Mailman Arrested for DUI, Cocaine Possession On The Job

A Gainesville, Georgia mailman found himself suddenly embroiled in criminal charges during an otherwise normal day on the job. The case of 50-year-old Edward Dickson Gay of Flowery Branch, Georgia offers a lesson in obeying traffic laws after a routine traffic stop resulted in his arrest. A deputy with Hall County Sherriff's initiated the stop when he noticed Gay failing to use turn signals while delivering mail on Longview Drive on Thursday, February 23rd. According to Deputy Stephen Wilbanks' account of the arrest, "During the course of the investigation, it was determined the postal carrier was probably under the influence of some substance... [a] K-9 team responded to the scene and conducted an open-air sniff and indicated a positive on the vehicle. A little less than a gram of crack cocaine was inside the vehicle.” The cocaine was found in a small metal container near the driver's compartment. Gay was allegedly high on the drug while driving and delivering mail. He was arrested without incident and booked into Hall County Jail. His first court appearance was Friday, February 24th. The case was investigated by the Traffic Enforcement Division of the Hall County Sheriff's Office and U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General.

Driving under the influence of drugs is a serious charge in Georgia. Dickson Gay's case serves as a firm reminder that the best way to minimize run-ins with law enforcement is to give them no reason to pull you over. Easy to follow and equally easy to break, the best ways to avoid run-ins are keeping your car up to par with all motor vehicle requirements and not making any traffic law infractions, if possible. 'Probable cause' may open the floodgates to a myriad of potential charges, so if you are able then you should take measures to avoid giving officers a reason to stop you. Routinely check your headlights and brake lights, and make sure your plates are up to date. Most importantly, you should signal correctly, obey the speed limit, and not drive recklessly or irresponsibly. If you take these small measures, you reduce the number of reasons that an officer has to pull you over.

Possession of a controlled substance alongside a DUI Drugs charge carries more stringent consequences than a simple DUI. Under Georgia law, a possession conviction alone can result in a 6-month license suspension. Minimum penalties for DUI Drugs include a fine of at least $300, 1 day in jail, 12 months of probation, 40 hours of community service and DUI school. Again, these are the minimum penalties. The actual sentenced that is imposed will depend on the facts and circumstances of each individual's case.

If you have been charged with driving under the influence of drugs in Georgia, you will need a competent and caring legal counsel to uphold your rights in the courtroom. Contact Fulton County DUI Attorney Richard Lawson today for a free consultation of your case.