Twiggs County DUI Lawyer - Twiggs County DUI Attorney

Being arrested for DUI is scary and confusing, especially for those of us that have never been in trouble with the law before.  Having to deal with police, going to court, probation officers, jail time, and possible job loss can make a person feel hopeless.  There is always hope, and there are always options.  Many times you can keep your license and your freedom.

AN ARREST FOR DUI CAN HAPPEN TO ANYONE IN TWIGGS COUNTY GEORGIA:

Driving Under the Influence or DUI as it is commonly called can happen to anyone at any time or any place.  Small towns and big cities alike arrest folks for DUI every single day.  Most people believe that DUI is the result of operating a motor vehicle with a blood-alcohol content (BAC) that is above a specific legal limit, but in Georgia you can be charged with DUI if you are found to be driving under the influence of illegal or even prescription drugs.  A person can actually get arrested for DUI even if those drugs did not cause them to be impaired but remain in their system when tested.  The metabolites of marijuana can remain in the blood or urine for up to 30 days after the last use. Additionally, you can be charged with DUI if you are under the influence of alcohol to the extent that you are less safe to drive.  That means that a person can be charged with an alcohol-related DUI, even if your alcohol concentration (BAC) is lower than .08, or in cases where a person refuses testing altogether. Read more about DUI Less Safe on this website.

IF YOU'VE BEEN ARRESTED FOR DUI IN TWIGGS COUNTY GEORGIA, YOU NEED A TWIGGS COUNTY DUI LAWYER SPECIALIZING IN DUI DEFENSE!

Hiring an attorney that specializes in DUI defense is an effective way to ensure your rights are protected.  Hiring a Twiggs County DUI Lawyer that was a former prosecutor is even more effective.  Richard Lawson began his legal career as a prosecutor and knows the legal system well.

For over 25 years, Richard Lawson has fought to protect the rights of persons arrested and charged with DUI in Twiggs County and throughout Georgia.  Since he is a former prosecutor, he knows both sides of your DUI case.  His reviews can be found on Avvo.

YOU MAY NOT KNOW, BUT THERE ARE TWO CASES AGAINST YOU WHEN YOU ARE CHARGED WITH DUI: CRIMINAL AND CIVIL:

GEORGIA DUI LICENSE SUSPENSION - THE 30-DAY LETTER:

The State of Georgia expects drivers to abide by certain rules and regulations when they issue a person their driver's license.  Remember, your ability to drive in Georgia is a PRIVILEGE, not a right, and can be taken from someone who violates State DUI laws.  A license suspension for DUI will be automatic if a hearing is not requested in a timely manner.

The officer that arrests you for DUI actually has two cases against you: a criminal court case as well as an Administrative License Suspension (ALS) case.  The court case begins on the court date on the DUI citation.  The Georgia ALS case begins as soon as the citation is filed and there are only THIRTY (30) days to file a request for a hearing or your driver's license will automatically be suspended!  Richard Lawson and his team will file the request for a hearing to KEEP YOUR LICENSE FROM BEING SUSPENDED.  The State of Georgia requires a $150 fee to set the ALS hearing.  Let an experienced Twiggs County DUI Attorney protect your ability to drive in Georgia.

If a hearing is not requested before the 30-day deadline, an automatic license suspension will occur.  If you refused testing of breath, blood, or urine, you will experience an automatic suspension of ONE YEAR, with no chance of getting a restricted license or permit.  If you DID submit to testing during your DUI investigation, you could only have a 30-day license suspension.  You could be eligible for a limited permit or restricted license that would let you drive to and from work or school.  A second license suspension, however, could mean a license suspension much longer than 30 days.

Keep in mind that the Georgia administrative license hearing process is completely separate and confuses most people, and having experienced Twiggs County DUI Lawyers makes the difference.  You won't have to deal with the aggravation of the ALS hearing because your Twiggs County DUI Attorney will handle it for you by appearing in court on your behalf.  You also won't have to deal with traffic, take time off from work, find alternative child care, etc.

Although you won't have to attend the ALS hearing, the officer who arrested you will.  He will have to offer testimony just as if he were testifying in a trial.  Every ALS case is different and a professional and experienced lawyer will find possible defenses to keep your license from being suspended.  Our Twiggs County DUI Attorneys have years of experience handling these types of hearings.

One of the advantages of the ALS hearing is that the arresting officer's testimony is recorded.  This testimony can be acquired and utilized to compare his/her testimony at any later hearings.  If their testimony differed, they could be considered to not be a credible witness and that could damage the State's case against you.  That is why we transcribe all our hearings.

THE COURT PROCESS IN TWIGGS COUNTY, GEORGIA

Your first court appearance is your arraignment.  If our office is representing you, we will file paperwork letting the court know that you have an attorney and you intend, at least for the moment, to plead not guilty.  You will not have to attend so you won't have to rearrange your life by taking time off from work or school or arranging for child care.

