Gwinnett County DUI Information
What to know if you've been charged with a Gwinnett County DUI
Arrested for DUI in Gwinnett County, Georgia? Need an accomplished, professional DUI attorney familiar with the Gwinnett County Justice System? With over 50 years of combined experience defending DUI arrests, George C. Creal Jr., P.C. are the Real Deal Gwinnett County DUI Attorneys.
A Gwinnett County DUI arrest will trigger both proceedings in an administrative drivers license court and a criminal court starting at the Gwinnett County Recorders Court and can also be heard in the Gwinnett County State Court as well as one of many municipal Courts in Gwinnett County including Lawrenceville, Duluth, Suwannee, Sugar Hill, Buford, Dacula, Lilburn, Snellville, Loganville, and Norcross.
You have only 30 calendar days to request a driver’s license hearing so you do not lose your driver’s license administratively before you are even convicted in criminal court. Criminal court carries deadlines as well such as filing motions before or within 10 days of arraignment that will otherwise be waived.
Further, any competent DUI lawyer will obtain initial police incident reports, supplemental Police incident reports, accident reports, 911 tapes, police body camera video, police dash camera video, private surveillance video, and place the police under oath at a motion hearing or license hearing to obtain the full story before negotiating any plea deals or deciding to go to trial. You never know what a police officer will say until you put him or her under oath on the witness stand. Too much is at stake to take shortcuts in defending a DUI
arrest. We have the expertise not only to obtain this evidence but to cross-examine and bring light to weaknesses in the State’s case that can result in reductions in charges, punishment, or sometimes even dismissal of all charges.
Further, a DUI arrest with children under 14 can result in a DUI for each child and increased jail and license suspensions up to five years in some cases. Further, if this is a 4th The National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHSTA) training protocols in DUI Detection and Field Sobriety Evaluations are used by police departments all over Georgia. We know the procedures outlined in these manuals like the back of our hand, and we use our knowledge to show how sobriety evaluations are unreliable, inaccurate, and abused by police.
We expose the flaws inherent in Georgia DUI investigations in order to prove your innocence. For more information on a strong Georgia DUI defense, check out our Helpful GA DUI Guide.
Dedicated Gwinnett County DUI Lawyers Determined to Fight for Your Rights – Aggressive Representation You Deserve
Did you know that Gwinnett County makes more DUI arrests a week than all other Metro-Atlanta counties combined! We have handled thousands of DUI cases, had hundreds of DUI arrests reduced to non-DUI traffic offenses like reckless driving prior to trial, and won and/or tried hundreds of DUI Jury Trials. Unlike many Georgia DUI law firms we have real Not Guilty Jury Trial Experience. Ask other DUI lawyers when was the last time they heard a Jury say “Not Guilty” in a DUI case. You would be surprised how many so-called “expert DUI lawyers” cannot give you a straight answer.
PULLED OVER AND SUSPECTED OF DUI?
If it’s the First Time or Next Time, it’s Always Good to be Prepared. Even if you’re not technically DUI, if there is an odor of alcohol on your breath you are likely to be arrested and taken to jail. If the police cannot arrest you for DUI per se (blowing over 0.08), they’ll most likely arrest you for DUI less safe: blowing under the legal limit, but being “less safe” to drive because of the presence of alcohol or drugs.
Hiring a Gwinnett County DUI Attorney
For Our Firm, Client Communication is Essential
We do not hesitate to give you our office numbers, cell phone numbers, and email address. If you call, text, or email us about your case, we will contact you as soon as possible and never in more than 24 hours. We understand your anxiety about your Gwinnett County DUI charge. Every day we represent a diverse group of DUI and traffic clients throughout the State of Georgia and always show them the care and compassion that they deserve. Our goal is that at the end of our representation you feel confident recommending us to your closest friends and family members. For our firm, customer service is priority number one.
We will take over your DUI case so you can have your life back. Our initial consultation is always free and we will send an ALS DUI license hearing request letter for free as long as you pay the State Department of Driver Services’ $150.00 filing fee.
We handle all types of Gwinnett County DUI cases including those with or without breath and/or blood test results, refusals of blood, breath or urine tests, and cases with and without Standardized Field Sobriety Evaluations. We have handled DUI accidents and DUI fatalities, DUI drugs, fleeing and eluding the police, and felony and misdemeanor obstruction. Believe us, our Gwinnett County DUI attorneys have seen almost every possible DUI scenario at least once. Through our experience, we have honed our DUI case procedure down to a methodical and thorough process that leaves no stone unturned and has the potential to win even the most vexing Gwinnett County drunk driving case.
