Recent Blog Posts

Watch Out for DUI Enforcement this Cinco de Mayo

Richard Lawson — Sat, 05 May 2012 18:38:00 GMT

Have a happy Cinco de Mayo this Saturday but beware of getting caught with DUI. For the first time in five years, Cinco de Mayo falls on a weekend. This means Decatur and DeKalb County police are going to be out on patrol looking to pull over anyone that might have been celebrating with too many margaritas or tequila shots. DeKalb police, including the highly trained DUI enformement officers on the DeKalb Co. Star Team, know that Cinco de Mayo is a day for many to indulge in alcoholic drinks. Decatur and DeKalb police usually see a rise in DUI arrests on Cinco de Mayo and that combined with it being on a Saturday night this year is a red flag for DUI enforcement. So if you are driving this weekend, expect DeKalb police to be out full force. This may include roadblocks and random sobriety checkpoints and a higher that average number of patrol vehicles out, especially after dark.

If you do get stopped this weekend or anytime at a roadblock and are charged with a DUI, make sure you call an experienced DUI lawyer right away. Only the best DUI lawyers can advise you what to do next. We can help you determine if the sobriety checkpoint was set-up according to legal protocol and if not, we can help you get your charges dropped. Take caution any time driving and alcohols is involved, and if the worst happens, know that we are here to help.

DUI - Drug Arrest in Alpharetta

Richard Lawson — Sat, 05 May 2012 18:34:00 GMT

DUI arrests are not always alcohol related. At the Law Offices of Richard S. Lawson we have seen a growing number of drug related DUI arrests in the north Fulton subrubs of Alpharetta and Roswell, GA.

For example, Alpharetta police stopped 29-year-old Nathaniel D. Mills on April 21^st for reckless driving. Mills was observed driving a Dodge Charger 120 mph across two lanes on GA 400 headed northbound. The speed limit was posted as 65 mph. He was pulled over and evaluated for DUI. He was then arrested and his car was searched. During the search police found what they say is a pipe for smoking marijuana, tin foil that contained what appeared to be marijuana, a container that also held what appeared to be marijuana, and a scale.

Mills' car was impounded and he is now facing a list of charges: DUI, possession of marijuana, failure to maintain lane, reckless driving and speeding. Alpharetta courts treat these charges very seriously; he could be facing years in jail, high fines, loss of license and a serious of other penalties. Don't let this happen to you, call the Law Offices of Richard S. Lawson as soon as you are arrested for a DUI of any kind in Alpharetta, GA. We have the knowledge and expertise to help you fight charges like these. We would find out if the police had probably cause to search Mills' vehicle, if not all of the drug charges would have to be thrown out. We would also fight to reduce the sentence to possibly probation and a limited driving permit. Drug related DUIs are serious business so call the best DUI lawyers in Alpharetta, the Law Offices of Richard S. Lawson, right now!

Another Celebrity DUI

Richard Lawson — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 01:50:00 GMT

Actress Amanda Bynes was arrested recently for driving under the influence in California. The incident stemmed from when she caused a minor car accident involving a police officer. She was arrested for DUI, posted a $5,000 bond and then left jail and resumed partying according to sources. The father of the actress told reporters that Ms. Bynes does not drink and that he believes she is innocent and the DUI officer wrongly interpreted her emotions and nerves for being under the influence.

In Atlanta, GA, DUI arrests are a frequent occurence. DUI officers tend to take anxiety, sleepiness, shivering, etc. as signs of intoxication instead of seeing them for what they truly are in many instances. Especailly, as in the case of Ms. Bynes, when there is an accident involved and the driver has an odor of alcohol, the Atlanta DUI officers tend to make assumptions that the accident was caused because the driver was DUI. When wrecks are serious, this can lead to DUI charges being upgraded to felonies with the possible consequences of multi-year sentences in state prison.

If you or a loved one are facing an Atlanta DUI charge, call our team of experienced Atlanta DUI lawyers to help you get the best results in your case. You have a lot to lose with a DUI and our Atlanta DUI attorneys can help your protect your rights.

