Forsyth, GA DUI Law Firms & Lawyers

I think you should follow the advice of your attorney if you hired a skilled and respected DUI attorney, they know the court and the prosecutor and made a strategic decision to suggest that you don't appear. That being said, you have a right to be present at any hearing (yours included) that is open to the public.

Sounds like you did not have an Attorney at all at your case? It may be possible to submit a motion to withdraw your plea, but there needs to be more of a reason than "change of mind after the plea was entered." Speak to an attorney in your area to discuss your case and the conditions behind your plea agreement in more detail to see if there is a decent likelihood of getting the motion to withdraw granted by a Judge. Note that there is generally strict time limits to submit the motion after entering the plea, and usually the earlier it is submitted the better chance of having it granted. An attorney can advise you more specifically about this when you have a consult, but don't delay in calling some attorneys to discuss further.

Usually 4 to 6 months, but you may be eligible for a restricted license (to and from school and/or work). If your blood alcohol level is above .20 then there is a 10 month restriction. Fines from $390 to $1,000 plus penalty assessments. Your car may be impounded for up to 6 months. Up to 3 year optional ignition interlock device installed on your car. 96 hours to 6 months jail sentence, at least 48 hours of which must be continuance. If you have had a prior DUI within the preceding 10 years, it could be charged as felony with between 1 year and 3 year jail sentence. Depending on the County where the arrest occurred, generally a 1st time DUI offender will not do any jail time. However, the defendant will need to jump through some hoops and will be on informal probation from 3 to 5 years. The courts usually order that the defendant pay a fine and penalty assessments which amounts to approximately $1,800.00 plus various other court costs and fees, and either community service or community labor. In addition the defendant must enroll and complete a DUI program. Some courts also require that the defendant participate in a HAM (Hospital and Morgue) Program, MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) Program and have their license suspended. Some courts also require an interlocking device be placed on the Defendant's car, although they can, and sometimes do, defer this to DMV.