Beer Run DUI: Georgia Man Arrested for DUI on Lawn Mower

A man from Bolingbroke, GA elected to make a beer run, on a lawn mower and while he was allegedly intoxicated.

Lonnie Spoon was the driver of the lawn mower. He was taking it to a gas station off of GA Highway 19 South in Bolingbroke to get more beer for the day. A citizen called the sheriff's office and told officers that Spoon appeared to be intoxicated while operating the lawn mower.

Spoon went through several field sobriety tests. After going through the tests with officers, he was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol as well as driving with a suspended driver's license. After investigation, officers learned that the suspended license was as the result of a previous DUI charge.

The current DUI charge against him is his third DUI in the state of Georgia. With a third DUI comes increased penalties.

If you or someone you care about has been arrested for DUI in Georgia, an experienced Fulton County DUI attorney can defend your case and protect your rights.

Third DUI Charge in Georgia

A person facing a third DUI charge is likely somewhat familiar with the system and how this all works. However, the penalties are now even more severe than they were for the previous two convictions. Police officers and prosecutors do not look kindly on repeat DUI offenders, nor do the courts.

The penalties imposed can significantly affect your life and your freedoms. It is important to put up a strong defense to help lessen the possible sanctions against you and keep your life intact.

Penalties for a Third DUI Conviction

If the prosecutor is successful in proving a third DUI, and you are found guilty, you could face the following possible penalties:

• Mandatory term in jail of up to one year
• Fines of up to a maximum of $5,000
• Five-year suspension of your driver's license
• One year of probation
• Minimum of 30 days of community service
• Required DUI education classes
• Required drug and alcohol counseling and treatment
• Possible forfeiture of your motor vehicle

Whether the DUI is for drug or for alcohol, the penalties remain the same. The increase penalties associated with a Third DUI conviction are noticeably higher than for a First DUI Conviction or a Second DUI conviction.

Defending Your Case

Just because you are charged with a crime, does not mean you are guilty. There are ways to defend your case to possibly reduce or dismiss your charges.

• Challenge field sobriety tests,
• Challenge breath tests or blood tests,
• File a suppression motion for unconstitutionally obtained evidence,
• Challenge witness testimony, including that of the officers in the case,
• Challenge a roadside checkpoint, or
• Prove that you were not intoxicated at the time of the arrest.

A good defense can protect your ability to drive and remain free of incarceration.

Consult a Fulton County DUI Attorney

While a third DUI charge may carry high penalties, there are things you can do with the right attorney to help your case. An experienced Fulton County DUI attorney can present defenses to the court to protect your constitutional rights. Contact us today for a free consultation.