Houston County GA DUI Lawyer - Houston County GA DUI Attorney
The Law Office of Richard Lawson is a legal firm that is dedicated to DUI Defense. Richard Lawson is a former Georgia DUI prosecutor with over 25 years' experience in DUI law. He is the most-reviewed DUI lawyer in the state, as rated by Avvo. Please see his reviews and contact our office for a free case evaluation.
What You Should Do First: 30-Day Warning
It is imperative to understand that a DUI arrest triggers two separate cases; the first is with the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS), and the second is your criminal DUI case. Because of this fact, there are things you need to do to protect your rights in both your DDS case and criminal DUI case. Within thirty days of your arrest, you or your Houston County GA DUI Lawyer must submit a written request for an Administrative License Suspension (ALS) hearing regarding the suspension of your Georgia driver's license. Alternatively, your Attorney can request an ignition interlock device to be installed on your vehicle. The hearing request costs $150 to file. Failure to file the request will result in an automatic license suspension. Therefore, it is critical to immediately contact a Houston County Georgia DUI Attorney and determine whether an ALS hearing or the interlock device is the best option for your case.
Georgia DUI Laws
Many times, people are arrested for DUI but do not understand the law or how it is applied. If a driver's blood-alcohol content (BAC) exceeds a certain limit, it is assumed that the person is unable to operate a motor vehicle safely. If you are dealing with DUI charges in Houston County, the Houston County GA DUI Lawyers with the Law Office of Richard Lawson will protect her rights and make sure you are aware of every legal option that will benefit your case.
Definition of DUI in Georgia
According to Georgia law, it is against the illegal for a person to operate a motor vehicle if he or she is under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The illegal BAC limit varies for different drivers depending on age and whether they have a commercial driver's license or CDL.
- Drivers under 21 years of age may not legally drive if their BAC is .02 or more
- Commercial drivers may not legally operate a vehicle with a BAC of .04 or more
- Drivers over the age of 21 may not legally drive with a BAC of .08 or more
Penalties for Georgia DUI Convictions
Being convicted of violating Georgia DUI law can have a severe impact on individual's life. The conviction will remain on their criminal and driving records. The driver's BAC level, whether there was an accident with injuries, or prior convictions, or all considered during sentencing. Some typical Georgia DUI penalties include:
- Up to 10 days in jail, 12 months' probation, 40 hours of community service, license suspension, mandatory alcohol/drug treatment, and DUI School for a first misdemeanor DUI offense
- Up to 12 months in jail, up to 36 months' probation, 240 hours' community service, fine of up to $1000, DUI School, ignition interlock device, mandatory alcohol/drug treatment, photo published in local newspaper
- Up to 12 months in jail, fine up to $5000 fine, 240 hours community service, 5-year license suspension, surrender license plate, mandatory alcohol/drug treatment, publication of photo in local newspaper, and Habitual Violator status
- Up to 5 years in jail, up to $5000 fine, license suspension, 10-year license suspension (possible ignition interlock device after two years), 480 hours' community service, surrender of license plate, mandatory alcohol/drug treatment, publication of photo in local newspaper, convicted felon status for life
What Should I Do if I am Arrested for DUI?
Ask to speak with a Houston County DUI Attorney before talking to the police. Anything you say to them can be used against you in court. You have a right to legal representation. Use it. Information given to law enforcement without consulting an attorney can be detrimental to your case.
What Happens After My Arrest?
Your case will go to criminal court and the Department of Driver Services (DDS). If you enter a “not guilty” plea in your criminal case, evidence will be collected, a trial could take place, and the court makes a ruling, or you enter a plea agreement.
How Much Does a DUI Lawyer Cost?
When choosing a Houston County Georgia DUI Lawyer, you should feel at ease in the approach to your defense, and he or she is experienced and qualified to defend your case. The fees of our Houston County GA DUI Attorneys depend on your charges, unique details of your case, and defenses available to you. Any attorney who quotes you an unusually low fee for legal representation may not be qualified to handle your Houston County DUI case and could be quoting you a small price with the intent to resolve your case quickly through a plea agreement. That can have a significant impact on your driver's license, as well as your career.
