City of Jackson GA DUI Lawyer

While the State of Georgia takes a tough stance against drivers charged with driving under the influence, there are options. Sometimes there is an issue with the DUI charge. Sometimes the breath test devices were not calibrated appropriately. Other times, evidence was improperly received and cannot be admitted.  That is why our DUI Lawyers in the City of Jackson GA work with a team of experts and have extensive information on field sobriety tests. By leveraging our knowledge of DUI rules and law enforcement, we are able to craft aggressive, yet innovative defenses for our clients. Please contact us today for a free case evaluation.

DUI Penalties

You might be under the impression that DUI charges happen often, and therefore, the penalties are not severe. However, Georgia has strict laws against this offense. The penalties are serious and can leave a long-lasting impact on an individual's personal and professional life.

It should be noted that driving badly does not equate to driving under the influence. People who are not drunk may exhibit the same driving characteristics as someone who is. At the Law Office of Richard Lawson, our City of Jackson GA DUI Lawyers have more than twenty five years' experience defending clients against a range of DUI-related offenses. Before attempting to make the unfortunate mistake of trying to represent yourself in court, call our office for a free no-obligation consultation.

Georgia DUI penalties are:

• First Offense: First offense punishments can include a year of probation; a fine of up to $1000; 1-10 days in jail; community service; license suspension; alcohol/drug counseling/treatment; and DUI School.
• Second Offense: Second offense punishments can include 1-3 years' probation; fines of up to $1000; 90 days to one year in jail; 240 hours of community service; at least a 1-year license suspension; an ignition interlock device; surrendering of license plate; mandatory alcohol and drug counseling/treatment; and publication of your photo in your local newspaper at your expense.
• Third Offense: Third offense punishments can include 1-3 years' probation; 120 days to 12 months in jail; a fine of up to $5000; 240 hours of community service; a 5-year license suspension; license plate surrender; court-supervised mandatory alcohol/drug treatment/counseling; publication of your photo in the local newspaper at your expense; and being declared a habitual violator.
• Fourth Offense: Fourth offense punishments can include 5 years in prison; mandatory jail time of at least 90 days to a year; 10-year license suspension; fine of up to $5000; 480 hours of community service; surrender of license plate; court-supervised alcohol/drug counseling/treatment; publication of photo in the local newspaper at your expense; and a felony conviction that will follow you for the remainder of your life.

All of the above penalties can be increased if you have a child or children in your car. Also, if you refuse to consent to the State's chemical test, you can face other consequences. You have too much at stake to try and represent yourself and put your future at risk. That is why it is crucial to hire a skilled City of Jackson GA DUI Lawyer. 

Challenging Field Sobriety Tests

Police officers have many tools at their disposal to keep Georgia's roads safe. Unfortunately, those tools can be unreliable or judged subjectively. There are three activities that generally make up field sobriety testing: the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN), the Walk-and-Turn, and the One-leg Stand. These tests were made to measure balance, concentration, and physical control. Unfortunately, these tests present many challenges in administration and measurement of impairment.  Challenges include:

• Law enforcement failing to perform the test correctly. There are particular guidelines for administering field sobriety tests. Also, the three tests previously mentioned are only the tests that are standardized. If a police officer asks a motorist to recite the alphabet backward, or other such test might have their testimony challenged in court by a competent City of Jackson GA DUI Lawyer.
• Law enforcement failed to take into consideration a driver's mental or physical condition. For example, testing for imbalance can become irrelevant if the driver has an inner ear infection. A past brain injury can impact the HGN test. Also, physical disabilities or other movement disorders can lead to faulty results if these challenges are not recognized. 

While these are just some of the most common field sobriety testing challenges, the unique facts of your case can result in a more effective defense. Do not wait to speak with a City of Jackson GA DUI Attorney today.

City of Jackson GA Municipal Court

If you have been arrested for DUI within Jackson GA city limits, your case will proceed in Jackson GA Municipal Court. Ms. Brandy Berry is the Court Clerk, and she can be reached at 678-744-8303. Court is held at 132 S. Mulberry Street, Jackson, GA 30233.

Contact Our DUI Attorneys in the City of Jackson GA Today

A DUI is a serious offense that can threaten your livelihood, reputation, and freedom. Obtaining experienced City of Jackson DUI Lawyers in a timely manner is critical to effectively fighting the charges against you. Our DUI Attorneys in Jackson guarantee to provide the assistance you need to preserve your rights during both the civil and criminal proceedings against you. Call now for a free case evaluation.