Fayetteville GA DUI Lawyer – Fayetteville GA DUI Attorney
Richard Lawson is a former DUI Prosecutor and has over 25 years' experience in Georgia DUI. His firm, the Law Office of Richard Lawson, is an exclusive DUI Defense firm. That means we only handle DUI and DUI-related cases. Please check out our reviews on Avvo and contact us for a hassle-free, no-charge case evaluation. Time is not on your side, so you should act quickly in choosing a Fayetteville GA DUI Lawyer.
30-Day Warning!
If you were arrested in Fayetteville or elsewhere in Fayette County, do you know you only have thirty days from the date of your arrest to file an Administrative License Suspension (ALS) hearing request or a request for an ignition interlock device? An ALS hearing costs $150 to file, and could potentially save your license from being automatically being suspended. However, if the ALS hearing or interlock device is not requested, or is not requested in the thirty-day timeframe, your Georgia driver's license will 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. This suspension is considered a “hard” suspension, meaning there is no opportunity for a limited permit or early reinstatement. When you need a DUI Lawyer in Fayetteville GA, look no further than the Law Office of Richard Lawson.
How Much Does a DUI Cost?
DUI cases are expensive and can have an enormous impact on anyone facing a Fayetteville Georgia DUI charge. A conviction for DUI can result in:
- Permanent (lifelong) criminal record
- Jail time
- Probation
- Mandatory alcohol and/or drug treatment
- Mandatory Ignition Interlock Device (IID)
- Increase in auto insurance premiums
- Time lost from work or school to appear in court
The most direct and obvious consequences of a DUI conviction are jail time and losing driving privileges. However, there are indirect impacts on a person's life depending on their occupation or profession. A lot of employers won't hire anyone with a criminal record, and others may fire or discipline an employee for not being able to come to work because their license has been suspended.
Additionally, some people have jobs that require federal or state licenses or clearances that can be negatively impacted if they are convicted of a crime; such as doctors, nurses, airplane pilots, etc.
If you choose a qualified Fayetteville DUI GA Attorney to represent you at your ALS hearing and in court, you could potentially avoid the expenses and consequences. That is why hiring the right Fayetteville Georgia DUI Lawyer is so crucial to success.
Calculating the Costs
Insurance Rates
A conviction for DUI can add approximately $2000 annually to your car insurance rates. Over the course of ten years, that could add up to $20k in increased rates. If you hire a skilled Fayetteville GA DUI Attorney, those increases won't even be an issue.
Fines and Fees
The average fine for a first offense DUI in Georgia is $300-$1000, depending on the circumstances. However, if you are found not guilty or otherwise win your case, your fines will be zero.
Alcohol and Drug Counseling
A DUI case often involves mandatory alcohol and drug counseling. The length of classes and their cost varies, but they are not cheap.
Ignition Interlock Device
An Ignition Interlock Device costs between $70-$150 to install and around $60-$80 per month for device monitoring and calibration.
License Reinstatement Fee
To reinstate your Georgia driver's license after a Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) suspension, you must pay $210.
Restitution
If your DUI case involved an accident, your insurance company would most likely pay the costs of restitution for any accident victims in your case. However, you can expect your insurance premiums to increase, and you would be responsible for paying the deductible.
Our Fayetteville GA DUI Lawyers are flexible and work with clients to get them the best outcome possible for their cases. The cost of a good Fayetteville Georgia DUI Attorney is less than the expenses associated with a conviction for DUI.
Other Costs
You were arrested for DUI in Fayetteville GA, and you feel the world has crashed down around you. What will your friends and family think? Will your picture be in the local newspaper? Will you lose your driver's license? What about your job? Will you have to spend time in jail?
If these things are running through your head, stop, take a deep breath, and know that what you are feeling is normal. Even after you have paid a DUI's financial costs and have fulfilled your legal obligations, a DUI conviction can haunt you for years. You may feel embarrassed and shameful after your DUI arrest. Your family and friends may initially show a lot of concern for you and may pay more attention to your behavior and every move. That could make you irritable and resentful if you feel like they are nosy by prying into your personal life and could damage relationships.
Choosing the right Fayetteville GA DUI Lawyer can help you get your life back on track and can ease some of the stress and anxiety you are feeling and can help you reassure family and friends.
Fayetteville GA Municipal Court
Fayetteville Municipal Court is responsible for handling city ordinance and traffic violations that occur within the city limits of Fayetteville. Court is held four times a month at 760 Jimmie Mayfield Boulevard, Fayetteville GA 30215. The Honorable James J. Dalton, III is the Judge Pro Tem, and Robert C. Mask is the Chief Clerk of Court. Lakesiya Cofield is the Court Administrator and may be reached at (770) 719-4275.
The Solicitor will be available to discuss your case on your court date before you appear before the judge.
No one is denied access to the courtroom; however, if you absolutely have to bring small children with you, please note that if they are found to be disrupting court proceedings, you may be asked to take them outside of the courtroom.
All persons and their belongings such as purses, backpacks, briefcases, etc., are subject to search and security check before entry into the courtroom. Cellular phones and other electronic devices are to be turned off while court is in session.
Dress Code
Casual attire is accepted. However, no shorts, tank tops, hats, stocking caps, or toboggans are to be worn to court.
Map to Fayetteville GA Municipal Court
Skilled Fayetteville GA DUI Defense
When you need a DUI Lawyer in Fayetteville GA, look no further than the Office of Richard Lawson. Our Fayetteville GA DUI Attorneys have years of experience handling cases just like yours and know exactly what to do to get you the best outcome possible. Do not trust your future to any lawyer you find in the phone book when you can have the best. The Law Office of Richard Lawson is the top-rated DUI Defense firm in the state. His team of Fayetteville GA DUI Attorneys will tirelessly work for you, crafting a winning defense that will put your mind at ease. Give us a call today; we have Fayetteville GA DUI Lawyers waiting to take your call to discuss your case and answer any questions you may have. You do not have time to waste because the clock began ticking as soon as you were arrested and charged with DUI. Your best defense begins with us!
Fayetteville GA DUI Resources
Fayetteville GA Police Department
Fayette County GA Sheriff's Department
Georgia Department of Public Safety
Fayetteville GA Municipal Court
Administrative Office of the Courts
Fayette County GA District Attorney
Georgia Department of Driver Services
Fayetteville GA Public Library
Wikipedia of Fayetteville Georgia