Murray County DUI Lawyer - Murray County DUI Attorney
Murray County DUI Defense
Those who are facing a charge of DUI in Murray County Georgia must secure legal advice and representation of a skilled and dedicated DUI Defense firm. You could face fines, a license suspension, and jail time. You have rights, and they must be protected. Our Murray County DUI Lawyers will use their expertise to work for you to make sure you are not unjustly convicted. As a former prosecutor and experienced litigator, our founder, Richard Lawson knows how to dissect every facet of your case and will fight to keep you driving; which will save your job and your livelihood.
At The Law Office of Richard Lawson, our proven track record and decades of experience make us the smart choice for people in need of strong DUI Lawyer in Murray County. We understand the seriousness of your DUI charge and our goal is to assist those accused avoid harsh punishments.
In Georgia, a DUI conviction will leave an individual facing long-term consequences that can negatively impact your reputation, career, future employment opportunities, and other aspects of your life. A conviction will also be on your driving record permanently. Â Richard Lawson is a former North Georgia DUI Prosecutor with more than 25 years experience handling DUI cases throughout North Georgia. Â Our office is the top-rated and most reviewed DUI Defense firm in Georgia. Â Our reviews can be found on AVVO. Â
30-Day Warning
If you have been arrested for DUI in Georgia, you have only thirty days to request an Administrative License Suspension (ALS) Hearing or choose to install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle. If you (or your Murray County DUI Lawyer) do not request the hearing, or if it is not requested within the thirty-day time frame, your license will be suspended. The State of Georgia assesses a fee of $150 to file the hearing request. If you refused the State's chemical test, your Georgia driver's license will be suspended for one year with no chance for a restricted permit or early reinstatement.
If you have been arrested and charged with DUI, you more than likely have questions such as these:
Can Breath Test Results Be Challenged?
That is a question often asked by people who have taken a preliminary breath test roadside. Anyone tested over the age of 21 who blows over the legal limit of .08 in Georgia will be charged with driving under the influence (DUI). Individuals under the age of 21Â are not allowed to drive with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .02 or more. If you have been arrested for DUI, please contact one of our experienced Murray County DUI Lawyers right away.
Can Child Protective Services Take My Children From Me for DUI?
Of course driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs can land you in jail; however, when you drive under the influence with a child(ren) under the age of 14 in the vehicle, things get even more serious. If you were arrested for driving under the influence and had one or more of your children in the car with you, you may be worried that Child Protective Services (CPS) will remove them from your home. The cold hard truth about this situation is that if you are operating a vehicle with your children in it while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, you face an additional DUI charge of Child Endangerment.
When someone is arrested for DUI in Georgia and that person has a child or children in the vehicle, law enforcement will try to contact a responsible family member to come pick them up. Their primary focus is the safety of the children. If a responsible adult cannot be located, police will be forced to contact CPS to come take custody of the children. That does not always happen, but occasionally does.
Do I Have to Take the Breath Test if I am Pulled Over by Police?
This question is also asked often, and the answer is not a simple one. As trusted Murray County DUI Attorneys, we can tell you that you have every right to refuse a breath test. If you refuse the test, there is less evidence that can be used against you. However, you may be putting yourself at risk, as a refusal can mean your license will be suspended for 12 months with no possibility of a permit.
Will I Lose My Commercial Driver's License (CDL) if Arrested for DUI?
People who rely on a commercial driver’s license (CDL) as part of their employment are doubly concerned when they are arrested for DUI. The stakes are high. Not only is your employment at risk, but also you could face other charges and penalties. The Murray County DUI Lawyers with The Law Office of Richard Lawson understand how vitally important it is that you retain your CDL and are dedicated to protecting you and your license. We will fight to get you the best outcome possible in your case.
Whether it is a tractor-trailer truck, bus/school bus, tow truck or any vehicle that requires a CDL, losing your license means losing your ability for you to provide for yourself and your family financially.
For those who operate commercial vehicles in the state of Georgia on a CDL are subject to stricter standards of blood alcohol content (BAC). In Georgia, if your BAC is above .04%, you can be arrested for DUI, instead of the .08% BAC level for other licensed drivers.
DUI Drugs
A DUI Prescription Drugs involving prescription drugs is not the easiest to prove. However, the charge should not be taken lightly. There is no test available to determine the amount of prescription drugs that would make a person unsafe to operate a motor vehicle.
Since officers only see drivers for a small period, it may be hard to determine if they are impaired, and by what drug and by how much. A conviction of DUI Drugs may be avoided since it is more difficult to prove than a DUI charge involving a blood alcohol content of .08% or more. Some prescription drugs can cause different symptoms than illegal drugs such as sleepiness, dizziness, and confusion.
