Gwinnett County DUI Arrests
Consult a Trusted Gwinnett County DUI Lawyer
Gwinnett County DUI arrests can be complicated. Attorney Philip Kim explains what you need to know about DUI arrests in Gwinnett County.
Author: Philip Kim, Founder, Philip Kim Law, P.C.
Defense lawyer Philip Kim has committed his career to standing up for the accused, and protecting the rights and reputations of his valued clients. If you face criminal charges in Georgia, we can provide you with the skilled, effective defense representation you need.
Published on March 09, 2022, last updated on July 09, 2025.
What Happens After a DUI Arrest in Gwinnett County?
After a DUI arrest in Gwinnett County, most people go through a similar early process, even though timelines can vary. It usually begins with a traffic stop or checkpoint. If an officer suspects impairment, you may be asked to perform field sobriety tests and possibly take a breath or chemical test. If an arrest occurs, you’ll typically be taken to jail for booking, which can include fingerprints, a photograph, and paperwork showing the charge.
The next steps often involve court scheduling and early appearances. In many cases, you’ll attend a hearing where the charge is formally presented and you enter a plea. From there, the case may move into evidence review and motion practice, such as challenging the reason for the stop, how tests were conducted, or whether procedures were followed. Some cases resolve before trial, while others continue to hearings or a jury trial depending on the facts and available evidence, especially in gwinnett county DUI arrests where the traffic stop and testing details become central issues.
Driving privileges are also a common concern. A DUI can trigger administrative steps involving your license, and the outcome may depend on test results, whether testing was refused, and what is documented in police reports. Potential consequences can vary based on prior history, BAC level, and whether an accident or injury was involved.
To stay organized, start by gathering documents from the arrest, confirming your next court date, and learning how to access the related arrest and court records.
Gwinnett County DUI Arrests Help
Number of DUI Arrests in Gwinnett County, GA
The Gwinnett County Police Department reported 1,339 DUI arrests in 2018. This number significantly increased to 1,512 in 2020.
This section summarizes recent Gwinnett County DUI Arrests trends and why the numbers matter.
Thus, with the increasing number of DUI arrests in Gwinnett County, it is crucial to stay updated with relevant information in this area.
What to Do After a DUI Arrest in Gwinnett County
If you are arrested for a DUI, focus first on the immediate next steps: review your paperwork, confirm upcoming court dates, and keep track of any license-related deadlines. If you’re unsure what applies to your situation, you can also consider speaking with a local DUI defense lawyer for case-specific guidance.
If you are convicted of DUI charges, this can have severe consequences on your life.
You may lose your job and have to deal with a license suspension. You may also be ordered to attend alcohol education classes and treatment programs. If you are a repeat offender, you could also have an ignition interlock device installed in your vehicle.
Gwinnett County DUI Arrests Help
Understanding DUI Arrests in Gwinnett County: Before, During, and After
A DUI arrest begins with a traffic stop. Officers may pull you over for common violations like speeding, improper lane changes, or driving with broken taillights. During certain holidays, Gwinnett County also sets up DUI checkpoints where all drivers are briefly screened.
Once stopped, officers look for signs of impairment. In many gwinnett county DUI arrests, they may ask you to perform Standardized Field Sobriety Tests (SFSTs) if they suspect alcohol or drug influence. These typically include the horizontal gaze nystagmus test, walk-and-turn test, and one-leg stand test. Georgia law enforcement agencies record these tests, which creates critical evidence for your case.
You may then be asked to take a preliminary breath test. Remember that Georgia has implied consent laws – refusing testing can result in automatic license suspension. If arrested, you’ll be transported to the Gwinnett County Jail for booking, which includes fingerprinting, photographs, and potentially additional chemical testing.
Within days, you’ll face arraignment where charges are formally presented. You’ll need to enter a plea: guilty, not guilty, or nolo contendere (no contest). This critical stage requires proper legal representation to protect your rights.
Defense options vary based on your specific circumstances. An experienced Gwinnett County DUI lawyer may challenge:
- The legality of the traffic stop
- Administration of field sobriety tests
- Accuracy of breathalyzer results
- Chain of custody for blood samples
- Constitutional violations during arrest
Potential penalties for conviction include fines between $300-$1,000, jail time ranging from 24 hours to 12 months, community service, and license suspension. For those with commercial licenses or multiple offenses, consequences become significantly more severe.
Legal Counsel for DUI Arrests
How a DUI Case Proceeds in Gwinnett County, Georgia
There have been many changes to DUI law in Georgia over the past few years, with many changes coming from defense counsel motions out of the Gwinnett County State Court.
Consequently, the Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Department often receive advanced DUI training to educate their officers on the process for making arrests, including gwinnett county DUI arrests tied to alcohol or drug impairment investigations.
Currently, a DUI case begins with an arrest. The officer will ask you to submit to a breathalyzer test, and if you refuse, a warrant can be issued for your arrest. If you submit to the breathalyzer, your license will be suspended for one year.
If there are no injuries or accidents related to the DUI case, the next step is a first appearance hearing, where you must enter a plea of not guilty and request an attorney of your choice.
If there are injuries or accidents related to the DUI case, it proceeds with an arraignment where you enter a plea of not guilty and request an attorney of your choice.
Most jury trials and legal motions for DUI cases are heard at the Gwinnett County State Court. While the prosecutors tend to be very tough, the judges are usually very fair.
