Augusta DUI Lawyer

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Even a first-offense DUI can lead to serious consequences for an offender. You may be forced to pay excessive fines, lose your license, or wind up in jail. It is critical that you hire an experienced DUI defense attorney as soon as possible after you have been charged.

John Manton of Shepard, Plunkett can evaluate your case to determine if there are grounds to challenge the evidence against you. If your guilt is not in question, Augusta DUI Lawyer John Manton will work with the court in exploring alternatives to lengthy license suspension and jail. Depending on your driving record, he may be able to reduce the charges or sentence against you.

When you are charged with a criminal DUI / DWI offense, quality drunk-driving defense is critical. Augusta DUI Lawyer John Manton can provide the legal support you need to protect your rights.

John Manton is highly experienced in the investigation of DUIs. He is diligent in the preservation and presentation of evidence to support your case. Augusta DUI Lawyer John Manton can appropriately assess the actions of the officer to determine whether there was an improper stop or improper administration of a breathalyzer or field sobriety test. Back to Top

Protect Your Rights - Keep Your License - Stay Out of Jail

If you have been charged with a DUI, remember:

• Law enforcement officers will begin collecting evidence against you from the moment you are pulled over. It is imperative that you protect your rights with a legal advocate you can trust. Augusta DUI Lawyer John Manton will immediately begin protecting your rights and building your case against the prosecution.
• A police officer must have reasonable suspicion to pull you over. After you've been pulled over, the officer is supposed to conduct a field sobriety test in order to determine if he or she has probable cause to ask you to take a Breathalyzer test. An officer cannot stop you or perform a Breathalyzer unless they follow proper procedure or observe erratic driving behavior such as swerving, speeding, or some other driving offense.
• You can defeat a DUI charge. With effective legal advocacy you may be able to defeat a DUI. Augusta DUI Lawyer John Manton will thoroughly investigate your case to identify weakness in the prosecution's case. He is experienced with courtroom advocacy to effectively combat a DUI.

Drunk-Driving Penalties

While the court has some discretion in regard to sentencing, in general, the following penalties apply if you are convicted of drunk driving:

First-time DUI

• Fine/fees: $300 to $1,000
• License suspension: 1 year
• Jail: 10 days to a year
• Community service: 40 hours
• DUI driver education: Mandatory

Second DUI within 10 years of first DUI conviction

• Fine/fees: $600 to $1,000
• License suspension: 3 years
• Jail: 90 days to a year; at least 72 hours in jail is mandatory
• Community service: A minimum of 30 hours
• DUI driver education: Mandatory
• Alcohol counseling: Mandatory testing to determine if alcohol treatment program is needed. Completion of alcohol program will be included in sentence if program is deemed necessary.
• Ignition interlock device: If you need to drive to work or school, you can apply for a DUI hardship license. If granted, you will have to install (at your own expense) an ignition interlock device on your car for a period of at least 6 months

Third DUI within 10 years of first DUI conviction

• Fine/fees: $1,000 to $5,000
• License suspension: 5 years
• Jail time: Mandatory 120 days to 12 months with a minimum of 15 days served
• Community service: A minimum of 30 hours
• DUI driver education: Mandatory
• Alcohol counseling: Same as applies for second time DUI offenders

In addition to first-time DUI offenses, Augusta DUI Lawyer John Manton also handles second or multiple drunk-driving offenses as well as drunk-driving accidents that may be charged as reckless homicide or manslaughter.

If you have been charged with underage drinking or teenage drunk driving, Augusta DUI Lawyer John Manton will help you protect your immediate rights and your future.

If you need aggressive drunk-driving defense, contact Augusta DUI Lawyer John Manton to get started protecting your rights.

Visit Us:

429 Walker ST
Upper Level
Augusta, GA 30901

Call Us:

(706) 955-4185

Fax Us:

(706) 722-4817

On the Web:

JOHN P. MANTON III.  John was born and raised in Great Falls, Virginia.  After growing up in the Washington D.C. area, John attended the College of Charleston, in Charleston, South Carolina, where he graduated in 1999 with a Bachelor of Science and was a member of the Kappa Sigma Fraternity.  John attended George Mason University in Virginia for his legal education, where he obtained his Juris Doctorate in 2002. 

John started his law career as a Georgia State prosecutor for three years prior to joining Shepard, Plunkett, Hamilton & Boudreaux in 2005.  After joining the group, John obtained his license to practice law in South Carolina, allowing him to better represent his clients in Augusta, Evans, and Aiken County, South Carolina.  John is an active member in the CSRA legal community with professional memberships in the Augusta Bar Association; State Bar of Georgia; State Bar of South Carolina; and the Young Lawyers Club of Augusta.  John focuses his practice in the areas of: Real Estate; Civil Litigation; Personal Injury; Wrongful Death; Medical Malpractice; and Criminal Defense. 

John currently resides in Augusta, Georgia with his wife Rebecca.  John is involved in various community activities including the Southeastern Natural Science Academy and the Hephzibah Agricultural Club.

Areas of Practice:
20% Criminal
20% Real Estate
20% Personal Injury / Car Accidents
40% Government

Bar Admissions:
Georgia, 2002
South Carolina, 2006

Education:
George Mason University School of Law, Arlington, Virginia, May, 2002
Juris Doctorate

College of Charleston, Charleston, South Carolina, May, 1999
Business Administration

Professional Associations and Memberships:
Augusta Bar Association

Young Lawyers of Augusta

South Carolina Bar Association

Georgia Bar Association