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Should You Obtain An Attorney Before Your DUI Arraignment?

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An arrest for a DUI in Georgia will mean a court date will be scheduled that you must attend unless you have an attorney appear on your behalf. After a DUI arrest, connecting with an attorney that knows the criminal laws and has the resources and background to manage a DUI defense is critical. And, making sure you do so before your court date is a good idea. But, not everyone has an attorney by the time of their first hearing. Whether it be because there was simply not enough time to find a lawyer or because one is unable to afford a lawyer, it is possible to attend your arraignment without legal counsel. When this happens, you will have to ask the judge if you can have additional time to find legal counsel. Then, it is your job to make the effort to connect with a DUI lawyer.

The DeKalb County DUI defense attorneys at Hawkins Spizman Trial Attorneys have extensive experience assisting individuals who were arrested for a DUI in Georgia. As former DUI prosecutors, the legal team at Hawkins Spizman thoroughly understands the system and how to get results.

Finding A DUI Attorney

If you are unable to afford an attorney you can let the judge know that this is why you do not have legal counsel present at your arraignment. It is your constitutional right to a fair trial and to the assistance of a legal professional and because of this, you may have the opportunity to be appointed a public defender. It is important that if you are in this situation you do apply for a public defender.

If you have the finances for a private lawyer, then it is important that you find one. It is not a good idea to come to an arraignment without legal counsel and then after being given time to find a lawyer, still attend a second hearing alone. If there are extenuating circumstances that have preclude you from obtaining a lawyer before your second hearing, but you were looking for one, you should let the judge know this. Making it clear that you were actively trying to find an attorney during the time you were given is essential.

Mike Hawkins is Board Certified in DUI Defense by the National College for DUI Defense, as recognized by the American Bar Association.  As of this writing, there are only 4 lawyers in Georgia who have passed the board certification exam.

Due to the harsh consequences that can come with a DUI conviction in Georgia like expensive fines, driver’s license suspension or revocation, time behind bars, and the establishment of a criminal record, finding quality legal counsel is strongly recommended. A DUI conviction can impact your personal relationships, your job, your ability to obtain a loan, and even your status in school.

Speak to a Georgia DUI Attorney Today

The Sixth Amendment to the Constitution says that you have a right to counsel, but the quality of the legal counsel you have matters. This alone could be the difference between overcoming your charges or suffering harsh penalties. To arm yourself with the highest quality legal counsel after a DUI arrest in Georgia, please call the Atlanta DUI defense lawyers at Hawkins Spizman Trial Attorneys to schedule a free, initial consultation at 770-685-6400.

Hawkins Spizman Trial Attorneys represent individuals in Georgia including Atlanta, Dunwoody, Alpharetta, Cobb County, Fulton County, Gwinnett County, Johns Creek, and Sandy Springs.

Source:

dds.georgia.gov/dui-faqs

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