Recent Blog Posts

Martial Arts Fighter Ross Pearson Arrested for DUI

Richard Lawson — Sat, 05 May 2012 20:30:00 GMT

No one is too tough to beat a DUI on their own. On April 29^th, 2012 professional mixed martial arts fighter Ross Pearson was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol ( DUI ). He was pulled over early Sunday morning in Las Vegas for allegedly failing to maintain his lane. The "The Ultimate Fighter 9" winner was arrested for DUI after he was unable to perform to the officers satisfaction on field sobriety tests according to reports.

This is why it is important to know your rights. If you are stopped by a police officer in Woodstock or Cherokee County, you can decline take field sobriety tests. They are completely voluntary and are often used against you as there are many factors that can make you exhibit "clues" of impairment. Sometimes, you may just be nervous, sleepy or confused, but the Cherokee Co. officer misinterprets your behavior for intoxication. Don't give them that chance! Many people who are said to have perfomed poorly on field sobriety tests are not even legally drunk.

The Law Office of Richard S. Lawson has been helping driveres in Cherokee County who find themselves in similar situations to Ross for many years. He can explain to you the standardized field sobriety evaluations and how officers score them. He can also help you develop defense strategies to minimize the impact of a poor performance on such tests.

Prominent DUI Arrests

Richard Lawson — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 01:49:00 GMT

As always, there have been some prominent DUI arrestees in the news in the past couple of weeks. 26 year old actress, Amanda Bynes, was arrested for her first DUI charge in CA after striking a police officers car. In Georgia, a former DeKalb Co. ADA, Jennifer Little, who had only just recently ceased prosecuting cases and entered private practice earlier this year, was arrested for DUI. She refused all field sobriety tests and refused to take a breath test which may lead to a one year suspension of her Georgia drivers license with no llimited permit available. These are just two more added to the list of prominent and public figures arrested for DUI.

When someone is arrested for a first DUI charge, they are often traumatized. Most first time DUI arrests are to people with clean criminal and driving records. Being sent to jail and facing probation and a loss of a license is a scary proposition to most. Our Cherokee County DUI lawyers can help. DUI attorney Richard Lawson has been helping drivers in Woodstock and greater Cherokee County avoid convictions, license suspensions, and jail time for years. Call him to see how he can help you get the best result on your Cherokee County GA DUI case.

A first DUI offense in Cherokee County GA

Richard Lawson — Sun, 25 Mar 2012 16:47:00 GMT

Cherokee County GA is a conservative community and the judges and prosecuting attorneys consider themselves tough on crime. A DUI is considered by them to be one of the most serious and potentially deadly offenses they routinely come across and they don't let people off lightly for this - even if it is the first DUI offense. Jail time, DUI court classes, fines, fees, probation, license suspensions, and community service are common for a first DUI offense in Cherokee County. A repeat DUI offender, or someone with a history that includes alcohol or drug related offenses especially, is in for even harsher punishments. In cases where the State has weak evidence against the driver, Cherokee Co. prosecutors are generally hesitant to give reductions from DUI to lesser charges. The best DUI lawyers can help you fight your cases. DUI cases go to trial often in Cherokee County and our law firm helps those accused with Cherokee DUI offenses get the best possible outcomes. Call our Cherokee Co. DUI attorneys today for advice and consultation on your DUI related matter.

Orson Charles Arrested for UGA

Richard Lawson — Sun, 11 Mar 2012 23:21:00 GMT

Orson Charles, a former UGA football player, was arrested this weekend in Athens on drunk driving charges. Charles and a passenger in his vehicle were stopped in the roadway on South Milledge Ave. when a police officer approached to see if everything was okay. According to the DUI report, Charles then drive away and the officer followed him a short distance and then initiated a traffic stop. The officer began a DUI investigation and asked Charles to take field sobriety tests. According to reports, Charles complied and also took a breathalyzer that was a .095, which is over the DUI limit.