Marijuana Cases

Richard Lawson — Sun, 25 Mar 2012 16:10:00 GMT

While many parts of the country have legalized marijuana, marijuana remains illegal in Georgia. For small amounts of marijuana ( less than one ounce ), the charge is a misdemeanor. For amounts of marijuana greater than one ounce, or for distributing or dealing marijuana, the charge is a felony. Even for a misdemeanor, first time marijuana offense, the penalty in Georgia can be severe. Under Georgia law, a first marijuana offense carries with it a 6 months drivers license suspension with no limited permits availiable. This law applies even if the offense has nothing to do with DUI - driving under the influence of marijuana. The law is harsh, but the suspension can be prevented. It is important to speak to a Georgia marijuana lawyer as soon as possible to get the best results and preserve evidence in your case. GA prosecuting attorneys do not have your best interests at heart and neither do judges. They are not watching out for your license or your criminal record. Call our marijuana attorneys today - whether your case is a DUI - drugs offense or just simple simple possession, we can help you.

Repeat DUI Offenders

Richard Lawson — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 03:36:00 GMT

If you are a repeat Athens DUI offender, you are facing very tough penalties including, months of jail time, years on probation, DUI court treatment program ( for Athens-Clarke residents only) and hundreds of hours of community service. Sometimes, people feel that is hopeless to fight Athens DUI cases if you already have a conviction on your record. However, that is not the case. Everyone is entitled to a trial by jury on their DUI charges and it would be smart to consult with an Athens DUI lawyer to get the best results. The Athens DUI prosecuting attorneys can bring your previous DUI convictions up and attempt to use them against you in court. These priors are known as "similar transcactions" and even though they have little relevance to the case you are charged with, Georgia evidence law says that there are ways for them to be used against you at trial.

An Athens repeat DUI offender is looking at years without a license and months in the Athens-Clarke County jail. With so much on the line, consulting with an Athens DUI defense lawyer is a necessity to protect your rights and your freedom.

Second Athens, GA DUI

Richard Lawson — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 03:20:00 GMT

A first lifetime Athens DUI is tough enough - a conviction for DUI in Athens almost always means additional jail time, probation, and hefty fines and fees. But for a second Athens DUI, or if you are a repeat DUI offender, the penalties get even worse. Typically, Athens DUI prosecuting attorneys fast track a second DUI case and within just a few weeks the accused driver is having an arraignment date and may then be put on a jury trial calendar if they do not agree to a plea bargain that usually includes a choice between a lot of jail time or entering the Athens-Clarke County DUI court program. DUI court is a treatment program, not a "real court" where you go to contest your case. It is typically a year in length and requires multiple court appearances. It is divided into phases and for a second Athens DUI offender who enters DUI court, you usually have to appear before the Judge once a week to report on your status. Weekly (or even more freqent) counseling and drug and alcohol screens are generally part of the program as are random visits to your house to search for alcohol and drugs. These programs are strenuous and many DUI offenders are really not good candidates for them even if they are a repeat DUI offender and are interested in getting treatment. The best option if you are seeking your second Athens DUI is to consult a DUI lawyer and get their help. An Athens DUI attorney can answer your questions about DUI court and how to challenge a repeat DUI case.

First DUI Arrest Athens, Georgia

Richard Lawson — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 18:16:00 GMT

If you are arrested for a first DUI in Athens Georgia, it is important to hire a DUI Lawyer in Athens. There are many unique issues that apply in a first dui in Athens-Clarke County.

If you hire an Athens DUi Lawyer in the first 10 days, she may be able to save your license and help you continue to drive to work and school. You have 10 days to have your ALS letter, " the 10 day letter." This is the first step in fighting your DUI in Athens-Clarke County.

Once the 10 day letter is sent, your Athens DUI Attorney will be able to get all of the reports and videos and develop the Best DUI Defense for you. This will include a review of all the evidence and the interview of any witnesses. I may also include consultation with expert witnesses, toxocologists, former police officers, and other experts.

You field sobrirty tests will be evaluated and re-scored taking into consideration the things you did right on the tests, rather than the things you did wrong. Your breath test can be reviewed for errors in the procedures followed and whether the intox machine was working correctly.

