Harris County GA DUI Lawyer
If you or a loved one has been charged with DUI in Harris County, contact our team of experienced DUI lawyers today. At The Law Offices of Richard S. Lawson, our team has been defending clients charged with DUI for over 25 years. Our decades of experience, coupled with intimate knowledge of DUI law, enable our team to achieve amazing results for our clients. Call now and see how our DUI Lawyers in Harris County can assist with your case.
Consequences of a DUI Arrest in Harris County GA
Individuals who have been arrested for DUI face serious legal consequences as well as the high cost of a DUI. The most expensive fees are not the cost of a Harris County Georgia DUI Lawyer or fighting your case in court. Most people are unaware that the largest expenses come from increased fines and fees from a DUI conviction or pleading guilty to DUI charges. Knowing how to fight the charges against you can keep you from paying more DUI costs.
Georgia's DUI laws have become increasingly severe with each passing year. Even a first-time offender can face a minimum fine of $1000, a driver's license suspension, and more. For second offenders who are required to have an Ignition Interlock Device installed in their vehicle, it can cost upwards of $2000 with installation charges and monthly fees.
By the time in person makes bail and pays fines and fees, a DUI can cost up to $10,000, and that is if there was no accident or no one was injured. Here are some costs that are sometimes forgotten when deciding to plead guilty to “just get it over with”:
- Insurance premiums can increase. You can expect your auto insurance to go up, but many people do not know that life insurance premiums can also rise, especially if the company asks insurers if their driver's license has ever been suspended.
- Lost time at work means a loss of pay. If you have been arrested for DUI, you could miss work due to court dates, community service, or time in jail. That does not even include a loss of your free time.
- Losing your driver's license could mean losing your job. Many people drive to and from work, school, and other obligations. Furthermore, this can be devastating if driving is an essential element of your job.
- A DUI can affect your professional license. No one wants a DUI offender flying a plane or taking care of their loved ones in the emergency room. If you are a physician, airline pilot, nurse, or lawyer, a DUI conviction could cause you to lose your license status.
- A DUI does not look good on a job application or resume. A DUI conviction will be on your record, and employers can see it if they do a background check, harming any future job prospects.
With the help of our DUI Attorneys in Harris County Georgia, we can reduce or mitigate these consequences. We have been practicing in Harris County for decades and understand how to achieve your desired result.
Harris County GA Superior Court
Harris County Superior Court has exclusive jurisdiction over all felony DUI cases. Furthermore, if your case originated in Harris County Probate Court or Municipal Court, and you request a jury trial, your case will be bound over to Superior Court. Harris County is part of the Chattahoochee Judicial Circuit along with Chattahoochee, Marion, Muscogee, Talbot, and Taylor County. There are seven judges who hear cases on the circuit. Ms. Stacy K. Haralson serves as the Harris County Superior Court Clerk, and she can be reached at 706.628.4944. Harris County Superior Court is located at 102 N. College Street, Hamilton, GA 31811.
Harris County Probate Court
Harris County Probate Court handles DUI cases, traffic offenses, and other misdemeanors that occur in unincorporated parts of Harris County. The Honorable Judge Thomas Lakes presides over the Court, and Ms. Nancy Stewart is the Chief Clerk. The Court is located at 102 N. College Street, Hamilton, GA 31811. For more information, call 706.628.4958.
Hamilton GA Municipal Court
Hamilton GA Municipal Court hears cases involving traffic violations, city ordinance offenses, and other misdemeanors, including DUI and shoplifting, that occur within Hamilton city limits. Court meets on the first Wednesday of each month. The Honorable Judge John Gilson presides over the Court. Court is held at 210 Walton Street, Hamilton, GA 31811, and you can call 706.628.5321 for more information.
Pine Mountain GA Municipal Court
If you were arrested for DUI within Pine Mountain city limits, your case would proceed in Pine Mountain Municipal Court. Court is held on the first Tuesday and the fourth Monday of each month starting at 5:00 p.m. John Gilson is the Judge of the Municipal Court. Court is held at 250 N. McDougald Avenue, Pine Mountain, GA 31822. For more information, call 706.663.2213.
Shiloh GA Municipal Court
Shiloh GA Municipal Court handles violations of city ordinances, misdemeanor traffic violations, and other misdemeanors, including shoplifting, DUI, and possession of marijuana. Court is located at 1165 Main Street, Shiloh, GA 31826. For more information, call 706.846.3814.
Waverly Hall Municipal Court
Waverly Hall Municipal Court handles cases that involve city ordinance violations, misdemeanor traffic offenses, and other misdemeanors, including DUI, that occur in Waverly Hall city limits. Court is held on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at 5:00 p.m., unless otherwise noted. The Honorable Judge Jennifer Webb presides over the Court, and Ms. Shelby Hager is the Municipal Court Clerk. Court is held at 6800 Georgia Highway 208, Waverly Hall, GA 31831. For more information, call 706.582.2381.
Contact Our DUI Attorneys in Harris County GA Today
When charged with DUI in Harris County, it is critical that you hire experienced representation. No matter if your case is in Superior Court, Probate Court, or one of the Municipal Courts, our Harris County GA DUI Lawyers understand what it takes to reach a successful outcome. Take your first step to achieving a favorable outcome in your case by calling us now.