Charles is 21 years old and is currently ranked as a number 2 prospect for a tight end in the NFL draft. He is rated as All American and left UGA after his standout junior year when he was a finalist for the the John Mackey award for the best college tight end in the country.

A DUI arrest does not have to mean a conviction. All cases can be fought and even if a plea is entered a skilled DUI lawyer can help you get the best possible terms. This can often mean no additional jail time and the keeping your ability to drive. Cherokee County and City of Woodstock officers are tough on DUI, but our DUI attorneys can help. Call our Cherokee County DUI lawyers today for a free case consultation.

Busted in Cherokee County

Richard Lawson — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 18:44:00 GMT

Cherokee County and City of Woodstock, GA police officers maintain task forces with officers trained in DUI detection and procedure. During the holiday season especailly, these officers are on patrol and looking for reasons to stop Cherokee area drivers.

A Cherokee or Woodstock DUI officer cannot just stop your car for no reason. There are really only 3 different type circumstances in which a Cherokee County DUI officer may lawfully stop your vehicle:

1 - some type of traffic offense - this can be anything ranging from weaving or speeding to running a red light to a window tint or headlight violation

2 - if there is a roadblock and all vehicle are being stopped. DUI checkpoints and roadblocks need to follow certain procedures to be legal. If you were arrested following a stop at a roadbloack, you should contact a Cherokee DUI lawyer right away to discuss your options.

3 - if you were involved in an accident. Technically, this is not really a lawful stop of your vehicle, but many DUI arrests stem from when an officer responds to an accident and then begins to suspect one or both of the drivers of DUI. This is a problematic situation as recent trauma from the accident can mimic some of the effects of intoxication. For example, unsteadiness on your feet can be a symptom of intoxication or of trauma and nerves following a wreck.

If you are just driving and not committing a traffic offense, a Cherokee or Woodstick DUI officer has no basis to stop you. Any evidence collected or ascertained after an illegal stop cannot be used against you in a criminal case.

If you have been arrested for a DUI or DUI related offense in Cherokee County GA or the City of Woodstock, call Cherokee DUI lawyer Richard Lawson and his legal team to discuss how to get the best results.

Cherokee County DUI Breath Tests

Richard Lawson — Sun, 11 Dec 2011 21:42:00 GMT

DUI prosecuting lawyers in Cherokee County are brutal on those they have charged with DUI offenses. They are generally unwilling to negotiate charges to reckless driving offenses (even when the evidence does not support a DUI). They also rely blindly on DUI breath tests. Most Cherokee County DUI officers choose to give a breath test (as opposed to a blood or urine test) to drivers they accuse of DUI. Georgia uses a breathalyzer called the Intox5000 for the breath tests. Strangely, little is really known about these machines. The programming that the machines utilize is private and secret information, not revealed to Defendants and their attorneys or even to jurors hearing the case. But it does seem that these tests are far from accurate. We do know that the technology upon which these breath tests rely if very old - from the 70s. Cherokee County and the greater state of Georgia use machines for DUI breath testing that is older than just about anywhere else in the country. No one uses a computer from the 1970s, but Cherokee County prosecuting attorneys seem to think that this is okay for use in a DUI case.

If you or a loved one is facing a DUI charge in Cherokee County, call experienced DUI attorney Richard Lawson for a free case analysis. Richard is tough on DUI and knows how to attack the Cherokee Co. prosecutors office's use of the breath test results. Just because you blew over a .08 does not mean that the test will come into evidence or that it is accurate. Richard and his team of DUI lawyers get clients great results by fighting these cases. Give us a call today to find out how we can get you the best results for your DUI case. The consultation is free and confidential.

