Dade County GA DUI Lawyer

DUI arrests can occur on the most unsuspecting of nights. People are often unaware of the amount of alcohol it takes to be over the legal limit, but it is usually lower than they suspect. However, it is important to recognize that a DUI charge is not a conviction! There are still steps you can take to prevent it from remaining on your permanent record. Contact our experienced DUI Attorneys in Dade County GA today for a free consultation if you or a loved one have been charged with DUI.

Types of DUI Charges in Georgia

There are two different types of drunk driving offenses that you could be charged with : DUI per se and DUI less safe.

• DUI less safe is found under O.C.G.A. § 40-6-391(a)(1): a person shall not “drive or be in actual physical control of any moving vehicle while under the influence of alcohol to the extent that it is less safe for the person to drive.” This offense depends only upon the observations of the officer making the traffic stop. If the driver's actions or control of the vehicle appear to be impaired, if the driver is slurring their speech, or if the driver fails a roadside sobriety test, then they can be charged with a DUI less safe, no matter their BAC.
• The second classification of alcohol-impaired driving is an offense referred to as DUI per se. This means that the driver was operating the vehicle with a BAC of 0.08 or higher. A driver who is showing no signs of being physically impaired can still be charged because of their BAC.

For commercial drivers, the laws are more restrictive. A commercial driver in Georgia cannot operate a motor vehicle if his or her BAC is higher than 0.04. Similarly, for drivers under the age of 21, the legal limit is lower. Because it is illegal for anyone under the age of 21 to drink alcohol, a BAC of .02 is enough to charge and convict a driver who has been drinking.

When a driver is pulled over by police for suspicion of driving under the influence in Georgia, he or she may face a variety of penalties. If the driver's BAC is above the legal limit or if they refuse to take a breathalyzer test, they can be arrested immediately. A first time offender who is convicted of DUI faces fines, possible jail time, and possible revocation of their driver's license for up to one year. They must also get treatment or take alcohol education courses and perform community service.

With a second or third conviction, the fines grow steeper, the jail time grows longer, and the period of time for which a license is revoked can be increased drastically. A fourth offense is considered a felony and carries with it the penalties of that classification.

Whether you have been charged with DUI less safe or DUI per se, our Dade County GA DUI Lawyers are here to help. We have been exclusively defending drivers charged with DUI for over 25 years. We understand that how to attack DUI less safe charges and DUI per se charges. We have represented over 5,000 clients and have achieved excellent results for our clients charged with DUI. When you hire a skilled Dade County GA DUI lawyer, your chances of minimizing the penalty, or even keeping your record clean are exponentially higher. Call us and let our dedicated DUI attorneys in Dade County hear about your particular case and we will tell you how we can help.

Dade County GA Superior Court

Dade County Superior Court has exclusive jurisdiction over all felony DUI charges. Furthermore, if you request a jury trial, your case will be bound over to Superior Court. Court is held at 255 West Crabtree Street, Trenton, GA 30752. Ms. Kathy Page is the Clerk of Court and can be reached at 706-657-8284 if you have any questions.

Dade County Probate Court

If you were arrested in an unincorporated part of Dade County, your case will proceed in Dade County Probate Court. The Honorable Judge Kerri Carter presides over the Court. Court is located at 255 West Crabtree Street, Trenton, GA 30752. For more information, call 706-657-4414.

Trenton GA Municipal Court

Trenton GA Municipal Court has jurisdiction over city ordinance violations, traffic violations, and other misdemeanors, including DUI and shoplifting, that occur within Trenton city limits.The Honorable Joel McCormick is the Municipal Court Judge. Court is held at 12882 N Main Street, Trenton, Georgia 30752, and you can call (706) 657- 4167 for more information.

Contact Our DUI Attorneys in Dade County GA Now

When charged with DUI, there is no time to waste! The best way to protect your license and freedom is to hire a Dade County GA DUI Lawyer as soon as possible after the arrest. However, even if your court date is tomorrow, our lawyers can still help you. Call now for a free case evaluation.