Nighthawks Task Force To Step Up Patrols In And Around Athens This Weekend

This weekend long-time rivals the Georgia Bulldogs and the Tennessee Volunteers will face off at the Sanford Stadium in Athens, Georgia. These two football teams have been playing each other for over 100 years. Overall, Tennessee has won more games than Georgia, 22-21. In addition, the teams have tied twice over the years. This year the Bulldogs are looking to take back the title from the Volunteers, who won in 2015.

Those who attend football games may choose to tailgate beforehand or enjoy a few beers during the game. While many people will find rides or take taxis home after enjoying alcoholic beverages, some make the unwise decision to try and drive themselves home after having just one too many. In anticipation of this, the Georgia State Patrol is planning on stepping up DUI enforcement in the city.

The State Patrol is going to have troopers from its Nighthawks Task Force on the lookout for any booze-filled drivers who choose to take to the roads after the game. This specialized task force was created in October of 2004. Initially, there were ten members of the force who were "the most highly trained DUI law enforcement officers in Georgia." The task force patrolled "Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb, Fulton and Gwinnett counties during peak DUI related hours." The force was later expanded and "divided into two separate units, [the] Nighthawks DUI Task Force North and the Nighthawks DUI Task Force South." The northern force has 15 members and operates in Fulton County, Athens-Clarke County, and Gwinnett County. The southern team consists of seven members and focuses its efforts in Chatham County and Bulloch County. A third task force unit was added in 2012. The Nighthawks Middle Georgia DUI Task Force has six members and focuses on Macon and Columbus.

Getting a DUI in Georgia is nothing to take lightly. A conviction can have both criminal and administrative consequences. The range of criminal penalties for a first DUI in Georgia can include fines, jail time, probation, community service, alcohol and drug counseling, DUI school, and mandatory drug or alcohol treatment. In addition, a DUI conviction can result in an offender's license being suspended for a period of time.

It is important to note that license suspension becomes an issue almost immediately after an arrest for DUI. A person who has been arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence will have their license suspended after 30 days. They have just ten days from the arrest to appeal the suspension with the Georgia Department of Driver Services.

If you have been arrested for DUI please do not hesitate to contact the Law Offices of Richard Lawson today. Mr. Lawson has extensive experience defending DUI cases throughout the state of Georgia. He has dedicated his career to defending those who have been charged with driving under the influence. A DUI can have serious consequences for your future, don't go through criminal justice system alone. Let Georgia DUI attorney Richard Lawson's many years of experience work you. Call his office today at 404-816-4440 or click here to fill out our online form.