Dade County GA DUI Lawyer – Dade County GA DUI Attorney
Trenton GA DUI Lawyer – Trenton GA DUI Attorney
Former North Georgia Prosecutor
The Law Office of Richard Lawson is a legal firm that specializes in DUI Defense. Our founder, Richard Lawson, is a former North Georgia prosecutor with over 25 years' experience. Having been on both sides of the courtroom, he knows just what to expect in a Dade County DUI GA case. When you need a DUI Lawyer in Dade County Georgia, please check out Richard's reviews on Avvo, and contact us for a free consultation.
The Law Office of Richard Lawson distinguishes itself from most law firms handling DUI cases by focusing on learning the most effective ways to get you the best outcome possible. Our Dade County GA DUI Attorneys understand that a DUI arrest can be a terrible experience and can leave you reeling. Our Dade County DUI Lawyers also know that going to court can be intimidating; you are facing fines, possible jail time, a license suspension, and much more.
30-Day Warning!
If you have been arrested and charged with DUI in Dade County Georgia, you should know that you only have thirty days to file an Administrative License Suspension (ALS) Hearing request or an ignition interlock device request to keep your license from suspension. You (or your Dade County Georgia DUI Attorney) must submit this request within the thirty-day timeframe, or your license will be suspended. If you refused the chemical test of your breath, blood, or urine, your license would be suspended for one year. Do not play games with your future. When you need a DUI Lawyer in Dade County GA, contact the Law Office of Richard Lawson.
What to Expect if Arrested for DUI in Dade County GA
Arraignment
Following your Dade County GA DUI arrest, your arraignment will be the first stage of your criminal case. At your arraignment, your charges will be read, and your Dade County Georgia DUI Attorney will enter a plea of “guilty” or “not guilty” for you.
Many individuals may enter a “guilty” plea in an attempt to get the whole deal “over with” or to please the judge. If you want to fight the charges against you, you should never plead “guilty.” If you plead guilty, you are giving up your right to fight your charges and a right to take your case to trial. The judge will then sentence you and your case will be “resolved.”
If cannot make up your mind how to plead, you should seek legal advice from a Dade County Georgia DUI Lawyer so that you will know your rights. If you are unable to afford an attorney, you may qualify for a court-appointed attorney. Alternately, you may also choose to hire a Dade County GA DUI Attorney with the Law Office of Richard Lawson.
Motions
An attempt to get the Court to issue a ruling on something is called a “motion.” A motion could ask for certain evidence to be excluded, or to make the Prosecution give up evidence that had previously been withheld. That is where an experienced Dade County GA DUI Lawyer makes a difference.
Pretrial Conference
If one of our Dade County DUI Attorneys are representing you, and you plead “not guilty,” one of our Dade County GA DUI Lawyers will request a pretrial conference and may be able to negotiate a plea bargain or ordered to participate in a diversion program, or in some cases, have their case resolved altogether.
Trial
If your case cannot be settled with motions or through negotiations, the next step would be to go to trial. Our Dade County GA DUI Lawyers have many years of trial experience and will employ experts, if necessary, to fight for your rights in court.
DADE COUNTY GA COURT SYSTEM
If you were arrested for misdemeanor DUI within the limits of an unincorporated city, your case would be heard in that city's municipal court.
Trenton GA Municipal Court
If your misdemeanor arrest occurred in the City of Trenton, Georgia, contact a Trenton GA DUI Lawyer right away to fight for your rights in Trenton GA Municipal Court. The Honorable Joel McCormick is the Municipal Court Judge, and Cindy Robertson is the Chief Clerk. Court is held at 12882 N Main Street, Trenton, Georgia 30752. Call (706) 657- 4167 for more information and hire a skilled DUI Lawyer in Trenton GA today.
Dade County GA Probate Court
If your misdemeanor DUI arrest occurred in an unincorporated area of Dade County, your case would go through Dade County Probate Court. The Honorable Kerry Carter is the Probate Court Judge and can be reached by calling (706) 657-4414. Office hours are Monday through Thursday, 8 AM – 2 PM, and Friday, 8 AM – 2 PM. Court is held at 255 West Crabtree Street, Trenton, Georgia 30752. Call (706) 657-4414 for more information.
Dade County Superior Court
Superior Court has jurisdiction over all felony cases. Kathy Page is the Clerk of Court and can be contacted by calling (706) 657-4778. Court is held at 255 West Crabtree Street, Trenton, Georgia 30752. There are four judges who preside over felony cases:
Judge Jon Bolling Wood
Chief Judge
P.O. Box 1185
LaFayette, GA 30728
706-638-1650
706-638-1654 - Fax
Secretary: Kim Palmour
Court Reporter: Eddie Towns – 706-638-1423
Judge Kristina Cook Graham
P.O. Box 179
Summerville, GA 30747
706-857-0715
706-857-0726 – Fax
Secretary: Ann Willis
Court Reporter: Leigh Ann McBryar – 706-657-2729
Judge Ralph Van Pelt, Jr.
Catoosa Courthouse
Ringgold, GA 30736
706-965-4047
706-965-6246 - Fax
Secretary: Cindy Hall
Court Reporter: Renea Allmond – 706-638-1423
Judge Brian M. House
P.O. Box 609
Trenton, GA 30752
706-657-7131
706-657-7224 – Fax
Chief of Staff: Michael Caldwell
Court Reporter: Janet Lewis – 423-267-4328
Dade County District Attorney
The Chief Prosecuting Officer for Superior Court is the District Attorney's Office. The District Attorney for Dade County Georgia Superior Court is Herbert Franklin. His contact information is:
Herbert Franklin
Dade County District Attorney
P.O. Box 426
255 West Crabtree Street
Trenton, GA 30752
(706) 657-7530
Contact an Experienced Dade County GA DUI Attorney
Our Dade County Georgia DUI Lawyers have a reputation for combining excellent customer service with our extensive DUI knowledge and aggressive legal strategy. Our DUI Attorneys in Dade County GA know the DUI process can be scary and intimidating, and therefore, are dedicated to making the experience as painless as possible for you and everyone involved. We will ensure that you know your rights and will be with you every step of the way.
If you have been arrested and charged with DUI in Dade County Georgia, you more than likely have a lot of questions. To learn more about Georgia DUI process and how our DUI Lawyers in Dade County GA can help, contact the Law Office of Richard Lawson.
Dade County GA DUI Resources
Dade County Sheriff's Department
Dade County GA Clerk of Superior Court
Administrative Office of the Courts
Wikipedia of Dade County Georgia