Categories: Driving News

Gwinnett Solicitor General Will Start to Prosecute DUIs in State Court

This means cases will now be prosecuted in a higher court.

Before DUIs were prosecuted in the recorders court.

The cases will instead be bound over and handled in Gwinnett’s State Court for motions and trials.

Photo: Google Images

“I have chosen to discontinue hearing these types of cases at Recorder’s Court because it is not a court of record, and the appellate process from motions decided in Recorder’s Court is limited to the Gwinnett County Superior Court,” Brian Whiteside said in a statement.

“In my judgment, decisions concerning violation of O.C.G.A § 40-6-391 (the section of Georgia law dealing with DUI) are so impactful that they should be heard by the Georgia Court of Appeals or the Supreme Court of Georgia.”

Whiteside said defendants who are likely to plead guilt or nolo contendere to DUI charges in Recorder’s Court will not be affected by the change.

Penalties for DUI in Georgia are related to the number of prior offenses:

When someone has a first DUI in Georgia they face the following potential penalties:

  • 12 months of probation
  • A minimum fine of $300 plus court costs and surcharges
  • Between 1 – 10 days in jail, which many times can be waived
  • At least 40 hours of community service
  • Substance abuse counseling
  • Attendance of the DUI Risk Reduction School (commonly referred to as DUI School)
  • Attendance of a Madd Mothers Victim Impact Panel
  • Drivers License Suspension, with a limited permit to drive

Georgia State law also requires clinical evaluation and the attendance of a DUI / Risk Reduction Program that’s certified/licensed by the Georgia Department of Driver’s Services before your driver’s license can be reinstated if you have been charged with any of the following:

  1. DUI
  2. Drug Possession
  3. Other drug offenses
  4. Under-age possession of drugs or alcohol

For more information about DUI School visit www.a1drivingschools.com or call (770) 962-9555!

Jenny Chiem

Recent Posts

Benefits of Defensive Driving

Defensive driving is always great for many reasons, not just insurance! Here are just a…

3 days ago

How Far Away Should I Brake?

The 3-Second Rule (Normal Conditions): Pick a fixed point (like a sign or tree). When…

4 days ago

Condensed version of High School Driver’s Education Program

Manitoba Public Insurance will offer a condensed version of its high school driver education program…

5 days ago

Watch out… Summer’s here!

Here are the most common summer driving issues—and how to stay safe: 1. Overheated Engines…

3 weeks ago

What are the most common types of car crashes?

Car crashes are an unfortunate reality of life on the road. While some are minor…

3 weeks ago

Why does my steering wheel shake while driving?

Ever cruising down the highway when suddenly your steering wheel begins to shake? Well here…

4 weeks ago