LaFayette GA DUI Lawyer

If you or a loved one has been charged with DUI, contact our DUI Lawyers in Lafayette GA. At The Law Offices of Richard S. Lawson, we have represented more than 5,000 people charged with DUI throughout Georgia. Our founder, Richard Lawson, was a former North Georgia prosecutor and he brings invaluable experience to our team. We are considered Georgia's premier DUI defense firm and are waiting to assist with your case! Call now for a free case evaluation. 

A DUI Arrest Commences Two Cases Against You

In Georgia, there are two separate cases in a driving under the influence (DUI) case. There is an administrative proceeding in which the Department of Drivers Services (DDS) attempts to suspend your license or your privileges to drive in Georgia. The second case is the criminal case where you face the possibility of jail time, a fine, and other penalties.

The DDS proceeding is started once you are arrested. In Georgia, you must request an Administrative License Suspension within 30 days of your arrest. This hearing is separate and distinct from your criminal case! Therefore, even if your criminal case is dismissed, if you failed to request an ALS hearing, your license will still be suspended. The hearing must be requested in writing with the $150 fee. Your Lafayette DUI attorney will explain this process to you and make sure your driving privileges are protected!

The other side of your case is the criminal case. In Georgia, DUI cases can be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony. This depends on whether one has any prior DUI convictions and whether there was an accident or an injury to another person. If a person has a prior DUI conviction, there are significant jail sentences that a judge can impose.

First Time DUI

If you have been arrested for DUI in LaFayette or anywhere else in Walker County and have no prior record, you face serious penalties which can cause significant disruptions in your life. Georgia law enforcement officials are cracking down to make sure anyone caught receives sufficient punishment to prevent subsequent DUIs. A first time Georgia DUI offender can face a minimum of 24 hours in jail and a maximum of 12 months in jail. However, most of the time a judge will allow a first time DUI offender to complete their jail sentence on probation. While this seems ideal, probation comes with a lot of conditions and responsibilities. Probation can also be costly with the monthly supervision fees.

Common punishments for a first DUI in Georgia can include:'

• 12 months of probation
• Alcohol and Drug counseling
• 40 hours of community service
• Fines between $300-$1,000
• 1-10 days in jail
• License suspension
• DUI School

Remember, these are punishments only if you are convicted. There are lots of DUI defenses our LaFayette DUI lawyers can use to defend your case. No matter the particulars of your case, there are many potential defenses to your DUI charge.

Felony DUI

Most DUI charges are classified as misdemeanor offenses. However, there are certain situations where the DUI can be charged as a felony offense. Once convicted of a felony DUI in Georgia, it will stay on your record for the rest of your life. The punishment for a felony DUI extends beyond prison and hefty fines. People who have a felony on their criminal record generally lose the right to hold public offense, the right to vote, and lose the ability to own and possess firearms. It can also make it more difficult to obtain housing, credit, or employment.

A person will be charged with felony DUI in Georgia if they are convicted of a fourth DUI or subsequent DUI within 10 years. The penalty is a prison term between one and five years and a fine up to $5,000. Additional consequences include a minimum of 60 days of community service, a clinical evaluation, and DUI school.

Whether this is your first, second, third, or fourth DUI, our LaFayette DUI Lawyers can help. Do not make the mistake of thinking there are no options available to you if charged with felony DUI in LaFayette. Whether you are a habitual violator or a first time DUI driver, our attorneys want to help with your case. Call now for a free case evaluation.

LaFayette GA Municipal Court

LaFayette Municipal Court handles cases involving city ordinance violations, traffic offenses, and other misdemeanors, including DUI and shoplifting, that occur within LaFayette GA city limits. The Court is located at 207 S. Duke Street, Lafayette, GA 30728.

Contact Our DUI Attorneys in LaFayette GA Today

There is no time to lose when charged with DUI in LaFayette GA. Call us now for a free case evaluation and be on your way to a great result for your case!