The DUI Court Program In Atlanta, GA: Is It Right For You?

In this article, you will discover:

• How to apply for Georgia’s DUI Court Program.
• What to expect during a DUI Court Program, and how that process unfolds.
• The benefits of participating in and completing Georgia’s DUI Court Program.

Who Is Eligible To Enter The DUI Court Program In Georgia?

To be eligible for a DUI court program in Georgia, you have to be a multiple offender. You could be either a second DUI offender within five or 10 years or a second DUI lifetime offender.

How Long Does The Georgia DUI Court Program Last?

Typically, the DUI Court Program lasts for 18 months. There are several phases to it. The first phase is the most difficult, with the most meetings and screenings. For the second phase, there are fewer meetings, but you continue with alcohol screenings and court appearances. As you reach the end of the program, the process gets easier and takes up less of your time.

What Is The Role Of Screening In The DUI Court Program?

During that time, there will be several screenings. You are tested for alcohol regularly, and if you test positive, then there are punishments. Sometimes, a judge will sentence you to a weekend in jail or require that you do extra community service. Ultimately, if you are screened and continue to do poorly, your jail time could increase, or you could be kicked out of the DUI Court Program entirely.

What Are The Benefits Of Completing The DUI Court Program?

The DUI Court Program’s most significant benefit is that it minimizes jail time. For instance, if you are facing three to six months in jail and consent to entering the program, often the court will waive the requirement of jail time. Also, jail time won’t be a requirement in the future as long as you’re performing well in the DUI Court Program.

Often, the DUI Court Program also includes community service. In many cases, the court won’t require you to perform that community service if you’re performing well in the DUI Court Program.

While those are the benefits of the program, there is one downside: in order to enter the DUI Court Program in Georgia, you’re required to plead guilty.

Attorney George Stein, is a skilled lawyer based in Atlanta, GA, who has helped countless clients just like you navigate the intricacies of DUI law. With decades of experience, he is prepared to assist you in applying for the DUI Court Program so you can avoid the most severe penalties of a DUI conviction.

Still have questions? Ready to get started? Contact George Stein, The DUI Lawyer today to schedule an initial consultation.

How Can A Lawyer Help Me Get Accepted Into the DUI Court Program?

Your lawyer’s first step is to check your record and speak with the prosecutor to see if you’re eligible for the program. The prosecutor will usually recommend the program because they favor its structure and results.

The second step is applying for the program. That requires a lengthy application to be completed by both you and your lawyer. Then, that application must be submitted to the DUI Court Administrator, who will set up an interview with you to ensure you have a positive attitude toward the DUI Court Program, that you genuinely want to attend, and that you believe you’ll benefit from it.

Typically, if you have a bad attitude, don’t think you need to attend, or are only applying to avoid jail time, you won’t qualify for the DUI Court Program. However, if your application is accepted and you pass the interview process, your application will be referred to a small DUI court committee for a vote on whether you are a suitable applicant for the program.

Notes From The Field: How Participation In The DUI Court Program Changes Lives

While it is a challenging program, many clients who go through the program successfully feel it was life-changing, helped them to get back on track and helped them address their addiction problems.

On the other hand, some clients feel that the DUI Court Program is not suitable for them. They dislike the public setting, frequent meetings, and having the court dictate their schedule. Those clients may prefer seeking private therapy as an alternative to the DUI Court Program.

Still Have Questions? Ready To Get Started?

For more information on the DUI Court Program in Atlanta, an initial consultation is your next best step. Get the information and legal answers you’re seeking by calling (404) 681-4000 today.