Getting a DUI can be an incredibly stressful experience, which is why you need a Lawrenceville, Georgia DUI attorney. Staying in a jail cell for hours at a time, trying to understand the court process, and other worries can start to feel overwhelming. At Brett Willis Law, we specialize in DUI law and understand what it takes to advocate for you before a judge and jury. When you hand your case over to us, you can relax knowing it's in good hands. Call us today for a free consultation.
What is a DUI in Lawrenceville?
A DUI in Lawrenceville, Georgia is where the government has accused you of driving under the influence. There are two types, DUI less safe and a per se DUI.
DUI Less Safe
A DUI less safe is the most common type of DUI charge. If you were charged with this, then on your ticket, it will say “less safe” in parentheses. This means that the government likely doesn't have a test result that they can use against you in court. They may not have been able to get a blood, breath, or urine test either because you refused the test or there was some issue with the testing. However, because an officer still observed that you weren't driving safely under the influence of alcohol or drugs, you were still charged with a DUI.
Per Se DUI
You can be charged with a per se DUI if the government does have test results. If your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level is 0.08% or higher, then you will get charged with one. You could also be charged with a per se DUI if you were on drugs.
What to Do After Getting Charged with a DUI
When you've been charged with a DUI in Lawrenceville, it can be difficult to know what to do. This is especially the case if you've never been charged with a crime before since you may not understand the process. To give you some direction, follow these three steps before your court date:
1. Take a Breath
Before you do anything else, it's important to take some time for yourself to breathe and relax. At Brett Willis Law, we understand that getting charged with a DUI can be a very jarring experience. You may have been arrested in front of your family and friends or had to spend the night in jail. Make sure to spend some time processing your memories and feelings, so you feel more ready to take your next few steps.
2. Find Your First Court Location
After you feel a little calmer, make sure to check your citation. All citations have a court notice, which will tell you what court you're going to first. “First” is an important distinction because you're likely going to a court that cannot do jury trials. You might go to the Recorder's Court in Lawrenceville or one of the eight other municipal or city courts in Gwinnett County. Even though they can't do jury trials, you still have the right to have a jury trial when you're charged with a DUI. After visiting one of the smaller courts, you may want to transfer your case to the Gwinnett State Court, which can do jury trials.
3. Call a Trusted Lawrenceville, Georgia DUI Attorney
Now that you know where you're going first, you'll want to call a trusted Lawrenceville, Georgia DUI attorney. DUI attorneys are there to help every step of the way. They can try to prevent your license from getting suspended by sending an appeal letter to the Department of Driver Services (DDS). They'll also give you all the information you need to know about the trial process and leverage their expert knowledge to give you the best chance of getting acquitted.
If you need a knowledgeable lawyer who can help you with your DUI case, look no further than Brett Willis Law. Contact us today to get a free consultation.
Why Getting the Right Lawrenceville, Georgia DUI Attorney Matters
Getting the right Lawrenceville, Georgia DUI attorney is paramount for your peace of mind. You need a lawyer you feel comfortable handing your case over to.
Typically, you'll be able to tell if a lawyer is a good fit from the first consultation with them. If you have a bad gut feeling about them, listen to it. At Brett Willis Law, we've gotten calls from many clients who didn't have a good feeling about a lawyer but went with them anyway. As they got further through the process, they started to regret their decision. Avoid this outcome by choosing a lawyer you feel great about from the start.
The True Cost of a DUI Conviction
“How much does a DUI attorney cost in Lawrenceville?” This is the most common question that we get, and we always tell people that's the wrong question to ask. The right question is, “What's it going to cost me if I lose the case and end up with a DUI conviction?”
Most people don't know this, but DUI convictions never come off your record. You can't get them expunged, and you can't have your records restricted. That means it will continue to affect your years down the line. Certain jobs may not hire you, especially if driving is a job requirement. If you had a commercial driver's license (CDL) before, you'll lose it for at least a year. You'll also face massive insurance ramifications for a DUI conviction, with increased premiums.
There is no way around these penalties, so the best thing to do is avoid them before they happen. Contact an expert Lawrenceville, Georgia DUI attorney like Brett Willis for help with your case.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How Many Points is a DUI in Georgia?
Normally, driving offenses like aggressive driving will put points on your license. However, a DUI is not one of them. Rather than putting points on your license, your license will get suspended after a DUI.
Is Your License Suspended Immediately After a DUI in Georgia?
Under normal circumstances, your license will be suspended after getting a DUI. However, a lawyer can send an appeal letter to the DDS in 30 days to request a hearing. If the hearing goes successfully, then your license won't be suspended.
What Are the Punishments for a First-Time DUI in Georgia?
Georgia has many punishments for a first-time DUI, including:
- 24 hours in jail
- 12 months of probation
- Fines up to $1,000
- Forced attendance to a DUI school
- Suspension of your license for up to 12 months
- 40 hours of community service
- $210 license reinstatement fee
Keep in mind that for jail time, community service, and probation, these are only the mandatory minimums. Depending on the ruling made in your case, you may have to serve longer in any or all of these areas.