These drugs usually include a warning label not to drive or operate heavy machinery. Many people ignore these warnings anyway or do not take them seriously, and most drivers do not realize that it may be against the law to operate a motor vehicle while under the influence of prescription drugs.
Individuals who experience certain medical conditions could have a reaction to medication that could make them appear to be under the influence of alcohol or drunk. Another person could take the same drug and have no reaction at all. Also, if someone is taking multiple medications can be impaired by the combination of drugs when they might not have been impaired by just one medication.
Common Mistakes in Georgia DUI Cases
Mistakes can be made in DUI cases; by both DUI defense attorneys and clients. At The Law Offices of Richard Lawson, our Murray County DUI Lawyers know that defense and effective representation for those arrested and charged with DUI requires a knowledge of the law, experience, and understanding of certain scientific evidence.
Georgia DUI cases are often complex and challenging to defend. Here are some mistakes you should try to avoid:
• Thinking you have no defense
• Choosing a Murray County DUI Attorney based on price alone
• Assuming there is no defense against law enforcement
• Attorney inadequately investigating a DUI case
• Attorney not informing their client of what a guilty plea means
• Not seeking out alcohol/drug treatment
• Being dishonest with your Murray County DUI Attorney
• Choosing a Murray County DUI Lawyer who does not understand DUI law
• Not filing a request for an Administrative License Suspension (ALS) Hearing
COURT INFORMATION FOR MURRAY COUNTY
If you were arrested for misdemeanor DUI within the limits of an incorporated city, your case would be heard in that city's municipal court.
Chatsworth Georgia Municipal Court
If you were arrested for misdemeanor DUI in the City of Chatsworth, you need a Chatsworth DUI Lawyer to defend your case in Chatsworth Municipal Court. The Honorable Ron Wilson is the judge, and Wilma Nolan is the Clerk of Court. Municipal Court is held each Tuesdays at 10 AM in Chatsworth City Hall at 400 N 3rd Avenue, Chatsworth, Georgia 30705. Call (706) 695-2834 for more information. Â Do not delay in hiring a DUI Lawyer in Chatsworth!
Eton Municipal Court
If your misdemeanor DUI arrest occurred in the City of Eton, contact an experienced Eton DUI Lawyer right away to fight for your rights in Eton Municipal Court. The Law Office of Richard Lawson has a DUI Lawyer in Eton waiting to take your call to discuss your case. Â The Honorable Steve Hampton is the Eton Municipal Court Judge, and Media Trammell is the Clerk of Court. Court is held the second Tuesday of each month at 10 AM at 3464 Highway 411 N, Eton, Georgia 30724. Call (706) 695-2652 for more information.
Murray County Probate Court
Murray County Probate Court handles misdemeanor DUI charges made by the Murray County Sheriff's Office, Georgia State Patrol, and the Department of Natural Resources. If your arrest occurred within an unincorporated area of Murray County, your case would also begin there. The Honorable Dale Adams is the Probate Judge, and Tina Ledford is the Chief Clerk. Court is held at 115 W. Fort Street, Chatsworth, Georgia 30705. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM until 5 PM. For more information, please call (706) 695-3812.
Murray County Superior Court
Murray County Superior Court has jurisdiction over all felony DUI cases. Donna Flood is the Clerk of Court and may be reached by calling (706) 695-2932. Court is held at 121 N 3rd Avenue, Chatsworth, Georgia 30705.
Murray County Superior Court is part of the Conasauga Judicial Circuit, which is made up of Murray and Whitfield counties. There are four judges who preside over felony cases:
Chief Judge William T. Boyett
P. O. Box 2582
Dalton, Georgia 30722
(706) 278-3340
Judge M. Cindy Morris
P. O. Box 732
Dalton, Georgia 30722
(706) 278-0047
Judge Jack Partain
P. O. Box 2535
Dalton, Georgia 30722
(706) 278-6713
Judge Jim E. Wilbanks
P. O. Box 1066
Dalton, Georgia
(706) 278-4251
The Chief Prosecuting Officer for Murray County is the District Attorney's Office. The District Attorney for the Conasauga Judicial Circuit is Bert Poston, and he may be contacted at (706) 695-4811.
Contact a Skilled Murray County DUI Lawyer Today
At The Law Office of Richard Lawson, we believe in personal customer service, skill and experience is the best way to do business. Our goal is to get the best outcome for each and every client we represent. For unparalleled legal advice and support for your Murray County DUI, call now!
Our Attorneys
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Richard Lawson
Managing Partner at Lawson & Berry:
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Kimberly A. Berry
Partner at Lawson & Berry:
Murray County DUI ResourcesÂ
Murray County Sheriff's Office
Administrative Office of the Courts
Chatsworth-Murray County Library
Wikipedia of Murray County GeorgiaÂ