Woodstock, GA DUI - Drug Cases

Richard Lawson — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 00:59:00 GMT

Woodstock, GA DUI law enforcment officers take a tough stance on DUI, rarely giving anyone the benefit of the doubt. If they pull over a motorist and smell alcohol, they will likely ask the driver to submit to DUI field sobriety tests. The Woodstock DUI officer will then usually ask the driver to submit to a breathalyzer if the officer is not satisfied with the drivers performance on the field sobriety evaluations. Sometimes the driver passes the breath test, but the DUI officer still feels that the driver is under the influence. Drugs, of both the legal and illegal variety, can also result in DUI arrests and convictions in Woodstock.

Of course, it is illegal to possess or take drugs like cocaine, marijuana or meth. Driving while under their influence will likely lead to felony counts of possession as well as a DUI charge. Blood tests requested by an arresting Woodstock DUI officer can show these drugs. More and more, people are suspected and arrested for DUI for having their legal prescription drugs, as well as over the counter drugs, in their systems. Pain killers, sleeping aids like Ambien, and even cold medicine can lead to a DUI arrest in Woodstock, GA.

If you are facing a DUI charge in Woodstock or greater Cherokee County, call Woodstock DUI lawyer Richard Lawson to discuss how he can help you get the best possible outcome in your DUI case. Mr. Lawson has fought and won Cherokee DUI jury trials and has negotiated many successful plea bargains in Woodstock City Court and the State Court of Cherokee County. His aggressive defense firm handles DUI - only cases.

Cherokee County DUI Cases

Richard Lawson — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 00:47:00 GMT

Everyday in Canton, GA, Cherokee County officers make DUI arrests. Following an arrest comes formal charges - a DUI accusation - and an arraignment date. But everyone is innocent until proven guilty in the court of law. Those accused with a Cherokee County DUI may feel helpless, especially if there is no basis for the stop and arrest to begin with. Every case can be fought and no one EVER has to enter a plea of guilty to DUI. Attorneys at the Law Office of Richard Lawson routinely fight cases and get great results for their Cherokee DUI clients. In most cases, the best outcomes do not just happen by accepting the first plea bargain offer the prosecutor gives. The best DUI case results come from the hardwork of a Cherokee DUI lawyer reviewing the facts and the law and negotiating. If the prosecutor still won't reduce or dismiss the DUI charges, a dedicated DUI lawyer will fight the case at trial if the client wants to contest the DUI and keep it off his or her record.

DUI trials are typically misdemeanors heard before a jury of 6. Usually there are not many witnesses as the state prosecuting attorney relies primarily on the arresting Cherokee County DUI officers testimony and breath test results. Often there is a video or audio recording from the DUI stop that shows the drivers demeanor as well as the field sobriety tests. Speaking with a skilled DUI defense lawyer in Cherokee County as soon as possible following your DUI arrest is essential in mounting a comprehensive defense strategy.

If you want to get the best results in your DUI case, call Cherokee County DUI lawyer Lawson today for a free case consultation. Mr. Lawson and his team of trial lawyers proudly serve the Canton, GA area.

Wrestler suspected of DUI - drugs

Richard Lawson — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 22:43:00 GMT

Ex-WWE champion wrestler Matt Hardy, age 36, was arrested recently in North Carolina for the second time in the past month on suspicion of DUI - driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. According to sources, police officers recieved a complaint from motorists that there was a possibel drunk driver on the raod late Monday afternoon. This driver allegedly almost hit two cars. The arresting officer reported that he spotted Hardy's car swerving all over the road. The officer inititated a stop and then a DUI investigation. The police officer claims that Hardy had slurred speech and sleepy eyes and demeanor. When asked to take field sobriety tests, Hardy began the walk the line test, but after taking a couple of steps, reportedly fell off the line.

Interestingly, Hardy submitted to a breathalyzer.... but it showed that he had not been drinking alcohol as the officer had suspected. Rather then let Hardy go, the officer called for reinforcement and a Drug Recognition Officer responded to the scene. After undergoing several more tests, Hardy was arrested for DUI and brough to jail. The investigation continues and Hardy is scheduled for court in November.

