When arrested for DUI in Atlanta read everything given to you

If you have been arrested for DUI in Atlanta GA, you need to make sure you do not miss your court date.  One of the biggest mistakes people make is when they fail to carefully read all of their court-related and arrest-related paperwork. This can cause a missed court appearance or even going to the wrong court because you may be confused in which jurisdiction the arrest occurred. 

For most people, a DUI arrest is their first experience with criminal process.  However, most of us have had traffic tickets.  Traditionally, your court date is at the bottom of the ticket.  Sometimes there may not be any date at the bottom of your DUI citation, or the citation may say TBN or TBA (to be notified or to be announced).

This does not mean you do not have a court date.  The arresting officer filled out the ticket and may have not know your court date at the time of your arrest.  Later, the magistrate affixed a court date to your bond or a separate court notice provided to you.  Ultimately, the date on your bond controls the court date and it is imperative to read everything provided to you in order to avoid a bench warrant for failing to appear in court. Also, unlike a traffic ticket, a DUI cannot be "paid." and you are required to eventually appear in court one way or another. 

Missing a court date is the first of many potential mistakes if you fail to carefully read and understand your arrest-related paperwork.  In addition you are at risk of a suspended license as a result of missing your opportunity to appeal your driver's license suspension.  You also may miss an opportunity to review the evidence prior to your actual court date.  Your Atlanta DUI Lawyer is only as good as his preparation for court.  You do not want an unprepared lawyer that you hire the day before court or after a court date is missed.

Most courts will set your initial arraignment several weeks after your arrest and in Atlanta, your arraignment will be the Monday after your arrest.  It is very easy to miss this court date because most people do not even look at their paperwork until several days after their arrest. Do not miss your court date.  Our office is available all weekend to speak to you about your case.  We appear every Monday in Atlanta Municipal Court so you can go back to work, school, or your personal responsibilities.  We look forward to helping you with your case.