Don Turner Legal Team

Our friend Liz had this to say after we helped her: "When I got my DUI, I was SO stressed about what I was about to deal with. Don not only saved my license but made the entire process as simple as possible. I was surprised to receive an actual person every time I called his office. The entire staff was extremely helpful and Don was in contact with me regularly. Since then, I’ve recommended him to family members and friends, all of whom have been very thankful. We’ve added him to our speed dial! " Thanks for your kind words, Liz! If we can help you, call us TODAY at 770-594-1777!

Q and A with Don Turner Legal Team: Q: When will I be able to get my License back and what do I have to do to get it back? I was convicted of my 2nd DUI offense in February 2010. While on probation, I completed 15 days in jail, DUI school, 240 hours of community service, paid my fines and attended AA/NA MEETINGS 3 times a week. I completed probation in January 2011. ... I have had no further charges since my last conviction. My problem is that I do not have much money to get an evaluation and the interlock system. I even tried appealing to Henry county court with my convicting Judge, Judge Chaffin in May of 2011. My request was denied. I am desperate to get my License back (even a work permit) after not driving for close to 3 years. I have a job and have completely stayed out of trouble since. I also have been sober since my arrest-3 years ago. Any advice or further info would be much appreciated A: You will need to get the sentencing Judge to sign hardship waiver of the interlock since your hard suspension should have run in 18 months.

Question and Answer with Don Turner! Q: After the charges are dismissed, does this mean the defendant will have no "record"? Due to immigration status, a plea in absentia was entered. A court order was issued stating that the bond will be forfeited and the charges dismissed. The charge was felony theft by taking, but the state was offering first offender misdemeanor plea with community service.... A: If you entered a plea in absentia to a felony , it will affect your immigration status , even if you where sentenced under the First Offender Act. If your bond was forfeited you might be able to get it set aside with the help of a lawyer.

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Earlier last week, Associate Attorney Manal Chehimi appeared in City of Atlanta Municipal Court and arranged a dismissal of 3 of the 4 charges her client was facing including 2 counts of Hit and Run with bodily injury and Leaving the Scene of an Accident. After extensive negotiations with the City Solicitor, the client was able to plead to a lesser charge which would not affect her license to drive.

Last week, Don Turner successfully negotiated a 2nd in 5 years DUI reduction to Reckless Driving for a more than happy client! The Client was facing serious jail time, severe license suspension and loss of his job if he were to be convicted or plead guilty to this DUI! Due to the hard work of the Team in attacking the State's evidence, our client will avoid jail, keep his license, and more importantly, keep his job. Congrats to Don Turner and the entire Team!

"I have known Don for quite some time. He is very knowledgeable and communicates openly with his clients. His counsel has proven valuable time and again. I have gladly recommended him to several of my friends. If you need counsel for a DUI or trial situation, then Don and his team are the people to see." Posted by Mike, a DUI client to Don's AVVO Page at http://www.avvo.com//30075-ga-donald-turner-5/reviews.html

We are so happy to welcome back Janessa Chamlee to the Team! Janessa previously worked with Don from 2003-2007 as a legal assistant. She has been in the legal field since 2000. She returns to our Team after 5 years of being a stay at home mom to her 5 year old son, Cameron. Although originally from Miami, she currently resides in Cumming with Cameron and her husband, Shaun. Welcome Back, Janessa!!

DUI....If It Happens to You! Always 1. Always know your limit. If reached, call a cab. 2. Always keep copies of receipts and bar tabs. 3. Always have your license, registration and proof of insurance. 4. Always pull over quickly and safely. 5. Always be polite and respectful. Do not argue or resist. 6. Always exercise your right to remain silent. 7. Always answer only questions regarding name, address, and similar background information. 8. Always remember that after taking t...he state's test, you have the right to request a test of your choice at your expense. 9. Always call your lawyer (770-594-1777). 2 Never 1. Never exit the car unless directed to do so. 2. Never lean against a car. 3. Never answer questions about whether you were drinking or where you were. 4. Never blow into a hand-held alcosensor unit. These tests are almost always incriminating, no matter how little you've had to drink. 5. Never agree to perform field sobriety exercises, such as reciting the alphabet, following a light with your eyes, walking heel to toe or standing on one leg. These exercises are VOLUNTARY. These tests can be affected by vertigo and any number of conditions unrelated to alcohol. 3 The Chemical Test...Blood, Breath or Urine Usually you should agree to submit to chemical testing of your breath, blood or urine. Georgia law requires drivers to submit to chemical testing on penalty of a one-year license suspension. Some extreme facts may make it advantageous to refuse testing such as a death or injury in an accident, numerous prior DUIs, or severe intoxication. In the absence of such circumstances, it is generally advisable to take the state chemical test. Remember, however (and the officer should tell you this), that once you have taken the state's test, you have a right to independent testing of your breath, blood or urine by qualified personnel of your own choosing (at your expense) for the purpose of challenging the accuracy of the state's test.

DUI 101: Don Answers Your Questions Do I really need a lawyer? Don: The best answer is to think of those who, after the fact, have tremendous regret that they decided they didn’t needor felt they couldn’t affordlegal representation. The long-term consequencesfinancially and emotionallyalways outweigh the expense of legal representation. What is the 10-Day Rule? Don: By law you have only 10 days from the date of arrest to prevent your license from being suspended or even r...evoked. If you are charged with DUI and refused to take a test (breath, blood or urine), or if your test result indicated your blood alcohol level (BAC) was 0.08 grams or higher, we must request a special hearing with the Department of Public Safety along with a $150 filing fee in order to appeal your automatic license suspension. Do I have to be drunk to be charged with DUI? Don: No. A DUI charge simply implies that a driver has consumed enough alcohol or any amount of drugs to make them a less safe driver. A minor traffic violation such as failure to maintain lane, disregarding a traffic signal, driving too fast or too slowcombined with even a small amount of alcohol or any amount of drugswill likely be justification for a DUI charge. What blood alcohol level constitutes DUI? Don: Under Georgia law anyone 21 years of age or older is considered per se under the influence if they have a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08 within 3 hours of driving. For someone under 21, the BAC limit is 0.02. For someone with a CDL driving a commercial vehicle, the BAC limit is 0.04. What does nolo contendere mean? Don: A nolo is a plea that allows you to dispose of your case without admitting guilt. As of July 1, 1997, the only benefit derived from this plea is that it cannot be used against you in a subsequent civil action. It no longer prevents license suspension. I didn’t take the testwill my license be suspended? Don: Yes, if you refused to take the test or your test result was 0.08 or higher. This is an administrative suspension by the Georgia Department of Public Safety (DPS) that begins on the 31st day after your arrest. To avoid this suspension, we must appeal it in writing to the DPS within 10 days of your arrest. The suspension will then be staid until a hearing is held. What happens if I’m arrested for possession of drugs? Don: If convicted of even simple possession, you will lose your driver’s license for 6 months. This is true even if no vehicle was involved in the offense. What are my options once I’ve been arrested? Don: You have three choices: plead guilty, plead not guilty and take the case to trial, or plead nolo contendere if you qualify and at the court’s discretion, although such a plea is of little benefit. Your lawyer will determine your best defense based on your circumstances.