Legal Counsel for DUI Arrests
What Happens When You Get a DUI for the First Time in Georgia?
In Georgia, you will be charged with a DUI if you are arrested while driving a motor vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
In most cases, the first time you get a DUI in Georgia, it is considered a misdemeanor. You face up to six months in jail and up to $1,000 in fines if convicted.
While most cases are heard at the municipal court, you should note that the case may also be transferred to the Gwinnett State Court for further motions, negotiation, or jury trial.
You can typically get visits from friends and family in the Gwinnett County Correctional Complex and the Gwinnett County Jail, both of which are administered by the Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office.
Gwinnett County DUI Arrests Assistance Now
Do You Get a License Suspension Immediately After a DUI in Georgia?
No, you don’t get a license suspension immediately after a DUI. You can still drive until you get the notice of suspension.
A DUI in Georgia is considered a misdemeanor offense. You will not lose your license immediately after the arrest. However, if you are convicted of the DUI charge or plead guilty, your license could be suspended for 12 months or more, an issue that often comes up after gwinnett county DUI arrests when drivers are trying to understand what happens next.
Depending on the circumstances of your case, you could also get slapped with other charges, such as an order for an ignition interlock device on your car.
If you have been charged with a DUI, you should contact your Gwinnett Superior Court Lawyer, as they could help you avoid dire consequences such as conviction, a blot on your criminal record, and license suspension.
The attorneys at Philip Kim Law can also provide free legal consultation on your case. We have been working on DUI cases in state municipal and recorder courts for years and have the skills and experience to help you get favorable outcomes.
Gwinnett County DUI Lawyer
Custody of DUI Arrest Records in Gwinnett County
Gwinnett County arrest records refer to the official files held by law enforcement officers and the Gwinnett County Clerk. They typically provide details on the happenings leading up to the arrest of a person in Gwinnett County.
The official court records contain an individual’s criminal history or record and form part of the Gwinnett County public records. These records have arrest mugshots, searches, logs, inquiries, police reports, and warrants.
These records are under the custody of government agencies and form part of the public criminal record in Gwinnett County.
If you have been arrested for DUI, the records will be maintained by the arresting agency and the Gwinnett County Superior Court. The files are typically available for public viewing, but some information may be restricted.
You can access your Gwinnett County DUI records from the comfort of your home by conducting an online search.
Contact a Gwinnett County DUI Attorney
How to Obtain Records of DUI Arrests in Georgia
To obtain Gwinnett county public arrest records, you can contact the Sheriff’s Office in Gwinnett County or the Gwinnett Police Agency, among several other law enforcement agencies. This is often a starting point for people researching gwinnett county DUI arrests and related court filings.
You can use the links below to access third-party websites that provide access to Gwinnett County arrest records.
County of Gwinnett Clerk of Court Records
You can typically search the Gwinnett County Courts’ website by case number and name.
Duluth Municipal Court Records
You can search for pending cases at the courts by description, case number, date, time, ticket number, and violator name at the Duluth Municipal Court.
Gwinnett County Arrest Records
Search for Gwinnett County records by court charges, name, case number, date of birth, and address.
Gwinnett County Police Department Press Releases
The police department in Gwinnett County usually releases press releases with brief descriptions of the arrest and courts where the hearing will hold.
Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office Offender Search
Find information on arrest records by area, phone number, name, internet email/names, non-compliant, and city using the Gwinnett County Office website.
Lawrenceville Municipal Court Records
The Lawrenceville Municipal Court allows one to search for arrest records by description or case number, date, ticket number, violator name, and time
Norcross Municipal Court Records
The Norcross Municipal Court in Gwinnett County can be searched by description or case number, date, ticket number, violator name, and time.
Snellville Municipal Court Records
The Snellville Municipal Court in Gwinnett County can be searched by description or case number, date, ticket number, violator name, and time, which may be helpful when looking up case details related to gwinnett county DUI arrests.
You should note that Countyoffice.org and StateRecords.com are not consumer reporting agencies regulated by the Fair Credit Reporting Act. Hence, they will not produce consumer reports as your regular consumer reporting agency.
Gwinnett County DUI Lawyer
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How can I find DUI arrest records in Gwinnett County?
You can search through the Gwinnett County Clerk of Court records, local municipal court databases, and the Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office offender search. Availability may vary by agency.
2. What happens right after a DUI arrest in Gwinnett County?
Most people are booked at the jail (fingerprints, photo, paperwork), then receive court dates for early hearings where charges are formally presented and a plea is entered.
3. Will my license be suspended immediately after a DUI arrest in Georgia?
Not always. Many drivers can continue driving until a formal suspension notice is issued, but administrative steps may begin quickly depending on the circumstances.
4. What are common reasons DUI cases are challenged?
Challenges often involve the legality of the traffic stop, how field sobriety tests were administered, breath test accuracy, blood sample handling, or constitutional issues during the arrest.
5. Where are DUI motions and trials typically handled in Gwinnett County?
Many DUI motions and jury trials are heard in Gwinnett County State Court, though some cases may begin in municipal court and later transfer depending on the situation.
Get Guidance on Your DUI Paperwork, Court Dates, and License Concerns
If you need help understanding your paperwork, court dates, or how a DUI charge may affect your license, consider speaking with a local DUI defense lawyer who can walk you through your options based on your situation.
Contact a Gwinnett County DUI Attorney
Request a Free Legal Consultation
Lawrenceville, GA 30046