Dawson County DUI Lawyer

If you or a loved one has been charged with DUI in Dawson County, contact our office immediately. There is no time to waste with a DUI charge. The ramifications of a DUI conviction can have a severe impact on your life. Call us now for a free case evaluation.

What is Considered Driving Under the Influence (DUI) in Dawson County?

DUI is a frequently charged crime throughout the United States, but it seems that more people are receiving DUI charges. Georgia lawmakers have responded by passing strict DUI laws that impose significant penalties for even first time DUI offenders.  A person can be charged with DUI in two different ways: DUI less safe or DUI per se.

DUI per se is defined under O.C.G.A § 40-6-391(a)(5) and states that it is illegal for “any person to drive or be in actual physical control of any moving vehicle or being in actual physical control from alcohol consumed before such driving or being in actual physical control ended.” DUI per se requires that the driver's blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is .08 grams or more if the driver is 21 years or older. This means that if your BAC is .08 or greater, Georgia law says you can be under the influence of alcohol. Even if your level of tolerance is much higher and you were not actually “drunk,” you can still be charged with DUI per se. For commercial drivers, a BAC of .04% is all it takes to be convicted of DUI. However, if the driver is under 21 years of age, they can be charged with DUI if their BAC is .02. For DUI per se, it does not matter whether you were a less safe driver; it is strictly based on the driver's BAC.

The other way a person can be charged with DUI is DUI less safe. Georgia law  O.C.G.A. § 40-6-391(1) states that a person shall not “drive or be in actual physical control of any moving vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs to the extent that it is less safe for the person to drive.” A DUI less safe charge does not require that the officer observe the person driving the vehicle. The officer can use his observations to support a DUI less safe charge. These observations can include slurred speech, the smell of alcohol on their breath, bloodshot eyes, and an admission of drinking.

In sum, Georgia criminalizes driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol by driving with a BAC over the legal limit or when driving in a manner that is less safe for the person to drive. In both cases, it is critical that you hire an experienced Dawson County DUI Lawyer to assist in fighting your charges.

The Penalty for a DUI Conviction in Dawson County GA 

Whether this is your first, second, third, or fourth DUI in Dawson County, the consequences are substantial. Even though DUI is generally charged as a misdemeanor, the penalties will affect many aspects of your life. If your case results in a conviction, you can expect the following penalties:

• Probation
• Jail time
• Driver's license suspension
• Hefty fines
• Alcohol or drug treatment

We want you to understand that you do not have to face these consequences! Our Dawson County DUI Lawyers will work hard to get your case dismissed or to get the penalties reduced. A charge is not the same as a conviction, and your case can be defended! Contact us now, and we will investigate every detail of your case to ensure you receive the best defense possible.

Dawson County Superior Court

Dawson County Superior Court has exclusive jurisdiction over all felony DUI cases. In addition, if your case originated in Dawsonville Municipal Court or Dawson County Probate Court and you would like a jury trial, your case will be bound over to Superior Court. Superior Court is located at 25 Justice Way, Dawsonville, GA 30534. For more information, you can contact the Court at 706.344. 3500.

Dawson County Probate Court

Dawson County Probate Court handles DUI charges that arise outside of the city limits of Dawsonville and in unincorporated areas of Dawson County. The Honorable Jennifer Burt presides over the Court. Dawson County Probate Court is located at 25 Justice Way, Suite 4332, Dawsonville, GA 30534, and can be reached at 706-344-3580.

Dawsonville Municipal Court

Dawsonville Municipal Court is located at 415 Hwy. 53, Suite 100, Dawsonville, GA 30534. The Honorable Judge Ronald Reemsnyder presides over the Court. The Municipal Court handles all city ordinance violations and misdemeanor traffic violations that occur within the city limits of Dawsonville. For more information, you can reach the court at 706.265.3256.

Contact Our DUI Attorneys in Dawson County GA Today

If you have been charged with DUI or a DUI related offense, contact our Dawson County DUI Lawyers. Our experience is unmatched, and we are able to achieve unprecedented results for our clients. There are always options for your case, and we know how to fight for your interests. Contact us today for a free case evaluation.