Gwinnett County DUI Guide

DUI Arrest in Gwinnett County, GA: Complete Guide

Being arrested for DUI in Gwinnett County can feel overwhelming. This guide provides immediate, practical steps you should take to navigate the legal process, protect your driving privileges, and understand the specific procedures unique to Gwinnett County. Remember that a DUI arrest triggers both a criminal case and an administrative license suspension (ALS) case, each with its own deadlines and requirements. This guide will walk you through both.

Immediate Steps (First 24 Hours)

Following a DUI arrest in Gwinnett County, the arresting officer, typically from the Gwinnett County Police Department (GCPD) or the Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office (GCSO), will transport you to the Gwinnett County jail for booking. The booking process involves fingerprinting, photographing, and recording your personal information. You will be allowed to make phone calls, but the timing of these calls can vary depending on the jail's procedures and how busy they are.

Bail in Gwinnett County allows you to be released from jail while you await your court dates. The amount of bail depends on several factors, including your prior criminal record and the specific circumstances of your arrest.

Critical Deadlines

Missing deadlines in a DUI case can have severe consequences. Pay close attention to these crucial dates:

• ALR Hearing Request Deadline: You have only 30 calendar days from the date of your arrest to request an Administrative License Suspension (ALS) hearing. This is critical to challenge the suspension of your driver's license. Failure to request a hearing within this period results in an automatic license suspension, regardless of the outcome of the criminal case.
• Court Appearance Date: This date will be provided to you upon release and is when you must appear in Gwinnett County State Court to answer the criminal charges against you.
• 45-Day Temporary Permit: The yellow copy of the DS-1205 form you received at the time of arrest acts as a temporary driving permit, valid for only 45 days.

DUI Enforcement in Gwinnett County

Gwinnett County law enforcement actively patrols for impaired drivers. While specific checkpoint locations are not publicly announced in advance, expect increased enforcement during holidays and weekends.

Local Resources

• Gwinnett County State Court: 75 Langley Dr, Lawrenceville, GA 30046
• Gwinnett County Police Department: 770 Hi Hope Rd, Lawrenceville, GA 30043. Phone: (770) 513-5000
• Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office: 2900 University Pkwy NE, Lawrenceville, GA 30043. Phone: (770) 619-6500
• Bail Bondsmen: Search online for "Gwinnett County bail bondsmen"
• DUI Attorneys: Search online for "Gwinnett County DUI attorneys"

What Makes Gwinnett County Different

Several factors make navigating a DUI arrest in Gwinnett County unique:

• Decentralized Impound System: Unlike some jurisdictions with a single municipal impound lot, Gwinnett County relies on a network of contracted private service providers, primarily Statewide Wrecker Service and Lance Wrecker Service. This means you'll need to determine which company towed your vehicle.
• Strict Contractual Oversight of Towing Companies: The Gwinnett County Police Department (GCPD) maintains strict oversight of towing companies contracted by the county. The Chief of Police retains the right to inspect vendor records and conduct random audits to verify that charges levied match the contract terms.
• The 24-Hour Rule for Storage Fees: Georgia law, including in Gwinnett County, protects consumers by stating that no storage fees shall be charged for the first 24-hour period starting from the time of removal. This prevents towing companies from charging a "drop fee" plus a "day one storage fee" immediately upon arrival.
• Importance of the DS-1205 Form: The DS-1205 form is crucial. It serves as the Notice of Suspension, a temporary driving permit (for 45 days), and the officer's sworn affidavit.
• Administrative License Suspension (ALS) Process: In Gwinnett County, the ALS process is a separate civil case handled by the DDS and OSAH, distinct from the criminal DUI case. The ALS case moves much faster, demanding action within 30 days of the arrest.
• Notification Requirements for Towed Vehicles: Towing companies in Gwinnett County are legally obligated to initiate a search for the owner's identity through the Department of Revenue within three business days of removal. Failure to adhere to strict notification timelines can legally invalidate accrued storage fees and subsequent lien foreclosure.

To start the process of getting your vehicle back, contact the Gwinnett County Police Department at (770) 513-5000 to determine which towing company impounded your car.