Pickens County DUI Guide

**(dui.guide - Your Guide to DUI in Pickens, GA)*Being arrested for DUI can lead to jail time, fines, license suspension, and a criminal record. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of what to expect and how to navigate the process after a DUI arrest in Pickens County, Georgia. We will guide you through the immediate steps, critical deadlines, and key aspects of your DUI case in Pickens County.

What Happens After a DUI Arrest in Pickens County

Following a DUI arrest in Pickens County, you'll face a series of immediate actions and long-term legal processes. This guide is designed to give you a clear understanding of what to expect in Pickens County, from booking procedures to court appearances and license implications.

Immediate Steps (First 24 Hours)

Here's a typical timeline of what happens within the first 24 hours after a DUI arrest in Pickens County:

• Arrest & Booking: You'll be taken into custody by an officer, likely from the Pickens County Sheriff's Office. You will then be transported to the Pickens County Jail located at 2985 Camp Rd, Jasper, GA 30143.
• Processing: At the jail, you'll undergo the booking process. This includes fingerprinting, photographing, and recording your personal information.
• Phone Calls: After booking, you'll be allowed to make phone calls. Use this opportunity to contact a licensed bail bondsman or a family member.
• Bail: Bail is set to ensure your appearance in court. The amount can vary, but it is set by a judge or according to a pre-determined bail schedule.
• Release: Once bail is posted (either by you or a bail bondsman), you'll be released from jail with a court date.

Critical Deadlines

Missing deadlines can have severe consequences for your DUI case. Here are the key deadlines to keep in mind:

• ALR Hearing Request: You have only 15 CALENDAR DAYS from the date of your arrest to request an Administrative License Revocation (ALR) hearing with the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS). Failure to request this hearing will result in automatic suspension of your driver's license.
• Court Appearance: The date for your arraignment will be on the citation you received at the time of your arrest. Contact the Pickens County State Court Clerk's office to confirm your court date.
• License Suspension: If you do not request an ALR hearing, or if you lose the hearing, your license suspension will begin.

DUI Enforcement in Pickens County

The Pickens County Sheriff's Office is the primary agency responsible for DUI enforcement in Pickens County.

Local Resources

Here are helpful local resources in Pickens County:

• Pickens County State Court: (Information on the exact location and hours of operation for the Pickens County State Court can usually be found on the Pickens County government website. Search for "Pickens County State Court" or contact the court clerk directly.)
• Pickens County Jail: 2985 Camp Rd, Jasper, GA 30143, (706) 253-8927
• Pickens County Sheriff's Office: 2985 Camp Rd, Jasper, GA 30143, (706) 253-8901, http://pickensgasheriff.com/
• Georgia Department of Driver Services - Canton: 220 Brown Industrial Pkwy Suite 200, Canton, GA 30114, (678) 413-8400, https://dds.georgia.gov/locations/canton
• Finding a DUI Attorney: Seek recommendations from trusted sources.

What Makes Pickens County Different

Pickens County, while similar to other Georgia counties in its DUI laws, has some unique aspects:

• Pickens County Sheriff's Office is the primary agency responsible for DUI enforcement.
• Pickens County may offer pre-trial diversion programs for first-time offenders. These programs allow you to avoid a criminal conviction by completing certain requirements, such as alcohol education, community service, and drug testing.
• The Pickens County Jail is located at 2985 Camp Rd, Jasper, GA 30143.

To request an ALR hearing, you can send a written request for an ALR hearing by certified mail with return receipt requested. Send your request to the address specified by the Georgia DDS for ALR hearing requests. Check the DDS website for the most up-to-date address. Your written request should include:

• Your full name
• Your date of birth
• Your driver's license number
• The date of your DUI arrest
• The arresting officer's name and agency
• A clear statement requesting an Administrative License Revocation (ALR) hearing.