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Savannah DUI Lawyers

• Michael Tabarrok: WHAT IS THIS DUI COURT PROGRAM I HEAR ABOUT

   

  The Chatham County DUI Court is a pilot project sponsored by National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the Governor's Office of Highway Safety and the Georgia Administrative Office of the Courts. This unique program is a collaborative effort of the Court, the City of Savannah and Chatham County governments. It works with direct coordinated support from the District Attorney's office, PRIDE probation and the Recovery Place of Savannah. DUI Court participants also receive needed services form local social service agencies, public and private.

   

  HOW DO I KNOW IF I AM GOING INTO DUI COURT?

   

  All DUI cases filed in the Savannah ‑ Chatham County jurisdiction and all cases bound over to the State Court are screened for eligibility for the DUI Court program. Criminal histories and driver's record of all persons cited in those DUI cases are reviewed by the District Attorney for eligibility. Included in the DUI Court program are all cases where there is a second DUI offense within a five year period or a third or greater DUI offense in the accused's lifetime. All such cases are sent directly to the DUI Court for arraignment and adjudication. Cases not otherwise qualified may, at the discretion of a sentencing judge, also be included.

   

  PHASES OF DUI COURT

   

  Orientation

   

  (8 weeks)

  This is probably the most difficult phase of the program. Each new participant is required to meet with the program coordinator, probation officer and treatment providers where they become fully informed about the requirements of the program. All new participants must then sign an agreement regarding their participation and undergo an alcohol and drug assessment. They are required to attend two group counseling sessions per week and three AA meetings. They also have at least two probation appointments per month and must attend all DUI Court sessions. Court is scheduled at two week intervals, usually on Thursday afternoons beginning at 4:00 PM. Participants are subject to random drug/alcohol screenings conducted at least two times per week and more often if deemed necessary by any element of the DUI court program.

• Arthur Gibson: The defendant is entitled to a trial for the offense of drunk driving. The defendant may also enter into a plea bargain with the prosecutor. The trial procedure is the same in this instance as in all other criminal trials. The defendant is entitled to be represented by counsel or may represent himself. Opening statements are made, evidence is admitted, testimony is taken, and closing arguments are made.
• Thomas Withers: You should consult an attorney for individual advice regarding your own situation.
• Bobby Phillips: DUI charges can be complex. Both criminal and civil actions may be taken against you. Both the local courts and the Department of Motor Vehicles can be involved. Your lawyer can help you keep or regain your driver's license, and minimize the criminal penalties or avoid conviction altogether.
• Tammy Stokes: f you have been cited for DUI/DWI, you should know that the law gives serious consequences upon conviction. And these punishments drunk driving are even more severe for repeat offenders. A DUI sentence may require you to pay a substantial fine, serve some time in jail, or both. In addition to any fines or jail time, your driver's license may be suspended, even if it is your first offense. You will have to find alternate transportation and go through considerable effort to regain your driving privileges after a drunk driving conviction. To add insult to injury, many insurance companies will drop your motor vehicle coverage if you get a DUI. The companies that will insure you will only do so at a greatly increased premium. It is easy to see how important it is to protect your rights - and to do that, you need a lawyer who will work to stop these consequences from becoming reality.
• Lamar Fields: Misdemeanors are crimes that can result in imprisonment for less than one year and/or a fine of $1000.00 or less. Examples of some misdemeanors; € Driving under the influence (unless after being declared a habitual violator) € Marijuana possession less than an ounce € Simple Assault € Theft of article less than $100.00 in value
• Doug Andrews: Numerous courts have different procedures. Usually, you may request one continuance to obtain an attorney. Should keep the case in the lower (committal) court until you have consulted with local counsel. Make sure you have consulted with counsel before the 10th business day after arrest to avoid automatic suspension on 30th day after arrest.
• Craig Sinclair: DUI laws change as rapidly as the technology on the Web. Not surprisingly, these changes are not beneficial to your if you are being charged with a DUI. Did you know that a DUI conviction will remain on your driving record indefinitely, and that most courts will consider lifetime DUI convictions when sentencing you to jail, not just those committed in the last five years. Don't find out the hard way.