DUI arrests in Gwinnett County are taken to the Gwinnett County Jail.  All DUI arrests by Gwinnett County Police are generally sent to the Gwinnett County Recorder's Court for trial. Gwinnett County Recorders Court can only handle non-jury cases.  Typically, only DUI pleas are handled in Recorder's Court, although some DUI cases can be reduced to non-DUI traffic violations like reckless driving in Recorder's Court.  If a jury trial is requested or motion to exclude evidence or to dismiss the case is filed, then these matters are typically handled in the State Court of Gwinnett County.  For multiple DUI offenders facing harsh jail sentences, the Gwinnett DUI Court is an option.  The Gwinnett DUI Court is a time consuming and strenuous program.  It is not for everyone.  The Gwinnett DUI Court program focuses on rehabilititation rather than jail time.

The Gwinnett County DUI Court was created in 2005 under a pilot program offered by the State and in cooperation Gwinnett County State Court Bench, the Gwinnett County Solicitor's Office, the Defense Bar, Treatment Providers and probation.

The Gwinnett County DUI Court program is a minimum of twelve (12) months and a maximum of twenty-four (24) months and consists of 3 phases: Phase I - Active treatment and early recovery, Phase II - Relapse prevention, and Phase III - Continuance of Care.  The Gwinnett County DUI Court program includes both vocational and educational components in conjunction with substance abuse treatment monitored by the Gwinnett DUI Court judge.  If you would like to participate in the Gwinnett DUI Court Program: First, Speak with your attorney; Second, Read the DUI Court Participant Handbook, the DUI Court Contract and discuss any questions you might have with your attorney; Third, If you are interested in voluntarily entering DUI Court, complete the Participant Application Form, and the Defendant Waiver form; Fourth, Deliver the documents to the DUI Court Office: by mail - Gwinnett County Courthouse, 75 Langley Dr., Attn: Court Administration, Lawrenceville, GA 30045; by Fax - (770) 822-8559. (A fax must be followed by delivery of the original documents.); in person - All documents may be hand delivered to the control desk on the 2nd floor of the Gwinnett Courthouse.

Once you Gwinnett DUI Court application is received: An appointment will be set for you to be assessed by the Gwinnett DUI Court Staff; The Gwinnett Solicitors Office will review your case and your criminal history; The Gwinnett DUI Court Team will review all of this information and make a group decision concerning your acceptance into Gwinnett DUI Court;  If accepted, your DUI attorney should contact the Gwinnett Solicitor's Office for a plea recommendation of punishment and a DUI plea date (DUI Court still means punishment as DUI laws carry minimum mandatory jail time, community service and probation -just less of it); Once you enter your plea your treatment will begin right away.

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