Rockdale Supervisor Resigns After DUI Arrest

Some people think that DUI charges only happen to bad people, but nothing is further from the truth. A DUI arrest is a mistake, not a statement of bad character. DUI is not a crime of moral turpitude.

This week Richard Autry, the Rockdale County Public Schools Superintendent, was arrested Sunday, September 24th for allegedly driving under the influence. Autry was arrested after he was in an accident with another vehicle on Highway 155 in McDonough. A witness observed Autry traveling at a high rate of speed before the accident.

When officers arrived, they noticed Autry's eyes were bloodshot and glassy and that he had a hard time answering questions. Also, his words were slurred, and he allegedly had to lean heavily on a gas station pump to remain upright.

The officers then conducted field sobriety tests on Autry his breath test registered a .195, which is more than twice the legal limit. The legal limit in Georgia is .08 for drivers over the age of 21. He was charged with DUI and following too closely (as a result of the car accident)

Autry has been the Rockdale County Superintendent for the past six years and has worked with Rockdale County Public Schools for the past 18 years. The district has significantly improved under Autry's leadership with school scores above the state average. School officials stated that he would be greatly missed as he did a great deal for the children and families of Rockdale County.

One of the most impactful things he did as superintendent was starting a One-to-One learning plan that brought over 18,000 laptops and iPads to classrooms all across Rockdale County. The program improved infrastructure, professional learning and provided digital citizenship training for students, parents, and teachers. Autry announced his resignation yesterday, September 28th.

Richard Autry was a great presence in Rockdale County and will be greatly missed. He is an example that a DUI can happen to anyone and it does not just happen to "bad" people. His resignation also calls into question the need for him to resign. He made a mistake, and now the people of Rockdale County are losing a very good public servant. Where is the forgiveness? Where is there room for a person to make a mistake and then move on?

If you have been charged with driving under the influence, your personal and professional life will be affected. It is crucial that you retain an experienced Rockdale County DUI lawyer to help fight for your rights. Contact us today and schedule a free case evaluation. Do not face severe Georgia DUI Penalties without first speaking to our office.