Harris County GA DUI Lawyer – Harris County GA DUI Attorney
Richard Lawson is a former DUI prosecutor with over 25 years' experience Georgia DUI law. He is the top-rated DUI attorney in the state as rated by Avvo. Please check out his reviews and contact our office for a free, no-obligation case evaluation.
30-Day Warning!
If you were arrested for DUI in Harris County Georgia, you should know you only have thirty days from the date of your arrest to request an Administrative License Suspension (ALS) hearing or an ignition interlock device. The filing fee is $150. If this hearing or device is not requested within the thirty-day timeframe, your Georgia driver's license will automatically be suspended.
If you refused or have been accused of refusing the state chemical test of your breath, blood, or urine, you should know your Georgia driver's license will be suspended for one full year with no opportunity for early reinstatement or a limited license.
When you need a qualified Harris County GA DUI Lawyer, look no further than the Harris County GA DUI Attorneys with the Law Office of Richard Lawson.
Harris County GA DUI Defense
DUI is one of the most prosecuted crimes in the state of Georgia, and if you are arrested and charged with driving under the influence, you should speak with an experienced Harris County GA DUI Lawyer as soon as possible. Attempting to handle a DUI case without a Harris County GA DUI Attorney, or even with an inexperienced attorney, can have devastating consequences. Our Harris County GA DUI Lawyers have successfully handled DUI cases throughout Georgia. We carefully review all our cases so we can create a solid legal defense.
Georgia DUI
In Georgia, it is against the law to operate a motor vehicle if the consumption of drugs or alcohol prevents an individual from operating a vehicle safely. Due to the threat a drunk driver poses to other drivers, pedestrians, and passengers, Georgia has enacted very stern laws concerning DUI. Because DUI rules and legal procedures are not favorable to defendants, it is important to have a seasoned Harris County GA DUI Attorney fighting for your rights and defending you in court.
Common Mistakes Made in DUI Cases
Even though you are probably stressed and upset about your Harris County Georgia DUI arrest (and understandably so), your emotional state can hinder your ability to think clearly. As a result, you may fall victim to making common mistakes. The Harris County Georgia DUI Lawyers with the Law Office of Richard Lawson always wants clients and others to stay informed of their rights and do not want them to do anything to compromise their cases. Therefore, it is crucial to highlight what we think are common mistakes people make when they have been arrested and charged with DUI.
Talking to Police Without an Attorney
When you have been arrested for DUI, you have the right to remain silent and refuse to speak with law enforcement officers or perform field sobriety tests. It is smart to talk to a Harris County Georgia DUI Attorney as soon as you are able. If you cannot afford an attorney can be appointed to you. Speaking with the police about anything could ruin your chances of a good outcome.
Refusing the Breath or Blood Test
Based on Georgia's Implied Consent Law, anyone with a Georgia driver's license has agreed to be subjected to breath or blood testing. Refusing these tests can result in a “hard suspension,” meaning your license will be suspended for one full year with no license to drive at all. If you decide not to take the State's chemical test of your breath, blood, or urine, you should know the consequences.
Missing Court Dates
Arriving on time for your court appearances is paramount. If you let your court date slip your mind or just decide to blow it off entirely, a warrant can be issued for your arrest. Such behavior gives the judge and prosecutor the impression that you do not take your criminal case seriously. If necessary, make arrangements with your Harris County Georgia DUI Lawyer to remind you of your court dates. Also, let your Harris County GA DUI Attorney if there is a scheduling conflict with your court date as soon as possible.
Failing to Request an ALS Hearing
Requesting an ALS hearing is your chance to keep your Georgia driver's license from being suspended. You should choose a Harris County Georgia DUI Attorney who knows the important issues to tackle, understand ALS hearing procedures, and can aggressively defend your rights.
DUI Sentencing Guidelines
The circumstances of each case, evidence, and sentencing guidelines all play a role in any punishment handed down by the court. The length and severity of punishment for DUI are affected by any prior convictions on the defendant's driving record, whether or not a person was physically hurt during the DUI incident, and the driver's blood alcohol content (BAC).
Consequences of a DUI Conviction
There are serious long-term implications for Georgia DUI convictions. Persons who are facing DUI charges many times do not fully comprehend how severe the consequences of a conviction can be. Having a criminal record can hamper future employment opportunities. Having your Georgia driver's license suspended can be a problem, especially if driving your car is your primary mode of transportation and is required for your job. Financial consequences include payment of hefty fines, court fees, counseling and alcohol treatment costs, DUI School, and possibly an ignition interlock device. Our Harris County GA DUI Lawyers are creative problem-solvers who aggressively defend their clients in court. They know how to carefully handle legal problems in a way that protects the rights of our clients.
