Gwinnett County is the second-most populous county in the state of Georgia. Gwinnett County was named for one of the three Georgia signers of the Declaration of Independence, Button Gwinnett. The county was formed on land ceded to the state by the Cherokee and Creek Indians, as well as a portion of Jackson County. Covering 437 square miles, Gwinnett is the 50th largest county in the state of Georgia. The first Gwinnett County Courthouse was in what is now the home of Elisha Winn; early courthouse business was held in a log cabin until a permanent structure was built in 1824. The Historic Courthouse was built in 1885, and served as the center of Gwinnett government until 1988. In 1871, a railroad line was built through the county.

In 1868, the county’s first major industry, in the form of the RH Allen Tannery, was established. Another tannery soon followed, with both tanneries experiencing robust business as they produced harnesses, shoes, whips and other leather goods. In 1950, the United States Congress authorized the construction of Buford Dam in Gwinnett County. Buford Dam provides hydroelectric power, flood control, recreational facilities and water supply. From 1986 through 1988, Gwinnett County ranked number one for the fastest-growing county in the United States. In the late 1980’s, the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center was constructed and the Historic Courthouse was renovated.

Gwinnett County is located less than an hour from the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, and half an hour from the downtown district in Atlanta. Thanks to an extension of Georgia Highway 316, travel time to the University of Georgia is less than 25 minutes. The Gwinnett County Law Enforcement Department strives to rank among the best local government law departments in the state. Gwinnett County also boasts a regional airport, the Gwinnett County Airport.

Where to Turn Following Your Gwinnett County DUI Arrest

With the many bars and restaurants located in Gwinnett County, you may find yourself in the unenviable position of having a bit too much to drink and being arrested for DUI. You may have never made such a mistake before in your life, and you deserve a Gwinnett County DUI attorney who believes in second chances. Melanie Ellwanger is that attorney. Melanie understands that good people make bad decisions, and that your entire future should not be derailed because of one mistake.

You could have been out enjoying your evening with friends or family members, and truly believed you were not too impaired to drive. Perhaps you were at a party in Gwinnett County with your friends, and drank only a couple of beers. Whatever the circumstances, it is extremely important that you not speak to the arresting officer, other than to give your name and address. After you have done that, politely refuse to answer any more questions until you have spoken to your attorney.

If you were given a Breathalyzer test, or were asked to undergo field sobriety tests, Melanie may be able to have those tests discredited, based on your circumstances. You may have a medical condition which made the field sobriety tests difficult, or the Breathalyzer machine may not have been properly calibrated. Melanie Ellwanger is an experienced Georgia DUI attorney who will