Talbot County DUI Lawyer

When charged with DUI in Talbot County, there are a variety of penalties that you could be charged with. Our DUI Attorneys in Talbot County GA know how to reduce the consequences that you will face. We understand how a DUI conviction will affect your future and desire to protect your rights, freedom, and future! Call us today for a free case evaluation.

DUI Penalties in Talbot County GA

There are several types of penalties a driver charged with DUI could in Talbot County GA.  If you have been charged with DUI, the penalties you may face will greatly depend upon your personal criminal and driving history, and the circumstances of your arrest. Some of the penalties you could face are described below.

Clinical Evaluation

All Georgia residents who have been convicted of driving under the influence are required to participate in a clinical evaluation. This will be conducted by a Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities approved Clinical Evaluator. This evaluation consists of a conversation and answering some questions about your alcohol and/or substance use. If the Evaluator determines that you do have dependency issues, he or she will recommend that you undergo a substance abuse treatment program. You will be required to comply with all recommendations your clinician gives.

Community Service

All Georgia residents who have been convicted of driving under the influence are required to complete community service. There are a certain amount of unpaid volunteer hours that you must perform within a time period set by the judge. Your service hours must meet the following requirements:

• The hours take place at an organization that is classified as a non-profit
• The organization has agreed to allow you to work as a court-mandated volunteer
• The organization where you perform your hours has been approved by the court

Drivers License Suspension

If you have been convicted of DUI, you could be subjected to the withdrawal of your driving privileges. There are two different ways this could happen:

• Suspension: When your license is suspended, your driving privilege is temporarily withdrawn for a specific period of time. When your suspension period is over, you may apply for a driver's license once you satisfy all Department of Driver Services requirements and pay any necessary fees. First time DUI offenders face a driver's license suspension of one year. Additionally, drivers who do not agree to undergo a chemical test during a vehicle stop for DUI suspicion will have their driver's license suspended.
• Revocation: when your license is revoked, your driving privileges are terminated and withdrawn until the end of specific time period. When your revocation period is over, you may apply for a new driver's license once you satisfy all Department of Driver Services requirements and pay any necessary fees. Repeat DUI offenders could face a revocation period of five years.

Just remember that these does not have to happen to you! Our DUI Lawyers in Talbot County GA know how to prevent your driving privileges. 

DUI School

All Georgia residents who have been convicted of driving under the influence are required to participate in a risk reduction program, more commonly known as "DUI School". DUI School programs involve 20 hours of education and intervention regarding substance use and abuse and driving. You must attend a School that is been approved by the Georgia Department of Driver Services to fulfill this requirement.

Fines and Fees

If you are convicted of driving under the influence, you will be ordered by the court to pay a fine. DUI fines can range from $1,000 or less for a first offense and up to $10,000 for repeat offenders. In addition to these fines, you will have to pay fees (if applicable) for reinstating your drivers license, attending any required evaluation/treatment, and installing an ignition interlock device.

Ignition Interlock Device

Repeat offenders will be ordered by the court to install an ignition interlock device. This is a device that includes a breathalyzer machine in your car. Every time you wish to start your car, you must give a breath sample. If any alcohol is detected in your system, this device will prevent your car from igniting. You will need to visit a state approved mechanic and pay for the installation of this device.

Jail Time

One of the most distressing aspects of Georgia DUI law is that even for your first offense, you will face up to twelve months of jail time, with a minimum of twenty-four hours in jail. Repeat DUI offenders could face years in prison.

Probation

A judge may replace a portion of a jail term for DUI with probation, or add a term of probation to begin at the end of a jail term. If you are placed on probation, you will be subjected to many requirements, and if any of these are violated, you could face additional penalties.

Publication of Conviction in Local Newspaper

If you are convicted of two or more DUIs within a 10 year period, the clerk of courts will publish in your local newspaper a notice containing your name, photograph, city, county and zip code of your residential address and the details of your arrest (including date, time, place, and arresting agency). 

Substance Abuse Treatment

If the clinician who conducts your mandated evaluation deems that you are in need of substance abuse treatment, you must comply with the recommendations. This includes successfully completing any recommended treatment curriculum (at your own expense).

Exactly which penalties you may face and the severity of the penalty will be greatly affected by the individual circumstances of your case. If you have been charged with DUI and would like a clear understanding of which penalties you face, please give our Talbot County GA DUI Lawyers a call, so that we may examine the details of your case. This will give us a clear picture of what penalties you could possibly face, and decide on the most effective strategy to minimize the severity.

Talbot County Superior Court

Talbot County Superior Court has exclusive jurisdiction over all felony DUI cases. In addition, if your case originated in Probate or Municipal Court, and you request a jury trial, your case will be transferred to Superior Court. Ms. Penny Dillingham Mahone is the Superior Court Clerk, and she can be reached at 706-665-3276. The Court is located at 26 S. Washington Avenue, Talbotton, GA 31827.

Talbot County GA Probate Court

If you were arrested in an unincorporated part of Talbot County, your case will proceed in Probate Court. The Honorable Judge Sherrell Terry presides over the Court. Court is held at 26 S. Washington Avenue, Talbotton, GA 31827. For more information, call 706-665-8866.

Talbotton GA Municipal Court

If you were arrested for DUI within Talbotton city limits, your case will proceed to Talbotton Municipal Court. Court is held at 15 South Washington Avenue, Talbotton, GA 31827. For more information, call 706-665-8542.

Woodland GA Municipal Court

Woodland Ga Municipal Court has jurisdiction over all traffic violations, city ordinance violations, and other misdemeanors, including DUI and shoplifting, that occur within Woodland GA city limits. The Clerk of Court is Anne M. Heath, and may be reached by calling (706) 674-2200. The Honorable Robert W. Shuman, Sr. is the Municipal Court Judge. Court is held at 36 Main Street, Woodland, GA 31836.

Contact Our DUI Attorneys in Talbot County GA Now

Call now and speak with one of our Talbot County GA DUI Attorneys to schedule a free consultation. Our attorneys are highly knowledgeable and will assist you in formulating the best possible defense for your case. We will walk you through every step of the process, and we are dedicated to being accessible to you- days, nights, weekends, and holidays while working hard on your behalf. Your future is at stake, so don't wait to contact our Talbot County DUI Lawyers today.