Forsyth County DUI Defense Attorney

Is it possible to avoid conviction on a DUI offense?
As each case is different, the details must be reviewed by a skilled Forsyth County DUI defense lawyer to determine what can be done. In many cases in which the individual charged pled guilty, had they had a lawyer from the Law Offices of Richard S. Lawson defending them, it may have been possible to have pled not guilty and successfully won the case. It is strongly advised that you contact the firm as soon after your arrest as possible in order to determine how to move forward with a defense strategy in your case. The legal team assists clients in Cumming and other areas of Forsyth County and Dawson County.

Will I be forced to spend time in jail?
Most DUI convictions include jail time. Many cases have a period of probation instead of the full year in jail you could receive for a first DUI conviction. However, you are definitely in danger of spending time in jail if you do not enlist the assistance of an attorney to fight for a better outcome. In a first offense a qualified and experienced attorney can get you probation, community service, DUI School, a limited drivers license, and payment of a fine.

The penalties increase dramatically for those who are considered to be “repeat offenders." A second DUI conviction within a 5 year period often results in a 3 year driver's license suspension. After one year you may become eligible for a restricted license. You will have to put an ignition interlock device on your car to test your breath for alcohol before you can even start your car. If the second conviction is within a 10 year period of time, you can be sentenced up to 1 year in jail and likely will be required to spend a mandatory 72 Hours – 90 days in jail. An alcohol treatment program will be required. The fine will be up to $1,000. You will have to perform 240 hours of community service. You may even have to take part in a court-ordered DUI Court Program.

If you have been arrested for a third DUI in 5 years you will be declared an habitual violator. You will be suspended for 5 years with the ability to get a limited permit after 2 years as long as you install an ignition interlock device on your car. If your arrest is the third in 10 years, you will have to serve a minimum of 15 days in jail. In all likelihood, you will service closer to 90-180 days in jail. In some jurisdictions, it could be much more. If you are caught driving while suspended as an habitual violator, you have committed a felony that could result in 5 years in prison.
If you commit a 4th lifetime DUI (Since July 1, 2008), you have committed a felony in Georgia. You are facing up to 5 years in prison.

Why do I need a lawyer?
It is likely that you are not a legal professional and may not be aware of the possible defense options in your case. If you plead guilty, you will simply move through the system and be sentenced, usually facing jail time, community service, risk reduction alcohol education, fines, and a big increase in your insurance premiums. In addition, you will have your driver's license suspended. If you choose to defend the case, you will increase the possibility of a better outcome. In many cases the person charged can be found “not guilty.” Many times the DUI can be dismissed or reduced to a lesser charge, such as Reckless Driving. Only after an aggressive defense, by Forysth County DUI Attorney Richard Lawson, will you have the best chance at a good outcome in your case. Your best defense begins here.

How do I know which attorney to choose?
When seeking a DUI defense lawyer, you want to find an attorney that focuses exclusively on DUI cases. This means that they have more experience in defending such cases than an attorney who provides a variety of legal services. At the Law Offices of Richard S. Lawson, the legal team has exclusively dedicated the practice to DUI defense for over 20 years. The experience gained cannot be underestimated.

What can the firm help me with?
The legal team at the Law Offices of Richard S. Lawson is prepared to aggressively defend all types of DUI offenses. The experienced attorneys will guide you through the following:

• DUI Process
• ALS Hearings
• Plea Bargain vs. Trial
• Refusals / Alleged Refusals
• Prior DUI Convictions
• GA DUI By Out Of State Driver
• Field Sobriety Tests
• Roadside Checkpoints
• Blood & Breath Tests
• Drugs & DUI
• Marijuana Cases
• Suspended License
• DUI Under 21
• Violation of Probation
• Minor in Possession of Alcohol
• Vehicular Homicide
• Child Endangerment
• Accidents and Serious Injury by Vehicle

Contact a Forsyth County DUI Defense Attorney from the Law Offices of Richard S. Lawson at once if you have been arrested and charged with any type of DUI offense.