Smyrna DUI Lawyer - Smyrna DUI Attorney
DUI Lawyer in Smyrna GA - DUI Attorney in Smyrna GA
About Us
DUI Attorney Richard Lawson is a former Georgia DUI Prosecutor with over 20 years' experience in DUI law. He has handled thousands of DUI cases throughout Georgia. Richard's track record of success is long, as he knows both sides of the system. He also knows that field sobriety and breath testing are not infallible. Please see his reviews on the attorney rating site Avvo and contact our office for a free, no-obligation case evaluation.
Richard Lawson and his team of attorneys are vigilant about staying on top of Georgia's ever-changing DUI laws. Even if the law is only slightly changed or modified, it could have a significant impact on his clients' case.
30-Day Warning!
If you were arrested in Smyrna or elsewhere in Cobb County, you only have thirty days from the date of your arrest to file a request for an Administrative License Suspension (ALS) hearing or request an ignition interlock device. If you (or your Smyrna DUI Lawyer) fail to request the ALS hearing or interlock device, your license will automatically be suspended. If you refused the State's test of your breath, blood, or urine, your license will be suspended for one year with no opportunity for a restricted permit.
Smyrna DUI Defense
You are on your way home from a friend's when all of a sudden you see blue flashing lights in your rearview mirror. You pull over to the side of the road and wait for the officer to approach your vehicle. When the officer arrives, you give them your license and registration. You then are asked a series of questions and then field sobriety tests and then a roadside breath test. Unfortunately, you do not pass, and you are arrested. As you sit in the back of a police car, you have several thoughts running through your mind: “Did this just happen to me?” “Am I going to lose my job?” “Will my wife/husband leave me?” “Will I lose my license?” “Am I going to be put in jail?” “Will I need to hire a lawyer?”
Of course, a Smyrna DUI arrest is stressful and confusing. That is why you need an experienced Smyrna DUI Lawyer who has experience in Georgia DUI law. Our Smyrna DUI Attorneys have the knowledge and skill necessary to answer all of your questions, provide some stress relief, and make sure you get the best outcome possible for your Smyrna DUI case. When you need a DUI Attorney in Smyrna, look no further than the Law Office of Richard Lawson.
Finding A Trustworthy Smyrna DUI Attorney
A DUI arrest and subsequent conviction have serious consequences. In addition to losing your Georgia driving privilege and paying more for car insurance; in some cases, there is also the possibility of hefty fines and time in jail. When you choose a Smyrna DUI Lawyer whose sole focus is DUI defense, you are effectively putting your future in their hands. That is not something we take lightly, and that is why our Smyrna DUI Attorneys are proud to offer our clients personalized service. You are going through a very traumatic experience and deserve courtesy and respect. You should not have to worry whether you are being taken advantage of by the very person you have selected to be your advocate against the criminal justice system.
An Overview of DUI
At the Law Office of Richard Lawson, our Smyrna DUI Lawyers focus exclusively on DUI Defenses such as:
DUI – First Offense – A first-time DUI charge does not mean you will get a simple slap on the wrist. Without the assistance of a skilled Smyrna DUI Attorney, you could lose your driver's license and even spend time in jail.
Felony DUI and Multiple Offenses – Multiple convictions mean harsher punishments.
Field Sobriety Tests – Testing done by the roadside are not objective by a long shot, and their results can be challenged in many ways. Where the tests were conducted, how they were conducted, and who administered them are just a few challenges that can be employed.
Breath Test Results – Nothing intimidates and eventually convinces a defendant to plead guilty more often than breath testing results. However, a good Smyrna DUI Attorney knows that breath testing machines are never 100% accurate. With the Law Office of Richard Lawson, your Smyrna DUI Lawyer will dig deep to see if the breath-testing equipment was maintained as well as calibrated correctly and that the officer who administered the test followed all protocols exactly. There are several ways to challenge the credibility of the results of the breath test and sometimes can even have it excluded from evidence.
Vehicular Homicide/Accidents With Serious Injury – DUI accidents that lead to serious injury or even death certainly raises the stakes when it comes to the possible consequences of a conviction. These are serious charges that demand a serious Smyrna DUI Attorney to provide serious defense. You need a seasoned Smyrna DUI Lawyer with a sharp understanding of this specialized area of law practice and the aggressive attitude necessary to fight for you against such serious charges.
DUI Under 21 – A DUI charge can be life-altering for anyone, but even more so if you are young and have a bright future ahead. Our Smyrna DUI Attorneys have handled many cases involving clients under 21 who are concerned about how a Smyrna DUI charge will affect their future employment and admission to college.
Commercial Driver's License/Work-Related DUI - If you drive a truck or even a company car, then you know how important it is to maintain your driver's license. The Law Office of Richard Lawson offers experienced legal representation coupled with aggressive defense strategy to protect you, your rights and your employment.
Smyrna Municipal Court
The Municipal Court of Smyrna is the judicial branch of Smyrna city government that is responsible for hearing all traffic and city ordinance violations. Court is held in the Smyrna City Hall at 2800 King Street, SE, Smyrna, GA 30080. The Honorable Alton Curtis is the Chief Judge of Municipal Court, Bill Morse is the Solicitor, and Cardi McManus is the Clerk of Court. For more information, contact the Smyrna Court Services Division at (770) 431-2804.
Smyrna Municipal Court Reminders
- An officer will direct you to go through a metal detector and will check your belongings for items that are prohibited from the courtroom. Refusing to cooperate in a security screening could result in being denied entry into the courtroom to attend your very own hearing.
- Guns, knives, or any other weaponry is strictly forbidden.
- You are appearing in a court of law, and, therefore, should dress appropriately to show respect to the Court. No hats, sunglasses, tank tops, t-shirts displaying or depicting violence, sexual suggestions, profanity, or drug use.
- No food or drink, loud chewing of gum, or reading materials are allowed. Please see that all electronic devices such as cell phones are turned off.
- Do not bring children unless you have been ordered by the Court to do so. A wide variety of topics will be discussed inside the courtroom that are inappropriate for young ears. If you are absolutely unable to find childcare and must bring your children with you, your case will be called after all defendants are seen.
- Only the defendant is permitted entrance into the courtroom due to limited space and the requirements of the fire code. All others may enter if space allows.
- If you are a person who experiences a disability, speak a language other than English or require other accommodations, please let court staff know 24 hours in advance so you may be accommodated accordingly.
Map to Smyrna Municipal Court
Experienced DUI Attorneys
For many people facing a charge of DUI, it is their first experience with the criminal justice system. The process of arrest what comes after can be very complicated and overwhelming. It is only natural to anxious and even sacred of the looming consequences of a DUI arrest. What you should do in this situation is equip yourself with information and hire an experienced DUI Lawyer in Smyrna to fight for your rights in court. We have Smyrna DUI Attorneys waiting to take your call 24 hours a day, seven days a week. To learn how our Smyrna DUI Lawyers can help your case, contact our office as soon as possible after your Smyrna DUI arrest.
Smyrna DUI Resources
Administrative Office of the Courts
Georgia Department of Driver Services