This is a similar scene to what happens in Cherokee County, GA in the cities of Woodstock and Canton. Cherokee officers stop thousands of motorists each year and ask them to take field sobriety tests. Sometimes the officer fails the driver on the field sobriety tests (tests like walking the line and the one leg stand), but then give the driver a breath test which the driver passes. The Cherokee County DUI officer will often then ask the driver for a blood sample as it will detect drugs. While marijuana and cocaine are commonly what they officers look for, more and more people are charged with DUI if they have prescription drugs in their system - things like Ambien, Klonopin, and Xanax. This is scary as many Woodstock and Canton residents are lawfully prescribed these medications.

If you are facing a Cherokee County DUI or DUI - drug offense, call Woodstock DUI lawyer Richard Lawson and his associate DUI attorneys for a free case consultation. DUI offenese have serious consequences in Cherokee County, GA, so don't settle for less than the best.

Obama's Uncle Arrested for DUI

Richard Lawson — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 22:32:00 GMT

President Barack Obama's uncle was recently arrested for driving under the influence - DUI. Onyango Obama was charged allegedly stopped by law enforcement officers after they observed his SUV make a rolling stop at a stop sign. Upon speaking with Obama, a DUI investigation began. Obama is from Kenya and is being held in jail by immigration officials without bail. According to sources, upon being arrested for DUI and asked if he wanted to make a call, Obama stated that he wanted to call the White House.

This incident just goes to show how frequent DUI arrests occur. Whether in DC or in the Cherokee County cities of Canton or Woodstock, law enforcement officers are cracking down on making DUI arrests. Keep in mind that you are always innocent until proven guilty and a DUI charge or arrest doesn't have to mean a conviction. Canton attorney Richard Lawson and his associate lawyers routinely help clients get the best possible outcomes on their Cherokee County DUI cases. Cherokee County officers as well as police from the City of Woodstock and Canton make thousands of DUI arrests. Often there are great grounds for challenging these charges - ranging from probable cause to stop and arrest to lack of evidence at trial. Call the best Cherokee County DUI lawyer today for a free case consultation.

Juvenile Offenders in Cherokee County

Richard Lawson — Thu, 19 May 2011 04:13:00 GMT

In the Canton or greater Cherokee County area, if you are charged with a traffic offense or the offense of drinking and driving ( DUI ), you will go to arraignment in the state Court of Cherokee County in downtown Canton or to a municipal court. However, if you are under the age of 17, a juvenile court has jurisdiction. Typically, crimes such as minor in possession of alcohol, marijuana possession, disorderly conduct, shoplifting, criminal trespass, affray, and public drunk are handled in the juvenile court for offenders under 17 and are afforded the protections of juvenile court. Juvenile court is confidential, and after two years upon the completion of ones sentence, you can file a motion to have the records sealed. Traffic offenses such as DUI are a little trickier as they involve ones Department of Driver Services (DDS) records, which do not differentiate between juvenile and adult offenders. Contact the Law Office of Canton / Cherokee County DUI attorney Richard Lawson to discuss your specific situation.

For offenders over age 17, but under age 21, you face DUI and minor in possession charges, but they are in the regular Cherokee County state and municipal court system. Even a very low amount of alcohol, .02 grams, will qualify an underage driver as having an unlawful blood alcohol level. Canton, GA DUI lawyer Lawson can help you get the best possible outcome for your charges and navigate complicated drivers license issues for underage drivers. Call today for a consultation.

Cherokee County / Canton Probation Revocation Hearings

Richard Lawson — Tue, 26 Apr 2011 02:45:00 GMT

In the city of Canton, including the state and superior courts, probation violations are one of two types. Your probation officer can give you a technical probation violation for not paying or being behind in paying your fines and fees, not promptly completing community service or drug and alcohol evaluations, or failing a drug screen. For this type of violation, your probation can be revoked for up to several months. If you commit a new offense, perhaps a traffic offense like a DUI, or something more serious like theft or drug crimes, your risk being revoked for the remainder of your probated sentence. If you are serving on first offender probation, you will face adjudication or conviction on the underlying offense and resentencing on the original offense for up to the statutory maximums for the charges. This can lead to many more years in prison.

