Question:  I got a DUI from a deputy sheriff in Barrow County the other night and I know your firm handles DUI cases in Barrow County.  I was on my way home with my girlfriend and we stopped at a couple of bars.  We went to a bunch of bars in Winder like Shuffles Bar, FATZ Café, Locos Deli & Pub and Chip's Bar & Grill.  It was a long night but we were celebrating graduating from the University of Georgia.  I didn't have a drink at each Winder bar, but I guess I had enough beer and gin at a couple of the places.

I got stopped by the Barrow County deputy for speeding and failing to maintain my lane.  He said I was going 28 miles above the speed limit and he said I weaved.  I really don't think I was going that fast and if I swerved it was because I dropped a drink on my lap (I know that's not a good excuse).

The Barrow cop saw the empty beer bottle and saw that my shirt and pants were wet and said I smelled of alcohol.  I took the field sobriety tests and I took the breath test at the jail.  I blew a .233 on the breath test and I know that's a high score.

I have to go the court at the Barrow County Probate Court.  But I need to buy some time because I just started a new job at a car dealership and this could really mess up my insurance and my new job.  What can I do?

Answer:  If you need some time then you might consider “binding the case over” to the Barrow County Superior Court.  To have a DUI case transferred from the Probate Court to the Superior Court you need to formally request a jury trial.  Probate Court is not empowered by Georgia law to conduct jury trials; only state courts and superior courts can have jury trials.

However, before binding the case over to Superior Court, you need to discuss your matter in detail with a Barrow County DUI lawyer who can evaluate your options and make specific recommendations.  Sometimes it makes strategic sense to have the matter bound-over, other times that can be a mistake.  Relevant issues may include whether or not this is your first DUI, whether or not you have a criminal record and how much time you need for your job.  An experienced Barrow County DUI attorney can advise you on your best options.

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Arrested for DUI in Barrow County?  Then you need a skilled, aggressive and knowledgeable Barrow County DUI lawyer.  The Sherman Law Group is here to help you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  Call us now at 678-215-4106.

If you have a question, email it to us with some details and we'll do our best to answer it on our blog.  Of course, we don't use names.