Rutledge GA DUI Lawyer
If you have arrested for DUI in Rutledge GA or anywhere else in Morgan County, you need an experienced DUI Attorney. The Law Office of Richard S. Lawson has worked extensively in Morgan County and has over 25 years of experience. We are Georgia's premier DUI Lawyers and are prepared to help you with your case today. Call us now for a free no-obligation case evaluation.
A DUI Charge in Georgia Starts 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 Hearing 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 Rutledge GA 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 shared 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.
Can My DUI Charge Be Defended?
Absolutely! No matter how bad you think your situation is, there are always defenses our Rutledge GA DUI Lawyers can use to defend your case. While every case is different and results cannot be guaranteed, many of our clients have had their DUI charges dismissed, reduced, had jail time modified to community service, and more.
Our founder, Richard Lawson, formerly served as a prosecutor but has spent more than 25 years defending those charged with DUI. Because of his experience as a prosecutor, he is able to bring an incredible and rare perspective to each case.
Our Rutledge GA DUI Lawyers will handle your case from start to finish on both the criminal and DDS fronts. It is critical to get an attorney involved immediately in your defense because many opportunities can be waived by failing to meet tight deadlines. Meeting these deadlines can mean the difference between keeping your license or losing it.
Our DUI Attorneys in Rutledge GA will consider all avenues when defending your case. We will thoroughly examine all the evidence, interview witnesses, obtain police reports, and more to make sure we get the full picture. Once they understand the circumstances surrounding your arrest, we will begin to build your defense. Some of the issues we will look at include:
- The adequacy of the stop
- Whether the procedure for implied consent was followed
- Whether a lawful arrest occurred
- Proper procedure for the breath or blood test
- Chain of command for the testing
- Maintenance log for the breathalyzer test
If there is a defense for your case, we will find it and collect the evidence to support it. Our DUI Lawyers in Rutledge GA care about your future and will work with you to achieve the goals for your case.
Rutledge GA Municipal Court
If you were arrested for DUI within Rutledge city limits, your case will proceed in Rutledge Municipal Court. Court is held at the Rutledge Police Department located at 112 Martha Lane, Rutledge, GA 30663. The Honorable Charles Merritt, Jr. is the Municipal Court Judge. For more information, call (706) 557-2223.
Contact Our DUI Attorneys in Rutledge GA
If you have been arrested for DUI in Rutledge GA, and you have no idea what to do next, call us today. Selecting the right Rutledge GA DUI Attorney is serious business, but you do not have time to waste. Sitting around waiting and hoping your charges will magically go away will get you nowhere. Skilled Rutledge GA DUI Lawyers are waiting to take your call and discuss your case right this minute. You have nothing to lose with a free consultation and everything to gain with the best in DUI Defense!