Probation revocations are serious, but they can be fought and won. Canton / Cherokee County attorney Richard S. Lawson has significant experience getting his clients the best possible outcomes on their Cherokee County probation revocations. He gets many of his clients re-instatments and saves their first offender status. Mr. Lawson also has a lot of experience negotiating probation revocation agreements with probation officers and prosecuting attorneys in which his clients get into Cherokee County's best treatment programs instead of jail or prison time.

If a friend or loved one is facing a Cherokee County probation violation and revocation, call Canton lawyer Richard Lawson today for a free consultation.

The Alco-sensor

Richard Lawson — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 02:56:00 GMT

Cherokee County officers love to charge people with drunk driving. After talking with the driver, the Cherokee County officers like to say that the driver had slurred speech, red or glassy eyes, or that they smelled the odor of alcohol on his or her person.

They will then usually ask the driver to submit to field sobriety tests such as the horizontal gaze nystagmus, the walk and turn test, and the one leg stand. The officer will often also ask the driver to take a roadside breath test, or alco-sensor. This detects the presence of alcohol on the drivers breath. Keep in mind that the breath test is not always accurate. There are many factors that affect the validity of such testing.

Skilled Cherokee Co. DUI lawyer Richard S. Lawson has experience challenging the use of such roadside breath tests as well as field sobriety tests. If you find yourself in the unfortunate situation of facing a Cherokee County DUI charge, remember that much can be done to contest such a charge. These cases are contested and won or reduced all the time. Call Mr. Lawson today for a free consultation of your DUI case. Protect your rights and your drivers license.

Cherokee Co. Field Sobriety Tests

Richard Lawson — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 02:40:00 GMT

Cherokee County officers pull over motorists every night for a variety of traffic offenses. During some of these stops, the driver will do something to make the officer suspect them of DUI (at least, that is what the the officer will say). The Cherokee County police officer will want to administer some field sobriety tests. There are three field sobriety tests that are validated. They are the HGN (horizontal gaze nystagmus) test, the walk an turn test, and the one leg stand test.

The HGN test requires the Cherokee County police officer to look at the drivers eyes for involuntary jerking movements. The walk and turn requires the driver to walk a real or imaginary line. The one leg stand has the driver stand on one leg for 30 seconds.

The problem with these tests is that they require the officer to conduct them properly and also are based on the officers subjective evaluation of the drivers performance.

Cherokee County DUI attorney Richard Lawson is trained in the proper administration of field sobriety tests and can review the video of the DUI arrest to see if the officer followed his training. Often times, the officer varies from the proper standards and Mr. Lawson can impeach the officer.

Canton Arraignments

Richard Lawson — Sat, 19 Mar 2011 17:05:00 GMT

An arraignment is the first step in the criminal prosecution of a DUI. (Don't forget that there is a separate Department of Driver Services (DDS) license suspension that must also be dealt with.) At arraignment, the government attorney will often have a plea offer ready for you and will want you to plead guilty. The other option is to plead not guilty. Even if you think you will eventually plead guilty, at the first arraignment, it is usually unwise to enter a guilty plea. In many cases, the prosecuting attorneys who work on behalf of the government will pressure you to enter a guilty plea if you are not represneted by an attorney. Usually they do this even if there is not blood work back from the lab, without them having spoken with the arresting officer, and without anyone having viewed the videotape. The prosecuting lawyer will want you to waive your rights to a trial and enter a guilty plea, which means a conviction for DUI. This should not be done without reviewing the evidence.

A good DUI lawyer will not allow you to plea without knowing what the state's case consists of. If the evidence is weak, the case should be contested. If you find yourself facing a Canton or Cherokee County DUI charge, consult with an attorney as soon as possible. DUI attorney Richard Lawson challenges cases in Cherokee County on a regular basis. Call today for a free consultation.