You do not have to plead guilty to a first DUI in Athens GA. You may have several defenses that can result in a dismissal of the charges or reduction to a lessor charge such as reckless driving. Contact an Athens-Clarke County DUI Lawyer today for the best possible defense.

North Georgia DUI Lawyers

Richard Lawson — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 21:51:00 GMT

DUI arrests are up throughout the state of Georgia and in the north Georgia counties of White, Dawson, and Lumpkin. In addition to local state and county police officers from the City of Cleveland, White Co, City of Dahlonega, etc., state troopers working for the Georgia Department of Public Safety patrol the highways looking for DUI drivers. Any minor traffic offense - even things as minor as windows tinted too dark, a tag light violation, or no seatbelt can lead to an officer stopping your vehicle and then beginning a DUI investigation. They will usually ask you a series of questions about where you were and what you had to drink. Then you will more than likely be asked to submit to field sobriety evaluations. These field tests are voluntary and they can be used against you in the court of law. Often, especially when a GA trooper or DUI task force officer makes the stop, they video tape you while you do their tests. Tasks such as walking on a line and standing on one foot for thirty seconds are hard to do under even the best circumstances, and if you are cold, tired, nervous etc., a good performance is impossible. That is even true if you just happen to not have the best balance in the world. The DUI officer doesn't know you and can't compare you to how you would normally act.

If you are charged with a White County or Dawson County DUI, give our office a call. North Georgia prosecutors are tough on DUI offenders - even if you have a clean record. Judges in Lumpkin County, White County, and Dawson County courts can be tough sentencers with high fines and jail time. If you want the best results on your DUI case, call our DUI lawyers today for a free case evaluation.

Atlanta Court Denies Bond for DUI Driver Charged with Death of Atlanta Police Officer

Richard Lawson — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 04:15:00 GMT

A DeKalb County woman is charged with DUI and vehicular homicide for the death last month of beloved Atlanta police officer Gail Thomas. Thomas, a 15 year veteran of the Atlanta police force, was directing traffic and assisting other Atlanta officers when she was struck and killed by the vehicle driven by 22 year old Chasity Nicole Jones of Stone Mtn. GA.

In Atlanta last week, a Fulton Co. Magistrate Judge denied Ms. Jones' request for bond. The prosecutor argued that 22 year old Jones has a traffic record that includes 6 citations for offenses like speeding and improper lane changes as well as two missed court appearances. Relatives of Atlanta officer Thomas were present in the courtroom, but did not comment on the proceedings. Ms. Jones will next go before a Superior Court to ask for a bond on her felony charges.

In Atlanta, DUI and vehicular homicide are among the most serious offenses a person can face. A tough and skilled Atlanta DUI lawyer can help. Call our Atlanta DUI firm today for a free consultation of your case.

Drug Court Judge Resigns

Richard Lawson — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 00:41:00 GMT

Judge Amanda Williams presided as a Superior Court Judge in Brunswick, GA. In November 2011, she announced her resignation as Judge effective early 2012. An ethics investigation was launced against her following accusations of her out of control behavior as the Judge that presided over the Brunswick circuit Drug Court program.

In Georgia, Drug Courts and DUI Courts are programs that more and more jurisdictions are implementing for repeat offenders. The term "Court" is a little confusing here as these programs occur after a court date when a plea of guilty is entered. A Georgia DUI Court or Drug Court is part of someone's sentence. Typically, if someone has had several DUI convictions or several drug convictions or drug related charged they may agree to participate in the DUI or Drug Court. Defendants offered Drug or DUI Court should consider their options before accepting this outcome. These programs typically are a minumum of one year and have a series of phases. They require weekly apperances before a judge, weekly counseling and treatment, random drug screens, conditions that a person may not use any alcohol, drugs (even prescription or over the counter medications), no breath mints or mouth wash, and even limit one's use of insect spray like "Off" as these substances can cause false positives on the screens for drugs and alcohol. Any violation can lead to immiediate arrest. In addition, the Drug and DUI courts often ask you to waive your 4th amendment rights and be subject to random checks of your household for any alcohol or drugs.

