in the local newspaper
• Habitual violator status

Types of DUI Charges

Any DUI charge is a serious matter. When you are up against the far-reaching penalties of a DUI in Smyrna, you need one of our skilled Smyrna DUI Lawyers. No matter how complex your DUI charges are, we will provide you with a resilient defense. From start to finish, we can fight for you. The types of DU cases we handle include, but are not limited to:

• Felony DUI
• Out of state DUI
• First DUI
• DUI Endangerment
• DUI Drugs
• Prescription Drug DUI
• Commercial DUI
• Juvenile DUI

What Happens After A DUI Arrest in Smyrna?

While the laws and statutes surrounding DUI are the same throughout Georgia, the court procedures differ by county to county, city to city, and even court. Cobb County handles cases differently than Walton County. It is critical that you understand the DUI process in order to be successful and furthermore, hire a DUI attorney that actively practices in that area.

The DUI Arrest

If you were arrested within the city limits of Smyrna, then your case will proceed to Smyrna Municipal Court. Your case will be scheduled for a hearing immediately after being arrested. 

30-Day Hearing

After the DUI arrest, you only have 30 days to request an Administrative License Suspension (ALS) hearing. A failure to request this hearing will result in your license being suspended on the 46th day. If you request the hearing, then you will receive notice of a court date. Your DUI lawyer in Smyrna will handle this hearing for you. You are not required to attend. At this hearing, your attorney will meet with the arresting officer to try and resolve the issue of your license suspension.

Motions

The next step in the court process is for your attorney to file motions and have hearings on these motions. This is a very important part in your DUI case. After investigating all the evidence in your case, your Smyrna DUI Lawyer may find that the evidence in your case was not collected lawfully. Your lawyer can file a motion to suppress the improperly seized evidence. There are multiple motions that your lawyer can file on your behalf. If the judge rules in favor of the motion, then the exclusion of evidence can lead to the State dismissing or reducing your DUI charge.

Plea Negotiations/Trial

To resolve your DUI case, there are two basic options. The first one is to work out a plea bargain with the prosecutor. The second option is to contest the charges with a trial. Every DUI case is different, and you must work with your Smyrna DUI lawyers to determine which option is best for your case. We have decades of experience reaching a plea bargain as well as litigating a case.

We will carefully walk you through your options to make you make an informed decision about your case! Whether to take your case to trial or to enter a plea is the most important decision in your case. Do not take it lightly and discuss your situation with one of our Smyrna DUI Lawyers. 

Appeal

If you have been convicted of a DUI in Georgia, you do have the option to appeal the conviction. However, Georgia law requires that you begin this process within 30 days of your conviction by filing either a motion for new trial or a notice of appeal. There are many ways to challenge your conviction, and our Smyrna DUI Attorneys are ready to help you get your conviction reversed. However, it is important to note that if you pled guilty to DUI, your ability to appeal the conviction is limited.

Smyrna Municipal Court

Smyrna Municipal Court hears cases that include traffic violations, city ordinance violations, and misdemeanors, including DUI that occur within the city limits of Smyrna. The Court is located at 2800 King Street, Smyrna, Georgia 30080. For more information, contact the Court at 770-431-2804.

Contact Us Today

No matter where you are in the DUI court process, we can help. Whether you have just been arrested or your court date is tomorrow, we are here for you. Our DUI Lawyers in Smyrna have decades of experience and we want to make that expertise work for you. Contact us now for a free case evaluation.