Snellville DUI Attorney

Choosing a Snellville DUI Lawyer is an integral part of protecting yourself if you have been arrested for DUI. Even a first time DUI charge can carry more substantial penalties than you might expect. At The Law Office of Richard S. Lawson, our DUI Lawyers in Snellville have been defending DUI charges for over 25 years. We know how critical it is for you to avoid life-changing penalties and keep a DUI off your record. Richard Lawson's experience as a prosecutor helps us give our clients the best representation because we understand who the other side thinks. We provide our clients with an aggressive and honest defense to ensure they receive a favorable outcome.

DUI Drug Charges

Many people are unaware that DUI is not just limited to alcohol. A person could also be charged with driving under the influence while impaired by drugs. Drug includes illegal drugs, prescription drugs, and over the counter medications.

A person who is under the influence of drugs will likely be charged with DUI drugs less safe. Under O.C.G.A. §40-6-391(a)(2), “a person shall not drive or be in actual physical control of any moving vehicle while under the influence of any drug to the extent that it is less safe for the person to drive.”

One of the complexities of DUI drug charges is that a prosecutor does not have to prove that you had a certain level of drugs in your system. Any amount can lead to a DUI less safe charge. Because it is not based on the amount of drugs, police officers look for other facts to gauge impairment such as:

• Bloodshot eyes
• Admission of drug use
• Odor in vehicle or on driver
• Erratic driving
• Slurred speech
• Evidence of drugs in vehicle

DUI Drug Penalties

DUI drug convictions are generally charged as misdemeanors with a punishment of up to one year in jail and up to a $1,000 fine. For a first conviction, the accused will also be required to complete 12 months of probation, 40 hours of community service, DUI school, and a clinical drug and alcohol evaluation. In addition, a six-month driver's license suspension is very common in DUI drug cases.

For a second DUI drug conviction within 10 years, the minimum sentence will be 2 hours in jail, a fine of at least $600, 12 months of probation, 30 days of community service, DUI school, and a clinical drug and alcohol evaluation. In addition, you will have a “hard suspension” of your license. A hard suspension means that you will be unable to obtain a limited driving permit to get to work, school, or other places.

However, these penalties only apply if you are convicted of DUI drugs. Our Snellville DUI Lawyers have handled hundreds of DUI drug cases and are skilled in achieving great results for our clients. We understand the complexities that coincide with drug charges and know how to make the law work for you, instead of against you.

Prescription Drug Charges

If you are on prescription drugs that can affect your ability to drive, an officer can arrest you for prescription drug DUI. These penalties are the same as a conviction for DUI alcohol.

A prescription drug DUI can include over the counter medications, allergy medications, and other legal prescriptions. Many of our clients are under the false assumption that just because they have taken a legitimate prescription, it is okay to drive while taking it. Several medications can cause drowsiness that can cause them to drive impaired. As soon as your driving becomes impaired, the act comes illegal. Drugs that can affect your driving include prescription painkillers, muscle relaxers, cough syrup, anxiety medications, and nighttime cold or flu medicine. Prescription drugs can affect your driving in multiple ways, including but not limited to:

• Making it difficult to focus
• Causing dizziness
• Causing drowsiness
• Delayed reactions
• Causing nausea

Even if you have a valid prescription for the drug, this will not be a sufficient defense if you are found to have been a less safe driver due to the consumption of medication. Our DUI Attorneys in Snellville understand how to properly defend against a prescription drug DUI charge. Call now and discover how we can assist with your case. 

Snellville Municipal Court

Snellville Municipal Court handles traffic violations, city ordinance violations, and misdemeanors, including DUI, that occur within the city limits. The Court is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Court sessions are held on Wednesday of each week. The Municipal Court is held in Snellville City Hall, located at 2343 Oak Road, Snellville, GA 30078. For more information, call 770-985-3500.

Contact Our Snellville DUI Attorneys Now

Few things in life are more important than your freedom. We fully understand the consequence associated with a DUI conviction and want to protect your rights, freedom, and future. This means protecting your license, keeping you out of jail and avoiding a criminal record. We offer free no-obligation consultations so you can get the answers you need. Contact us today and speak with our experienced Snellville DUI Lawyers.