How to Hire a Lawyer for a Gwinnett County DUI
A Gwinnett County DUI is Serious and Can Result in Jail Time, Fines, and License Suspensions
Even for a 1st DUI, you can be fined up to $1000.00 with 40% tacked on as court costs, spend up to 12 months in jail, do 40 hours of community service, be subject to drug and alcohol testing for one year, and serve 12 months of reporting probation. Your license can be suspended anywhere from 120 days to 5 years. Do not try to handle your DUI without an experienced Gwinnett County DUI Attorney.
Advice as to who you decide to hire as your Gwinnett County DUI lawyer: 1) Don’t hire a DUI lawyer based solely on price. Sometimes the cheapest lawyer–especially if they plea you to a DUI you don’t deserve at the first opportunity–can be the most expensive. Cost per hour is the best way to compare lawyers. If a lawyer charges $1000, but only spends an hour on your case, that’s $1000 dollars an hour! We, unlike bargain basement firms, spend an average of 10 hours on every DUI case. 2) Ask any attorney that you speak with whether he/she has tried any DUI jury trials and how many not guilty verdicts he/she has received in the past 2 years; 3) Ask any attorney that you speak with whether he/she has studied police field sobriety training manuals and breath test machine, owner’s and area supervisor’s manuals. If not, they cannot adequately cross-examine DUI police officers or breath test operators. A DUI lawyer who can’t answer these questions is not ready for a real DUI jury trial and is not worth your time and money.
A Gwinnett County DUI lawyer is standing by. Call TODAY (404) 333-0706 or email us at [email protected] for a FREE CONSULTATION.
Gwinnett County Recorders Court Information
DUI arrests in Gwinnett County are taken to the Gwinnett County Jail. All DUI arrests are generally sent to the Gwinnett County Recorder’s Court for trial, which is all non-jury trials. Typically, only DUI pleas are handled in Recorder’s Court, although some DUI cases can be reduced to non-DUI traffic violations like reckless driving in Recorder’s Court. If a jury trial is requested or a motion to exclude evidence or dismiss the case is filed, then these matters are typically bound over to the State Court of Gwinnett County. For multiple DUI offenders facing harsh jail sentences, Gwinnett County DUI Court is an option, which provides a program of rehabilitation rather than jail time, It should be said that the DUI Court is a time-consuming, strenuous program that is definitely not for everyone.
The Gwinnett County DUI Court was created in 2005 under a pilot program offered by the State and in cooperation with the State Court Bench, the Solicitor’s Office, the Defense Bar, Treatment Providers, and probation offices.
The Gwinnett County DUI Court program is a minimum of twelve (12) months and a maximum of twenty-four (24) months and consists of 3 phases:
Phase I – Active treatment and early recovery,
Phase II – Relapse prevention, and
Phase III – Continuance of Care.
The DUI Court program includes both vocational and educational components in conjunction with substance abuse treatment monitored by the DUI Court judge. If you would like to participate in the Gwinnett DUI Court Program:
- Speak with your attorney;
- Read the DUI Court Participant Handbook and DUI Court Contract and discuss any questions you might have with your attorney;
- If you are still interested, complete the Participant Application Form and the Defendant Waiver form;
- Finally, deliver the documents to the DUI Court Office: by mail, by fax, or in person. Gwinnett County Courthouse
Once your Gwinnett DUI Court application is received, an appointment will be set for you to be assessed by the DUI Court Staff. The Solicitors Office will review your case and your criminal history and the Gwinnett DUI Court Team will review all of this information and make a group decision concerning your acceptance into DUI Court.
If accepted, your DUI attorney should contact the Solicitor’s Office for a plea recommendation of punishment and a DUI plea date (DUI Court still means punishment as DUI laws carry minimum mandatory jail time, community service, and probation – just less of it). Once you enter your plea your treatment will begin right away.
Gwinnett County Courthouse
By Mail:
Gwinnett County Courthouse
Attn: Court Administration,
75 Langley Dr., Lawrenceville, GA 30045
By Fax: (770) 822-8559. (A fax must be followed by delivery of the original documents.)
In-Person: All documents may be hand-delivered to the control desk on the 2nd floor of the Gwinnett County Courthouse.