We are happy to discuss our fees with you during your free consultation, and payment plans are available for those who qualify. We accept all major credit cards.
Houston County GA Court System
In Houston County, there are several courts that could have jurisdiction over your case, depending on where your arrest occurred. If your misdemeanor DUI arrest occurred within the limits of an incorporated city, your case would begin in that city's municipal court. Georgia's legal system is complex; therefore, it is important for your Houston County Georgia DUI Lawyer to be experienced in Georgia DUI law. Our Houston County GA DUI Attorneys will do everything possible to make sure your rights are protected.
Centerville GA Municipal Court
If you were arrested for misdemeanor DUI in Centerville, you need a Centerville GA DUI Lawyer to protect your interests in Centerville Municipal Court. Municipal court judges are Chief Judge Jeffrey L. Grube, and Judge Susan E. McNally and Sara Caldwell is the Chief Clerk of Court. Court is held at 310 East Church Street, Centerville, GA 31028. Office hours are Monday – Friday 8 AM – 5 PM. Please call (478) 953-4795 for more information. Call us today to speak with a DUI Lawyer in Centerville about your case.
Map to Centerville GA Municipal Court
Perry GA Municipal Court
If your misdemeanor DUI arrest occurred in Perry GA, contact a qualified Perry GA DUI Lawyer to represent you in Perry Municipal Court. The Honorable Herbert L. Wells, III is the Municipal Court Judge, and Mirian Arrington and Cindy Mizer are the Clerks of Court.
Office hours are Monday – Friday, 8 AM – 5 PM, and is closed for lunch from 12 PM – 2 PM. Court is held at 4 PM at 1207 Washington Street, Perry, GA 31069. The phone number for the Clerk's Office is (478) 988-2814. Choose a skilled DUI Lawyer in Perry GA to get you the best outcome possible for your case.
Map to Perry GA Municipal Court
Warner Robins Municipal Court
A misdemeanor DUI arrest in Warner Robins needs a seasoned DUI Lawyer in Warner Robins. The Honorable Fred Graham is the Chief Judge, and G.E. “Bo” Adams is the Associate Judge. The Clerks of Court are Deborah D. Miller and William P. Childs. Court is held at 233 North Houston Road, Warner Robins, GA 31093. Call (478) 322-0240 for more information. Contact an experienced Warner Robins DUI Lawyer with the Law Office of Richard Lawson today!
Houston County State Court
If you were arrested for misdemeanor DUI in an unincorporated area of Houston County, or if you would like a jury trial, your case would go through Houston County State Court. The Houston County Georgia State Court judge is the Honorable Jason Ashford, and Kendra Simons is the State Court Clerk. Court is held at 202 Carl Vinson Parkway, Warner Robins, GA 31088. Call (478) 542-2105 for more information.
Map to Houston County State Court
Houston County Superior Court
All felony cases must go through Houston County Superior Court. Carolyn V. Sullivan is the Superior Court Clerk and may be reached by calling (478) 218-4720. The address is 201 Perry Parkway, Perry, GA 31069. The Houston County Superior Court Judges are:
- Judge Edward D. Lukemire (478) 218-4850
- Judge Katherine K. Lumsden (478) 218-4860
- Judge L. A. (Buster) McConnell, Jr. (478) 218-4858
- Judge George F. Nunn, Jr. (478) 218-4840
Map to Houston County Superior Court
Contact Us
If you have been arrested for DUI in Houston County and do not know where to turn, contact the Law Office of Richard Lawson. We have Houston County GA DUI Lawyers standing by to take your call and discuss your case. You do not have time to lose. We are available 24 ours a day, seven days a week for your convenience. Even weekends and holidays!
Houston County DUI Resources
Houston County GA Sheriff's Department
Centerville GA Police Department
Warner Robins Police Department
Centerville GA Municipal Court
Administrative Office of the Courts
Georgia Department of Driver Services
Wikipedia of Houston County Georgia