Conyers DUI Lawyer – Conyers DUI Attorney
Richard Lawson is a former DUI Prosecutor with over 25 years' experience in Georgia DUI law. His law firm, the Law Office of Richard Lawson, exclusively handles DUI and DUI-related cases. Please see his reviews on Avvo and contact our office for a hassle-free, no-obligation case evaluation.
30-Day Warning!
If you have been arrested for DUI in Conyers, or anywhere in Rockdale County, you should be aware that you only have thirty days from the date of your DUI arrest to file a request for an Administrative License Suspension (ALS) hearing or to request an ignition interlock device. This ALS hearing or the interlock device can prevent your Georgia driver's license from automatic suspension. The State requires a filing fee of $150.
If you refused the State's chemical test of your breath, blood, or urine, your Georgia driver's license will be suspended for one year, with no opportunity for a restricted permit or early reinstatement. Contact a qualified Conyers DUI Lawyer right away and get the ball rolling on your ALS hearing!
Conyers DUI Evidence
Evidence in a DUI case (or any criminal case, for that matter) must be legally admissible against you in a court of law before it can be heard by a jury. That means if your rights were violated, or law enforcement did not follow proper policy or procedure, the evidence against you may be inadmissible in court and your case dismissed.
In cases where evidence cannot be thrown out, your Conyers DUI case will then rely on the credibility of the evidence itself. In Georgia DUI cases, that evidence includes the breath or blood test, field sobriety tests, statements you made to law enforcement, as well as the officer's testimony about observing your driving, personal appearance, or behavior.
The evidence against you more than likely consists of the officer's subjective opinion regarding your level of impairment, in addition to an objective number measurement; the blood alcohol test. However, all of that is subject to error. Evidence that seems ironclad and reliable at first blush will sometimes show hidden mistakes that inevitably weakens the case against you. Obviously, that cannot happen in each and every case. Your Conyers DUI Lawyer knows just what mistakes to look for to get you the best outcome possible for your DUI case. You can rely on our experienced Conyers DUI Attorneys to discover issues with the Prosecutor's evidence against you.
DUI cases involve complicated scientific evidence along with eye-witness testimony from your arresting officer. Your Conyers DUI Lawyer must be able to comprehend the science of blood alcohol testing, as well as have superior cross-examining skills to expose bias in the officer's testimony. Like anyone, the officer who arrested you is subject to personal perceptions and inconsistent memories, that make them come to the conclusion of guilt. Law enforcement officers often make mistakes in administering roadside tests and breath tests. The experience of our Conyers DUI Attorneys is crucial to an effective defense. They will thoroughly examine and evaluate all of the evidence against you to make sure a correct assessment of your case is done.
You Have the Right to Remain Silent
Contrary to what you might have heard, you will most likely not be able to talk your way out of a DUI arrest. In fact, you may end up hurting your defense if you try. You do not have to voluntarily give law enforcement any information, and you should avoid talking to them as much as possible. Police will find a way to use anything you say t them against you. You might be having what seems to you is a simple friendly conversation with the officer, and the officer will pick and choose from that conversation and put whatever makes you look guilty right into their report; and will testify against you in court later.
When you are stopped on suspicion of DUI, you will be faced with many decisions, without a Conyers DUI Lawyer to assist. That is only because you have not chosen the right Conyers DUI Attorney to represent your case. The police will more thank likely ask if you have had any alcohol to drink; where you are going, and where have you been. They will also probably ask you to take a chemical test of your breath, blood, or urine, etc. Just so you know, you do not have to answer any of their questions or submit to any testing (but keep the one-year hard suspension in mind). Whether you cooperate or not in answering questions does not affect your case either way, so do not feel lie you have to work to make things easier.
A lot of law enforcement agencies have a list of questions they use in DUI cases. You will likely be asked at least some of these questions during the “observation period” for the breath test. The questions seem harmless—at first, but get a little more detailed as they go. Here are a few:
- Do you have any physical injuries or impairments?
- Are you on any medication?
- Were you driving a vehicle?
- Have you been drinking?
- How much alcohol did you consume?
- Where were you drinking alcohol?
You do not have to answer these questions because they only give the prosecution more ammunition against you and make your case more difficult to defend.
Incriminating Statements
As mentioned before, it is best you remain silent when you are pulled over by police. However, you are legally expected to prove your identity. The easiest (and best) way to identify yourself is to hand the officer your driver's license, registration, and proof of insurance. By giving the police officer the requested items, you avoid speaking to them and later the officer cannot write that your “speech was slurred” in the police report.
You have a Fifth Amendment right against incriminating yourself when you are being investigated for any criminal offense, including DUI. Most people answer questions anyway, because situations with the police make them feel intimidated.
They may think that not speaking will only make things worse for them with the officer and the judge later. While it is true that you will no doubt annoy the officer if you stay quiet, the judge will understand you made a smart legal decision. Most importantly, though, is that the act of remaining silent keeps the prosecution from having any more evidence against you. When you are pulled over, the City of Conyers Police officer does not have to read you your rights before asking you questions. However, just because they are asking you questions, does not mean you have to answer them.
Most of the statements you make can be used against you in a court of law. However, your Conyers DUI Lawyer might be able to keep statements you made to the arresting police officer out of court. If you have been formally arrested, the law enforcement officer must then read you your rights before asking you any questions (that does not include the time you are pulled over, or are performing field sobriety tests). Only after you are put in handcuffs do your Miranda rights apply; and only when you are saying something in response to the officer. If you slip up and say anything without being asked, your statement can be admissible in court—regardless if your rights have been read. Contact an experienced Conyers DUI Attorney as soon as possible after your DUI arrest so your case can be investigated and your defense can begin!
Conyers Municipal Court
The Court Services Department is a part of the Conyers Police Department and oversees the city's municipal court. The Court is charged with handling all misdemeanor traffic offenses and violations of city ordinances that are initiated by the Police Department of Conyers. Office hours for Conyers Municipal Court are Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:45 PM. When Court is in session, the administrative office is closed (please see website for Court schedule). The Conyers Municipal Court Judges are the Honorable Terry N. Massey and the Honorable Garland C. Moore. Mechelle D. Cooper is the Chief Clerk.
What is inappropriate to wear to court?
- Shorts
- Scarves
- Hats
- Tank tops
- Clothing displaying profanity or vulgar language
What are some other things I should know about court?
- No cell phones or other electronic devices are allowed
- No food or drink allowed in the courtroom
Conyers Municipal Court is held at 1184 Scott Street, Conyers, GA 30012. Call (770) 929-4208 for more information.
Protect Your Future
Do not trust your future to just any DUI Lawyer in Conyers when you can have a specialist from the Law Office of Richard Lawson. We have a Conyers DUI Attorney available now to take our call and discuss your case. Protecting your future and your rights calls for experience and skill. Contact our office as soon as possible for a free consultation. Choosing the Law Office of Richard Lawson could be the best decision you could ever make to secure your future. Your best defense begins with us!
Our Attorneys
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Richard Lawson
Managing Partner at Lawson & Berry:
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Kimberly A. Berry
Partner at Lawson & Berry:
Conyers DUI Resources
Rockdale County Sheriff's Department
Administrative Office of the Courts
Rockdale County Clerk of State and Superior Courts
Georgia Department of Driver Services
Have You Been Arrested for DUI in Conyers Georgia?