RECORDER’S COURT – TRAFFIC CITATION OR ORDINANCE VIOLATION -PLEAS, MOTIONS, AND NON JURY TRIALS
Most DUI arrests in Gwinnett County that are not made by a municipal police department start in the Recorders Court of Gwinnett County. There are no jury trials in Recorders Court only Bench Trials (Trials with a Judge only). If you can not get your DUI case reduced to a lesser included offense, have a technical legal issue that requires a motion, or want a jury trial, then you must bind your case over to the Gwinnett County State Court. The Court is located at:
Gwinnett County Recorder’s Court:
115 Stone Mountain Street
Lawrenceville, GA 30046-6900
Phone: 1-877-794-0988
Website: https://www.gwinnettcourts.com/recorders/
MAIN LINE:
Recorder's Court
Reception Desk
Phone: (770) 619-6140
Allison Cauthen
Supervising Attorney
Phone: (770) 619-6133
Dexter Riley
Assistant Solicitor to Judge Armstrong
Phone: (770) 619-6131
Michelle Bloch
Assistant Solicitor to Judge Park
Phone: (770) 619-6132
Vacant
Assistant Solicitor to Judge Person
Phone: (770) 619-6796
Thais Fortin
Environmental, Animal, and School Bus Cases
Phone: (770) 619-6149
Natary Lee
Legal Supervisor
Phone: (770) 619-6128
Rocky Beebe
Legal Assistant
Phone: (770) 619-6137
Harrell Thomas
Legal Assistant
Phone: (770) 619-6987
Charlene Whitehead
Legal Assistant
Phone: (770) 619-6139
Miranda Traylor
Legal Assistant
Phone: (770) 619-6139
Judges:
Chief Judge: Kathrine Armstrong
Judge: Mihae Park
Judge: Wesley Person
STATE COURT – MISDEMEANOR CASES – PLEAS, MOTIONS, NON JURY TRIALS AND JURY TRIALS
Solicitor’s Office: 770.822.8300
Mailing Address:
Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center
75 Langley Drive
Lawrenceville, GA 30046
Gwinnett County State Court website: https://www.gwinnettcourts.com/state-court/
Gwinnett County State Court Solicitor General website: https://www.gwinnettcounty.com/web/gwinnett/contactus/departmentalphonelisting/solicitorsoffice
Solicitor-General: Brian Whiteside
Phone: 770.822.8300
Chief Assistant Solicitor: Vacant
Phone: 770.822.8368
Supervising Attorney: Matt Miller
Phone: 770.822.8319
Office Manager: Rachel Pirkle
Phone: 770.822.8355
IT Associate: Alex Warner
Phone: 770.822.8593
Fax I: 770.822.8339
Fax II: 770.822.8530
Appeals: Joseph Morales
Phone: 770.822.8597
GWINNETT COUNTY JAIL UNIT
Assistant Solicitor: Dennis Fortin
Phone: 770-619-6733
Legal Supervisor: Stephanie Lanier
Phone: 770-619-6730
Legal Assistant: Ivoery Bennett
Phone: 770-619-6731
Victim Witness Coordinator: Connie L. Johnson
Phone: 770-619-6732
DIVISION S1 – JUDGE EMILY BRANTLEY STATE COURT JUDGE
Emily J. Brantley
Judge
Phone: (770) 822-8515
Fax: (770) 822-8513
David M Abercrombie
Staff Attorney
Phone: (770) 822-8516
Fax: (770) 822-8513
Kelli Pollack
Judicial Assistant
ALL CIVIL MATTERS
Phone: (770) 822-8515
Fax: (770) 822-8513
Sarah Reynolds
Calendar Coordinator
ALL CRIMINAL MATTERS
Phone: (770) 822-8517
Fax: (770) 822-8513
Trisha Caputi
Court Reporter
Phone: (770) 822-8635
Fax: (770) 822-8513
Angelina Davis
Assistant Solicitor General
Phone: (770) 822-3102
Melissa Sifuentes-Flores
Legal Associate (Solicitor's Office)
Phone: (770) 822-8318
Chartrese Bailey
Victim-Witness Coordinator
Phone: (770) 822-8324
DIVISION S2 – JUDGE SHAWN F. BRATTON STATE COURT JUDGE
Shawn F. Bratton
Judge
Phone: (770) 822-8609
Fax: (770) 822-8684
Tammy Brown
Judicial Assistant
Phone: (770) 822-8609
Fax: (770) 822-8684
Holly Tullis
Calendar Coordinator
Phone: (770) 822-8608
Fax: (770) 822-8684
Ellen Hight
Law Clerk
Phone: (770) 822-8610
Fax: (770) 822-8684
BeeBe Farrell
Court Reporter
Phone: (770) 822-8927
Fax: (770) 822-8684
Jasmine Joseph
Assistant Solicitor General
Phone: (770) 822-8311
Marissa Martin
Legal Associate (Solicitor's Office)
Phone: (770) 822-8329
Julia Culbreth
Victim-Witness Coordinator
Phone: (770) 822-8295
DIVISION S3 – JUDGE CARLA E. BROWN STATE COURT JUDGE
Carla E. Brown
Judge
