Alpharetta Councilman arrested for DUI

According to the AJC, Alpharetta Councilman Michael Cross has been arrested for DUI in Alpharetta. The AJC reports he was also charged with Child Endangerment. What the article fails to mention is that Georgia DUI Child Endangerment is actually considered a separate DUI offense in Georgia.

What that means is that if someone is DUI in Georgia and has a child under the age of 14 in their vehicle, every child in the car results in another DUI offense.

For example, if a person is DUI and has 2 children under the age of 14 in their vehicle, they will be charged with 3 DUI's.  As a result, a person can become a habitual violator from one arrest. So, Child Endangerment in Georgia is an incredibility serious offense.

What Can Be Done If Charged With DUI In Alpharetta?

If you are charged with DUI in Alpharetta, it is important to hire an Alpharetta DUI Lawyer who knows the system and how cases are prosecuted and defended in the Alpharetta Municipal Court. Only an Alpharetta DUI Attorney knows how to defend people charged with complicated DUI cases that involve child endangerment.

In the case of the Alpharetta Councilman, it may be best for him to move his case to the State Court of Fulton County.  His Alpharetta DUI Lawyer may decide that he needs a neutral forum to resolve his case.  This is no insult to the Alpharetta Court Officials, but because of his position in the city, most Alpharetta DUI Lawyers would move his case to a neutral court system. However, his attorney may not do what most Alpharetta DUI Attorneys would do. He may have a different legal strategy.

Finally, it's extremely important to not assume the guilt of Mr. Cross or anyone else charged with a crime. He may be found guilty or plead guilty, but until that time he is presumed innocent. It's easy to cast aspersions on him, especially because there was a child in the car.  Keep in mind the Duke Lacrosse team and the rape that never happened.  Let the Fulton County Judicial Process adjudicate his case. We will see in short order whether he is guilty of the DUI.