Question: If you get arrested for DUI do you have to do community service? I really don’t want to do any community service because I work a lot and I just don’t have the time to complete it.
I work a ton of hours in finance and I don’t have time to go out and volunteer. I do volunteer for some charities and I help friends move and stuff like that, but I don’t have much time left over to hang out with my family and work and to do extra volunteering.
And I’m actually worried about losing my job because my company got bought out by some private equity group and I know they’re looking to make staffing cuts, at least that’s the word from my friend who works in human resources and he’s usually right and these things.
I got a DUI in Forsyth County (and went to the Forsyth County Jail), actually in Cumming where I live, and I was pretty drunk. I took the test and I got a high score and now I’m scared about doing community service, which I just don’t have time for. My wife said she’d do it for me, but that’s probably not allowed.
I caught the drunk driving charge because I drove home after my daughter’s dance recital and at the recital I drank some wine and beers with another parent. He usually brings drinks to these things and I thought I’d have some. The Forsyth County Deputy Sheriff said I was speeding.
Now I need to speak with a Forsyth County DUI lawyer because I'm trying to see about the possibility of getting out of doing community service if I get a DUI, which I probably will.
L.T. in Cumming, Georgia
Answer: Georgia law provides for community service if you plead guilty to or are convicted of DUI. The fact that you are very busy and that your job may be in jeopardy does not provide a basis for getting around the community service requirement.
You can complete your community service at just about any legitimate charitable organization. Charities, which are designated as 501 (c) (3) organizations under federal law, are tax-exempt nonprofits. There are many great charities out there. Whether you want to help people, animals or the environment, there should be many worthwhile charities for you to choose from, many close to your home.
Some courts will allow you to buy-out some or all of your community service requirement, usually for about $10.00 per hour. Although many courts in the Atlanta metro area insist that you perform the hours yourself. You might have your DUI attorney ask the prosecutor if the judge will accept a buy-out for some or your entire community service requirement.
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When you get arrested for a DUI in Forsyth County, just call us. When you need a Forsyth County DUI lawyer, our phone number is 678-712-8561.
Valerie Sherman and Bill Sherman are DUI lawyers who have the experience that can help you, having served as a judge and a prosecutor.