Harris County GA Court System
In Harris County Georgia, there are several courts that could have jurisdiction over your DUI case depending on where you were arrested. If your arrest for DUI occurred within the limits of an incorporated city, your case would be heard in the municipal court of that town. It is important to choose a Harris County GA DUI Attorney who understands our complex legal system. Our DUI Lawyers in Harris County GA will use their expertise to protect your interests every step of the way.
Hamilton GA Municipal Court
If you were arrested for misdemeanor DUI in Hamilton GA, you need a Hamilton GA DUI Lawyer to defend you in Hamilton Georgia Municipal Court. The Honorable John D. Gilson is the Municipal Court Judge, and Kathy Diane Geter is the Clerk of Court. Court is held at 210 Walton Street, Hamilton, GA 31811. Call (706) 628-5321 for more information. Contact our office today to speak with a DUI Attorney in Hamilton GA.
Map to Hamilton GA Municipal Court
Pine Mountain GA Municipal Court
If your misdemeanor DUI arrest occurred in Pine Mountain, call a qualified Pine Mountain DUI Lawyer to represent you in Pine Mountain Municipal Court. The Chief Clerk of Court is Betsy Chapman Sivell, and the Honorable John D. Gilson is the Municipal Court Judge. Court is held the first Tuesday of every month (unless changed by the judge) at 250 McDougal Avenue, Pine Mountain, GA 31822, beginning at 5:00 PM. Call (706) 663-2213 for more information. Choose a competent DUI Attorney in Pine Mountain to get you the best possible outcome for your DUI case.
Map to Pine Mountain GA Municipal Court
Shiloh GA Municipal Court
A misdemeanor DUI arrest in Shiloh Georgia would need a DUI Lawyer in Shiloh GA to represent you in Shiloh Municipal Court. The Clerk of Court is Julie Holloway, and the Honorable John D. Gilson is the Municipal Court Judge. Court is held at 1165 West Main Street, Shiloh, GA 31826. For more information, please call (706) 846-3814. Contact an experienced Shiloh GA DUI Attorney with the Law Office of Richard Lawson today!
Map to Shiloh GA Municipal Court
Waverly Hall GA Municipal Court
If you were arrested for DUI in Waverly Hall Georgia, choose a Waverly Hall DUI Lawyer to stand with you in Waverly Hall Municipal Court. The Court Clerk is Archie Hand, and the Honorable Jennifer B. Webb is the Municipal Court Judge. Court is held at 6800 Georgia Highway 208, Waverly Hall, GA 31831. Please call (706) 582-2381 for more information. Do not wait around for your DUI charges to magically disappear; contact a DUI Lawyer in Waverly Hall GA as soon as possible after your arrest.
Map to Waverly Hall GA Municipal Court
Harris County GA Probate Court
If you have been arrested in an area of unincorporated Harris County, your case will begin in Harris County Probate Court. The Honorable Allen Levi is the Probate Court Judge, and Nancy Stewart is the Clerk of Probate Court. Harris County Probate Court is located in the Harris County Courthouse, at 102 North College Street, Hamilton, GA 31811, in Room 116. Office hours are Monday – Friday 8 AM – 5 PM. For more information, call (706) 628-7322.
Map to Harris County GA Probate and Superior Courts
Harris County Superior Court
Harris County Superior Court is responsible for handling all felony cases (and jury trials) and is part of the Chattahoochee Judicial Circuit along with Chattahoochee, Marion, Muscogee, Talbot, and Taylor Counties. The Harris County Superior Court Clerk is Stacy K. Haralson, and may be reached by calling (706) 628-4944. There are seven judges who hear cases:
- Honorable Gil McBride (Chief Judge)
- Honorable Maureen Gottfried
- Honorable Frank J. Jordan, Jr.
- Honorable Ron Mullins
- Honorable Bobby G. Peters
- Honorable William Rumer
- Honorable Arthur L. Smith, III
District Attorney Julia Slater handles the prosecution of all misdemeanor and felony cases in Harris County Superior Court. Her contact information is:
Julia Slater, District Attorney
Chattahoochee Judicial Circuit
100 10th Street, 3rd Floor
Columbus, GA 31901
(706) 653-4336
Trusted Legal Advice
If you find yourself needing a DUI Attorney in Harris County GA, contact the Law Office of Richard Lawson. Our Harris County GA DUI offer a free consultation where they will advise you of your rights and what options are available for your Harris County GA DUI case. After reading our reviews and your free consultation you will decide that our firm will best represent your interests in court. Our Harris County DUI Lawyers do not take the trust you place in our firm lightly. We are here for you 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Contact us as soon as possible after your DUI arrest for the best possible outcome.
Harris County GA DUI Resources
Harris County GA Sheriff’s Department
Pine Mountain GA Police Department
Pine Mountain GA Municipal Court
Harris County GA Probate Court
Harris County GA Superior Court
Administrative Office of the Courts
Georgia Department of Driver Services
Wikipedia of Harris County Georgia