Phone: (770) 822-8503
Sebastian Suma
Staff Attorney
Phone: (770) 822-8507
Fax: (770) 822-7610
Kim Burgess
Calendar Coordinator (Civil Information)
Phone: (770) 822-8503
Fax: (770) 822-7610
Sharon Hubbard
Judicial Assistant (Criminal Information)
Phone: (770) 822-8506
Fax: (770) 822-7610
Tamika Allen
Court Reporter
Phone: (770) 822-8546
Fax: (770) 822-7610
Jared Lee
Assistant Solicitor General
Phone: (770) 822-8076
Hillary Schaeffer
Assistant Solicitor General
Phone: (770) 822-8309
Lori Edelkind
Legal Associate (Solicitor's Office)
Phone: (770) 822-8228
Tre Thomas
Victim-Witness Coordinator
Phone: (770) 822-8314
DIVISION S4 – JUDGE RONDA COLVIN LEARY STATE COURT JUDGE
Ronda Colvin Leary
Judge
Phone: (770) 822-8548
Fax: (770) 822-8513
Debra Siegel
Staff Attorney
Phone: (770) 822-8549
Fax: (770) 822-8513
Carla Densmore
Judicial Assistant
Phone: (770) 822-8548
Fax: (770) 822-8513
Kelsea Martin
Calendar Coordinator
Phone: (770) 822-8547
Fax: (770) 822-8513
Kristina Steffey
Court Reporter
Phone: (770) 822-8221
Joe McLaughlin
Assistant Solicitor General
Phone: (770) 822-8772
Vacant
Assistant Solicitor General
Phone: (770) 822-8977
Justin Rupram
Legal Associate (Solicitor's Office)
Phone: (770) 822-8592
Autumn Hulteen
Victim-Witness Coordinator
Phone: (770) 822-8296
DIVISION S5 – CHIEF JUDGE PAMELA SOUTH STATE COURT JUDGE
Pamela D. South
Chief Judge
Phone: (770) 822-8554
Fax: (770) 822-8645
Dan Whitworth
Staff Attorney
Phone: (770) 822-8556
Fax: (770) 822-8645
Angie Wellmaker
Judicial Assistant (Criminal Matters)
Phone: (770) 822-8554
Fax: (770) 822-8645
Judy Haliasz
Calendar Coordinator (Civil Matters)
Phone: (770) 822-8555
Fax: (770) 822-8645
Linda Archibald
Court Reporter
Phone: (770) 822-8545
Fax: (770) 822-8645
Ahren Johnson
Assistant Solicitor General
Phone: (770) 822-8309
Brittany Carter
Assistant Solicitor General
Phone: (770) 822-8342
Chandler Gresham
Legal Associate (Solicitor's Office)
Phone: (770) 822-8594
Keandra Gatson
Victim-Witness Coordinator
Phone: (770) 822-8389
DIVISION S6 – JUDGE VERONICA COPE STATE COURT JUDGE
Veronica Cope
Judge
Phone: (770) 822-8755
Fax: (770) 822-8684
William Teich
Staff Attorney
Phone: (770) 822-8756
Tammy White
Judicial Assistant
Phone: (770) 822-8757
Amber Goins
Calendar Coordinator
Phone: (770) 822-8758
Patrice Becker
Court Reporter
Phone: (770) 822-8638
Rachel Sinclair
Assistant Solicitor General
Phone: (770) 822-8326
Christine Chang
Legal Associate (Solicitor's Office)
Phone: (770) 822-8320
Merritt Cowart
Victim-Witness Coordinator
Phone: (770) 822-8239
If you have been arrested for DUI in Gwinnett County Georgia, one of the first things you should consider doing is to obtain your DUI police incident report. A DUI incident report may be obtained in person from any of the six Gwinnett County Police locations:
Gwinnett County Police Headquarters
770 Hi Hope Road
Lawrenceville, Ga 30044
Website: https://www.gwinnettcounty.com/web/gwinnett/departments/police
West Precinct
6160 Crescent Drive
Norcross, GA 30071
South Precinct
2180 Stone Dr
Lilburn, Ga 30047
North Precinct
2735 Mall of Ga Blvd
Buford, Ga 30518
East Precinct
2273 Alcovy Rd.
Dacula, Ga 30019
Central Precinct
3125 Satellite Blvd
Duluth, Ga 30096
There is a $0.25 per page copying charge for incident reports and a flat fee of $5 for accident reports. DUI incident reports may be requested by mail by sending a request including the case number, your name, and $3 for incident Reports or $5 for accident reports (check or money order, payable to “Gwinnett County Police”) with a self-addressed stamped envelope to Gwinnett County Police Department, Attn: Records, PO Box 602, Lawrenceville GA 30046. The police stations are closed on Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday and are open other days from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. but are closed from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. for lunch