In March 2011, a radio program on NPR brought focus to the trreatment Judge Williams was giving to participants in her Drug Court program. This lead to a probe of ethics as her methods appeared overly punitive and in violation of the sentences of the drug court defendants. Judge Williams chose to resign shortly after the probe was launched.

If you are facing DUI or drug charges in Georgia, call Atlanta DUI lawyer Richard Lawson. He can help you decide if a drug or DUI court program would be in your interest and help you negotiate a favorable plea bargain or fight your case.

Atlanta Principal Charged with DUI; Hit and Run

Richard Lawson — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 03:04:00 GMT

In the early morning areas of December 21, an Atlanta area Assitant Principal was arrested by a DUI officer with the Georgia State Troopers for driving under the influence ( DUI ), hit and run, leaving the scene of accident, running a red light, failing to maintain her lane and for driving without her headlights on.

According to reports, Tanisha Rodgers Thomas was driving in Douglas County, GA when she crossed over the center line of the road and struck another vehicle. The DUI officer stated that Ms. Thomas then continued to drive (thereby leaving the scene of the accident in violation of Georgia law) and contined driving. She then allegedly ran a red light and struck another vehicle. Per DUI arrest reports, she again left the scene of the accident. The Georgia State Patrol is reporting that she then hit a curb, ran her vehicle off the roadway and crashed into a fire hydrant.

One of the motorists in a car that was involved in the incident is claiming serious injury to his shoulder. Principal Thomas has returned to her job at Booker T. Washington High School in Atlanta, one of Atlanta's Public Schools. A spokesperson on behalf of Atlanta Public Schools stated that an employee is not required to report charges for offenses like DUI or hit and run to the school board, only convictions. As the case is still pending in Fulton County courts, Principal Thomas is allowed to work in the interim.

It is true that an arrest does not have to be a conviction. Innocent people are charged with crimes in Georgia all the time. No one has to plead guilty and everyone has the right to a trial on even the smallest traffic offenses like speeding or running a red light. Of course, the stakes are much higher for convictions for DUI and hit and run offenses. Both carry with them a stigma as well as jail time, probation, and loss of one's license or driving rights.

If you or a close friend or family member is facing a Fulton County or Atlanta area DUI or traffic offense and needs help, call our office today. Our Fulton County DUI lawyers are not general practitioners, but lawyers who specialize in DUI and traffic related offenses. We can help you get the best results on your Fulton County DUI case.

Judge Gets Reprimand for his DUI

Richard Lawson — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 19:46:00 GMT

The Judicial Qualifications Commission, the Georgia state agency that supervises judges conduct, has issued a reprimand, of which the details have not been made public, to a DUI/traffic Judge that himself was convicted of DUI earlier this year. Monroe County Magistrate Court Judge Jeffrey M. Davis was reprimanded formerly by the Judicial Qualifications Commission but is still serving as Magistrate Court judge for Monroe County.

At the time of his arrest in June 2011, Judge Davis was also serving as Forsyth Municipal Court Judge where he presided over traffic cases including driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol ( DUI ) cases. On the day following his arrest, he resigned from presiding over DUI cases and his post as Forsyth traffic court judge. He also was convicted of the DUI by entering a guilty plea in Bibb County State Court where he was placed on 12 months probation, ordered to pay a fine, and sentenced to serve 24 hours in jail.

Fulton County Christmas DUI Arrests

Richard Lawson — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 04:36:00 GMT

Be very careful on the roads of Fulton County GA this holiday season. Fulton County officers ( including the cities of Atlanta, Roswell, Johns Creek, Alpharetta, College Park, etc. ) crack down during late December in terms of traffic patrol. Specifically, they are looking for DUI drivers. While no one can be pulled over for DUI - the Fulton DUI officer needs to stop you for something like failing to maintain your lane, speeding, or a red light violation - we all know the officers are looking for DUI drivers this time of year especially. With people coming home from Christmas parties and resturants as well as the typical New Years Eve parties, Fulton law enforcement officers are not giving people the benefit of the doubt when it comes to DUI. So be very careful out there and my advice is to not drink a drop if you are planning to drive. That also goes for medicines. Do not take cold medicine or even prescription pain killers or sleep aids if you are planning to drive at all during these holiday times. In addition to DUI for drinking alcohol, Fulton County officers stop and arrest drivers for driving under the influence of prescription and over the counter drugs. If the Fulton DUI officer does not like your driving, and they request a blood test, and that blood test shows some type of medication, well, that can mean trouble and a Fulton County DUI prosecutor wanting to convict you for DUI. This conviction stays on your record forever and can lead you to lose your GA drivers license and even do additional jail time.

