Experienced DUI Defense Lawyer In
Madison, Georgia
When you lose your driver’s license, it can have severe repercussions on both your personal and professional life. To help you navigate this difficult situation, Michael Fulcher Law, a reputable DUI defense lawyer in Morgan County, Georgia, provides top-notch defense services. Either for 1st DUI defense, 2nd DUI defense or Criminal charges, Fulcher will help you every step of the way, fighting for your freedom.
Michael Fulcher Law, our Morgan DUI defense attorney in Georgia, will help you if you are facing a DUI charge: he has the expertise and experience to develop a defense strategy that safeguards your driving privileges and freedom. As a former prosecutor and public defender with over ten years of combined experience and years of private practice, Fulcher has represented clients in Morgan, Greene, Jasper, Putnam, Newton, and Taliaferro Counties. The law firm operates from two locations, a primary office in Madison, Georgia, and a secondary office in Monroe, Georgia.
He knows the people involved in the DUI and traffic divisions of these local counties: police, prosecutors, and judges. He takes this insider knowledge about state players and uses it to your advantage. Every court and county is different in how they treat DUI’s. This knowledge is essential to navigating the criminal justice system and helping you to avoid or minimize penalties.
Call 7064381555 or email to schedule a free consultation today. Don’t delay. There are strict, non-waivable time constraints to fight to retain your driving privileges and maintain all of your defenses. You don’t want to let those deadlines pass.
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FOR A FREE CONSULTATION
When you need a lawyer after being charged with a DUI or criminal offense or as you explore your options for filing a personal injury claim, look no further than Michael Fulcher Law’s impressive background, and ultra-attentive client service. To learn more about how we can help you achieve the best legal solution possible for your circumstances, call our criminal defense law firm at (706) 438-1555 or contact us online, and schedule your free consultation today.
Georgia’s First Offense Act:
The First Offender Act in Georgia is a law that allows certain defendants who have been charged with a first-time non-violent felony offense or a first-time DUI offense to avoid a criminal conviction and have the charges dismissed upon the successful completion of probation or other court-ordered requirements.
Under the First Offender Act, the defendant must plead guilty or no contest to the charge, and the judge must then defer entering a judgment of guilt. The defendant is then placed on probation for a certain period of time and must comply with certain conditions, such as community service, drug or alcohol treatment, or payment of fines and restitution. If the defendant successfully completes the probationary period, the judge will discharge the defendant and dismiss the charges.
It’s important to note that while the First Offender Act can be an excellent option for those who qualify, but it is not available for all types of offenses. For example, it cannot be used for serious violent crimes or sexual assault offenses. Additionally, the First Offender Act can only be used once, so if a person commits another offense in the future, they will not be eligible for the program again.
Overall, the First Offender Act is designed to provide first-time offenders with a second chance to avoid a criminal record and move forward with their lives. However, it’s essential to understand the eligibility requirements and potential consequences before deciding whether to pursue this option.
1st DUI in Georgia
First-time DUI offenders in Morgan County cannot take advantage of the first offender act.
It is crucial to enlist the services of an experienced DUI defense attorney in Morgan County to help you navigate the complex processes of prosecution, probation, and sentencing. Even for a first-time offense, the consequences of a guilty plea or conviction can be severe:
- 12-month license suspension with the possibility of limited driving privileges to work at a later time
- 24 hours or up to 12 months in county jail
- $300-$1,000 fines, plus court costs and fees
- 12 months supervised probation with a fee that varies by the county at around $40/month
- Clinical alcohol/drug assessment
- DUI Risk Reduction class, usually costs $350
- 40 hours of approved community service
2nd DUI in Georgia
If you are facing a 2nd DUI charge in Morgan County, and you have a prior DUI conviction within the last ten years, the penalties you face are compounded, and the judge has limited discretion at sentencing. In such cases, it is crucial to engage the services of an experienced Georgia DUI attorney who can assess your case’s unique circumstances and help you navigate the litigation process effectively.
A competent lawyer will ensure that your defenses are thoroughly evaluated and presented in court.
- 18-month license suspension
- The maximum penalty is up to 12 months in county jail, although usually a person is sentenced to a minimum of 72 hours in jail
- 12 months supervised probation with a fee that varies by the county at around $40/month
- $600-$1,000 fines, plus court costs and fees
- Alcohol assessment and a clinical evaluation
- DUI Risk Reduction class, usually costs $350
- 240 hours of community service
- Maintain an Ignition Interlock device on your vehicle for a period of time
- $25 fee for publishing your photo in the local newspaper where the DUI occurred
Criminal DUI in Georgia
A 3rd DUI conviction imposes mandatory sentencing that involves jail time, license suspension, and public shaming. Each of these mandatory programs comes with a cost that you will have to pay. In addition, a third conviction within 5 years can mark you as a habitual offender. Because a third DUI conviction creates a horrendous record that will follow you through the rest of your life, you need skilled DWI lawyers Morgan County, to protect you from excessive penalties.
- 5-year license suspension with no limited driving privileges for work within the first 2 years
- 120 days-12 months in jail, with a mandatory 15-day jail sentence
- Fines between $1,000-$5,000
- 12-36 months of probation
- 30 days (240 hours) of community service
- License plate surrender
- DUI Risk Reduction class
- Mandatory alcohol or drug counseling and treatment programs
- Publication of photo in the local newspaper
- Declared a habitual offender if 3rd major traffic offense within the last 5 years
- A subsequent DUI could be a felony offense with prison time
DUI Frequently Asked Questions
AMAZING WORK
“Mr. Fulcher has been tremendously helpful with my case. Since hiring him he has consistently returned my calls as quickly as he can. We discussed an ideal outcome, and I set about doing exactly as he said. Following his advice we were able to get a very favorable outcome. He is always quick to answer any questions, and has stayed very engaged with me throughout this ordeal. Michael provides excellent counsel, and I would recommend him to anyone!”
— TOM