Athens-Clarke County DUI Lawyer

If you or a loved one has been charged with DUI in Athens-Clarke County, you need to call our office now. Law enforcement takes a harsh stance with DUI charges, and seek for severe punishments to be given. Our DUI Attorneys in Athens-Clarke County have been defending clients charged in Clarke County for over 25 years. We understand what it takes to reach a successful outcome, and are prepared to help you today. Call us now for a free case evaluation.

What To Do If You Have Been Pulled Over

Despite our best efforts, sometimes we find ourselves running a red light, forgetting our turn signal, or driving too fast. While each of these things can seem to be minor, combining them with drinking and driving. can make it much more complicated. If you have been pulled over, here are a few of our Athens-Clarke County Lawyers suggestions:

First, keep all your important documents such as driver's license, registration, and insurance card handy and in an easily accessible location. Fishing through your console or glove box to find them only gives the officer more of your behavior to observe and possibly use against you.

When you see blue lights in your rear-view mirror, find a safe spot to pull over on the right side of the road if possible. Next, turn on your car's interior light and place your hands on the steering wheel, so they are visible to the officer.

Be courteous and respectful, but admit nothing. Traffic stops can be stressful, and many drivers become too friendly and talk too much because they feel nervous. Try to resist talking too much You do not have to provide any information to the officer other than what is on your driver's license, registration, or insurance card.

Anything you admit can be used against you. Telling the officer that you only had one beer with your dinner gives them a reason to investigate further. If you do not admit to such, the officer must base his decision to launch a DUI investigation on other grounds, such as your driving or behavior after you were stopped.

If law enforcement continues their DUI investigation, you may be asked to exit your vehicle. You may be asked to perform field sobriety tests. Politely and respectfully decline. You do not have to perform such tests, and there is no penalty for refusing to do them. The only reason these tests are given is to give a reason for you to submit to a chemical test of your breath, blood, or urine to determine you BAC. Few people pass those impossible tests even while sober. Be nice, do not argue, or talk belligerently. Just politely refuse the field sobriety tests. 

Georgia's Implied Consent law currently requires drivers to submit to chemical testing or face a one-year license suspension. Your chemical test result can be used against you in court. There is good and bad in refusing. On one hand, refusing the test can lead to losing your driving privilege for one year. On the other hand, without chemical test results, the State's case is going to be hard to prove.

All of the above is why you need an experienced DUI Lawyer in Athens-Clarke County to handle your Athens DUI case.

How To Prepare for Court

Before you head to court on your court date, here are some things you should know:

• Bring proper ID (driver's license, State ID, or passport)
• Any documents or proof of compliance with sentencing or judge's order
• Provide the Court with your current address
• Cell phones must be turned off
• Wear appropriate attire. That means no clothing with obscene or profane writing or revealing. Hats are not allowed. If you are found to be inappropriately dressed, you will be asked to exit the courtroom.
• Lastly, please be aware that if you fail to appear in court on your assigned court date, a warrant for your arrest will be issued.

Athens-Clarke County Superior Court

Athens-Clarke Superior Court has exclusive jurisdiction over all felony DUI cases. The Court is located at 325 E Washington Street, Athens, GA 30601. For more information, call 706-613-3161.

Athens-Clarke County State Court

Athens-Clarke State Court hears DUI cases that require a trial. State Court is located at 325 East Washington Street, Suite 425, Athens, GA 30601. The Honorable Judge Charles E. Auslander, III presides over the Court. For more information, call 706-613-3200. 

Athens-Clarke County Municipal Court

Athens-Clarke County is a combined city and county government. If you have been charged with a DUI within Athens city limits or anywhere else outside of Winterville, then your case will proceed in Athens-Clarke County Municipal Court. If a trial is needed, then your case will be transferred to Athens-Clarke County State Court. Athens-Carke Municipal Court is located at 325 East Washington Street, Suite 170, Athens, GA 30601. For more information, call 706-613-3690.

Winterville Municipal Court

Winterville Municipal Court handles city ordinance violations, traffic offenses, and other misdemeanor charges, including shoplifting and DUI, that occur within Winterville Municipal Court. Winterville Municipal Court is located at 125 North Church Street, Winterville, GA 30683. The Honorable Judge Markus Boenig presides over the Court, and Wendy Bond is the Municipal Court Clerk. For more information, call 706-742-8600.

Contact Our DUI Lawyers in Athens-Clarke County Today

Time is of the essence in Athens-Clarke DUI cases. A DUI conviction can have a severe impact on your future, and it is critical that you hire experienced representation to help with your case. With thousands of cases successfully resolved, you can trust our DUI Attorneys in Athens-Clarke County to defend your rights. Contact us today.