CALHOUN DUI LAWYER – CALHOUN DUI ATTORNEY

If you have been charged with a DUI in Lavonia, you need to act fast! You only have 30 days to save the automatic suspension of your driver's license. We understand that you may be overwhelmed and stressed about a DUI charge, but we are here to help. Our Calhoun DUI Lawyers have over 50 combined years of experience and have represented thousands of clients. We will walk you through the entire process and help get your case resolved. Call now for a free case evaluation.

Thirty-Day Warning

If you have been arrested for DUI in the City of Calhoun or anywhere else in Gordon County, you only have thirty days from the date of your arrest to file an Administrative License Suspension (ALS) hearing or to request an ignition interlock device to save your license from suspension. The cost to file is $150. If this hearing or the interlock device is not requested by you or your Calhoun DUI Lawyer, your Georgia driver's license will automatically be suspended. If you refused the State's chemical test of your breath, blood, or urine, your Georgia driver's license will be suspended for one full year with no chance for a restricted permit or early reinstatement. 

The Administrative Case of Your DUI

When charged with a DUI, you actually have two cases to resolve. The first one is the Department of Driver Services (DDS) administrative suspension. The most important matter is requesting the hearing of your license suspension. That suspension usually begins on the 46th day after your arrest.

Keep in mind that just because you filed for an administrative license suspension hearing, does not mean your suspension will be overturned. It only means that you have a chance to have the suspension overturned. Suspensions are most often overturned because the officer failed to appear at the hearing; inaccurate or incomplete paperwork; or failure to turn in the paperwork for the hearing or turning it in late.  

You also have the option to install an ignition interlock device on your vehicle. This device must be installed within the 30 day period. 

Our Calhoun DUI Attorneys will walk you through your options and help you make an informed decision on how to avoid the license suspension. However, this does not resolve the criminal case against you. 

The Criminal Case 

You were more than likely given a ticket ordering you to appear in court for the offense of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs (and possibly other related charges. This case is separate from the Department of Driver Services case regarding your license suspension. 

Under Georgia law, an individual commits the offense of DUI if they drive a motor vehicle while:

• having 0.08 percent or more blood-alcohol content (BAC) as shown by chemical testing of the breath blood or urine; or
• they are under the influence of alcohol or drugs; or
• they are under the influence of any combination of alcohol or drugs (even prescription drugs).

You must attend your court appearances, or a bench warrant will be issued for your arrest. If you hire a Calhoun DUI Attorney before your arraignment, you will not hire to appear for your arraignment. 

What Happens if I was Driving on a Suspended License?

Driving while your drivers license is suspended can be a misdemeanor or felony depending on the reason for the initial license suspension. A person who drives while their license is suspended for refusing a breath or blood tests for a misdemeanor DUI conviction commits the offense of misdemeanor driving while license suspended. If convicted, a defendant faces time in jail fines and probation. Your car may be impounded as well.

Will I be Eligible to Get a Limited Permit?

Hardship permits may be available if your license is suspended and you had a valid Georgia driver's license at the time of your suspension. Not every offense allows for a limited permit, and no such permits are available to drivers under 21 years of age. Your Calhoun DUI Lawyer will advise you as to whether you qualify for such a license and under which circumstances. Do not drive until you are sure your license is fully restored, or you have been given a limited permit to operate a motor vehicle. If you have a permit, make sure you clearly understand what you can and cannot do. A limited permit allows you to drive to and from work, school, community service, and visits to your probation officer.

What Can I Expect If I am Convicted?

In Georgia, DUI is usually a misdemeanor offense. If you happen to be convicted, you can receive a variety of punishments including:

• Probation
• Jail time
• Driver's license suspension
• Expensive fines
• Alcohol/drug treatment or counseling
• And more

Calhoun Municipal Court

Calhoun Municipal Court is responsible for traffic and city ordinance violations that occur within Calhoun city limits. The Calhoun Municipal Court Judge is Suzanne Smith. Court is held Mondays at 5:00 PM at 100 Piedmont Street, Calhoun, GA 30701. For more information, call (706) 602-5790. 

Map to Calhoun Municipal Court

Call Us Today

It is understandable that you might be confused and scared after a DUI arrest in Calhoun. Contacting our office about your case will ease your mind because you will understand the DUI process and know what to expect. Do not trust your future to just any Calhoun DUI Lawyeryou find on the Internet, or the friend of a friend who is a general practitioner of law. Choose Georgia's best DUI Lawyers. Call now.