HIAWASSEE DUI LAWYER - HIAWASSEE DUI ATTORNEY

Lawson and Berry is a Georgia law firm that specializes in DUI defense. Whether you have been charged with your first DUI, your fourth DUI, or DUI related offenses, our experience is unmatched. We are prepared to assist with your case now. Call today for a free case evaluation.

Hiawassee DUI Penalties 

One of the first questions we get asked from a client is what penalties are they facing. We will address what the consequences are for a first, second, and third DUI conviction in Hiawassee. However, remember this only apply if you are convicted. No one should simply plead guilty and accept these consequences. There are always Georgia DUI defenses we can use to support your case.

If convicted of DUI in Hiawassee, the penalties you face will vary depending on a number of circumstances. The facts of the case influence whether a judge orders a sentence closer to the maximum or minimum limits. In large part, the sentencing ranges depending on the number of prior DUI convictions.

First DUI penalty in Hiawassee:

• Up to one year in jail
• 12 months of probation
• Fine between $300-$100 plus court costs and surcharges
• At least 40 hours of community service
• DUI school
• Driver's license suspension, with a limited permit to drive
• MADD panel
• Substance abuse counseling

Second DUI penalty:

• Minimum three days in jail
• 12-36 months or probation
• Fines between $600-$1,000
• 240 hours of community service
• License suspension for at least 1 year
• Installation of an ignition interlock device
• Surrender or license plate
• 17 weeks of alcohol and drug counseling
• Publication of photo in the local newspaper
• DUI Court programs

Third DUI penalty in Hiawassee GA:

• 12-36 months of probation
• Fine between $1,000-$5,000
• Surrender of license plate
• 5-year license suspension with a limited permit available after two years of ignition interlock device
• 17 weeks of alcohol and drug counseling
• Publication of photo in the local newspaper
• Habitual violator status

Remember, these only come into play if you are convicted. Our Hiawassee DUI Lawyers have decades of experience getting DUI charges dismissed or reduced to a lesser charge. Let us help you avoid these consequences!

Felony DUI

Most DUI charges are classified as misdemeanor offenses. However, there are certain situations where the DUI can be charged as a felony offense. Once convicted of a felony DUI in Georgia, it will stay on your record for the rest of your life. The punishment for a felony DUI extends beyond prison and hefty fines. People who have a felony on their criminal record generally lose the right to hold public offense, the right to vote, and lose the ability to own and possess firearms. It can also make it more difficult to obtain housing, credit, or employment.

A person will be charged with felony DUI in Georgia if they are convicted of a fourth DUI or subsequent DUI within 10 years. The penalty is a prison term between one and five years and a fine up to $5,000. Additional consequences include a minimum of 60 days of community service, a clinical evaluation, and DUI school.

It is important to note that a person convicted of a third or subsequent DUI within five years will be classified and declared a habitual violator. Habitual violation is a status and not a criminal offense in and of itself. However, there are penalties that accompany a habitual violator status. One such penalty is that a HV will have their license revoked for five years.

Whether this is your first, second, third, or fourth DUI, our Hiawassee DUI Lawyers can help. Do not make the mistake of thinking there are no options available to you if charged with felony DUI in Hiawassee. Whether you are a habitual violator or a first time DUI driver, our attorneys want to help with your case. There are always Georgia DUI Defenses that we can use to support your case. However, time is of the essence with DUI cases. You only have 30 days to prevent the automatic suspension of your driver's license. Additionally, the more time you give us to collect evidence, the better. Call now.

Hiawassee Municipal Court

If you have been charged with a misdemeanor traffic violation, including DUI, within Hiawassee City limits, then your case will proceed to Hiawassee Municipal Court. Court meets on the second Monday of the month at 11:00 a.m. at City Hall located at 50 River Street, Hiawassee, GA 30546. The Honorable Robert Sneed is the municipal court judge, and Cenyla Galloway is the Clerk of Court. For questions about your ticket or general court inquiries, call (706) 896-2202.

Map to Hiawassee Municipal Court

Contact Us

For the best outcome for your case, call our Hiawassee DUI lawyers. If you are facing a DUI charge, there is no time to lose. Your first step after an arrest should be to secure the best Georgia DUI attorneys. Call us today.