After our attorney files a Notice of Appearance, we will start analyzing your case for possible defenses.  If needed, we will obtain copies of police reports and videos, recorded statements, and a transcript of the arresting officer's testimony at your ALS hearing, if you had one.

We will go through every detail of your case with you so that you know what is happening from the very beginning.  We will keep in contact with you either in person or by phone and will make ourselves available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

The Law Office of Richard Lawson offers a free consultation to discuss the particulars of your case and help you decide what is in your best interests.  Our website has helpful information that can be accessed 24/7 to answer any questions you may have.  We know it is not always possible to meet with an attorney during the work day and that is why we will come to you if needed or schedule calls when it is most convenient for you, our client.  Our practice is based solely on DUI representation so we make sure to keep up with any changes that are made to Georgia's DUI laws. You will always have the latest Georgia DUI Information on this site.  We update it daily with news articles and changes in the Georgia DUI Laws.

BEST TWIGGS COUNTY DUI ATTORNEYS:

The Law Office of Richard Lawson is a specialty lawn firm dedicated to the defense of DUI and DUI-related cases.  Do not trust your case with an attorney that does not know all of the changes that are frequently made to Georgia's DUI laws.  Richard Lawson is a renowned DUI expert and has trained many attorneys on how to represent clients in DUI-related cases.  Shouldn't you want to hire an attorney with enough experience to train other attorneys?  Richard Lawson is THE top DUI attorney in Twiggs County, Georgia.  Put his experience to work for you.

TWIGGS COUNTY GEORGIA COURT SYSTEM EXPLAINED:

When an individual is arrested for DUI within the city limits of Jeffersonville, their case would be heard in Jeffersonville Municipal Court.  To obtain Jefferson Municipal Court information call (478) 945-3191.  The municipal court clerk is Shanika Butler.

In municipal court, you can negotiate a plea with the solicitor (prosecutor) or you can have a bench trial in front of Judge Thomas C. Bobbitt, III.  In a bench trial, the judge decides the legal issues as well as guilt or innocence.  If a jury trial is preferred, the case will be sent to Superior Court.  A person has a right to a jury trial for any criminal offense, with the exception of violations of local or county ordinances.

The Jeffersonsville GA Municipal Court is located at: 200 Church Street Jeffersonville, GA 31044

A charge of felony DUI would be heard in the Superior Court of Twiggs County.  The clerk of court is Patti Grimsley and can be reached at (478) 945-3350.  The Clerk's office is in the main courthouse at 425 Railroad Street N, Jeffersonville, Georgia 31044.

THE TWIGGS COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT LOCATION

The Superior Court Judges in Twiggs County are part of the Dublin Judicial Circuit.  The Chief Judge is The Honorable H. Gibbs Flanders, Jr.  The other superior court judges are Donald W. Gillis and Jon. F. Helton.

DUI CASES IN THE PROBATE COURT OF TWIGGS COUNTY GA

When a person is arrested for outside of the city limits of Jeffersonville (throughout the unincorporated areas of Twiggs County), their case will begin in the Twiggs County Probate Court.  Since neither Danville GA nor Allentown GA have municipal courts, cases that originate in those areas also begin in probate court.

In probate court the case can be negotiated or you can have a bench trial, which is a trial with the judge.  If you want a jury trial, that would have to take place in Superior Court.  With a proper jury trial demand filed, the case would be transferred to superior court.  Also, with all felony DUI cases, the original jurisdiction is also in Superior Court.

The Probate Court is located at 425 Railroad Street N, Jeffersonville, Georgia 31044.  The Clerks in the Probate Court are Brenda Little, Pashion Germany, and Diane Robinson.  They can answer basic questions such as scheduling matters at: (478) 945-3390.  The Judge is the Honorable Gary Nobles Jr.

THERE IS HELP IF YOU ARE CHARGED WITH DUI IN TWIGGS COUNTY GEORGIA

If you or someone you know has been arrested for DUI or any DUI-related offense, contact the Law Office of Richard Lawson for the best DUI representation possible.  If you are looking for experienced and professional Twiggs County DUI Lawyers, look no further.  We will take your call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  Your very freedom depends on the attorney you choose to represent you.

Our Twiggs County DUI Attorneys will fight for your rights.  Only an attorney with Richard Lawson's knowledge and experience can provide the best defense for you and represent you in court.  The penalties for DUI are harsh and you need a skilled Twiggs County DUI Lawyer by your side to help you during this very trying and stressful ordeal.  If you are worried about possible jail time, losing your driver's license, or having a criminal record for the rest of your life, don't wait to make that call to our office.  Call NOW.  Your case will not defend itself.

Twiggs County DUI Resources

Twiggs County Sheriff's Office

Eighth Judicial Circuit of Georgia

Georgia State Patrol

City of Jeffersonville GA

Twiggs County Wikipedia

Have You Been Arrested for DUI in Twiggs County?