If you are facing a DUI charges, call Fulton County DUI defense lawyer Richard Lawson. Mr. Lawson and his time of DUI defense professionals help drivers get the best defense available. Call Mr. Lawson today to discuss your unique situation and devise a strategy to get your best results with your Fulton DUI charges.

More High Profile DUI Arrests

Richard Lawson — Sun, 11 Dec 2011 22:46:00 GMT

Atlanta / Fulton County DUI officers are zealous in their pursuit of DUI drivers. They make thousands of arrests each year. Fulton County courts take in thousands of dollars as a result of the fines and fees assoicated with these DUI cases. But if have been arrested recently in Fulton County, or anyhwere in Georgia for DUI, you are not alone. It seems that nearly everyday there is a headline for someone getting arreated for DUI. Recently, a former Disney channel star, Mitchel Musso, age 20, was arreated in CA for DUI. Musso is known for his work on "Hannah Montana" as well as being the current star of Disney series "Pair of Kings" and the cartoon voice on the show "Phineas and Ferb." He was pulled over for failing to obey the instructions of an officer directinf traffic. He submitted to a breath tests and blew far over the legal limit. (For a 20 year old in Atlanta, GA, the legal limit would only be a .02). Also recently arrested for DUI was actor Ryan Merriman known for starring in the movie "Final Destination 3." Merriman was arrested in CA for DUI after commiting a red light offense according to reports. ESPN analyst and former professional hockey player Matthew Barnaby was arrsted in NY recently after driving his Porsche recklessly. According to reports, he failed the field sobriety tests and refused to take a breath test. (In Atlanta, failure to take a breath test can lead to a one year suspension of your drivers license with no limited permit.)

Fulton County prosecutors and judges can be all too willing to ignore your rights and give you harsh consequences. Don't let this happen to you. A Fulton County GA DUI can lead to jail time, probation, high fines, and suspension of your drivers license. But all cases can be challenged. Call our Fulton DUI lawyers today for an analysis of your case.

Atlanta Area Officer Charged With DUI

Richard Lawson — Sun, 11 Dec 2011 22:35:00 GMT

A Gwinnett County officer was arrested and charged with DUI last week following a 3 car motor vehicle accident. The Gwinnett Sheriff's Deputy, Douglas Mattox, who has been with the County since 2008, was driving a Gwinnett County vehicle early Thursday when he rear ended a vehicle which caused a chain reaction. One of the drivers reported injuries. A state trooper from the Georgia State Patrol responded to the accident which occured in Walton County on Highway 10. The responding Trooper questioned Officer Mattox and suspected him of DUI according to reports. The Trooper requested that Officer Mattox submit to a blood test for drugs and Officer Mattox consented. The results of such blood work are pending. According to sources, the trooper suspected Mattox of driving under the influence of prescription drugs. Officer Mattox was booked into the jail and released on bond a few hours later. On Friday, he resigned from his position with Gwinnett County.

DUI offenses for driving under the influence of prescription drugs are becoming more and more common. This is troubling as many drivers in the Atlanta area are taking a medication for one ailment or another. Many Atlanta drivers would likely have something in their bloodwork which a DUI officer could later state made them a less safe driver than if they had not taken the medication.

Atlanta DUI attorney Richard Lawson fights for his clients. He has gotten great results in the Atlanta metro area for clients who have been charged with DUI and DUI-drug offenses. His office maintains a 24 hour line, so call him now for a free case consultation. Remember that all cases can be fought and won. You owe it to yourself to get the best possible outcome on your DUI case.