 All About Gwinnett County DUI Courts
In Gwinnett County, anyone who has been arrested for DUI for a second, third or fourth time can volunteer to join a program called “DUI Court.” In other Georgia counties, drivers facing their second or more DUI, DUI Court may be mandatory. Many people find the whole concept of DUI Court confusing and I’m often asked what it is all about.
Generally speaking, a judge may sentence a person to “participate” in DUI Court as a condition of probation. To join the DUI Court program, a driver must first enter a guilty plea to DUI and at least one other offense, such as speeding. DUI Court programs focus on rehabilitation rather than jail time. In exchange for participation, drivers are initially given less jail time and credit for hours spent in court as community service.
DUI Court attempts to help people conquer their alcohol or other drug problem by mandating a substance abuse treatment, attendance in 12-step meetings, random alcohol and drug tests, and biweekly court appearances where a judge reviews how each person’s individualized treatment plan is progressing.
If a participate fails to meet any requirements of the DUI Court program, the judge can issue immediate sanctions, such as additional community service, jail time or both. If the participant has multiple infractions, he may even have his probation revoked. Essentially, DUI Court forces a participant to get and stay sober, or face even more penalties. The program costs about $3,000 and takes 18-36 months to complete.
The DUI charge is never dismissed, even with successful completion of the DUI Court program. For some people, DUI Court is a life-changer. For many others, the set backs are very difficult to endure.
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