A local woman was arrested for Driving Under the Influence (DUI) following a concerning incident at a license and safety checkpoint in Chattooga County. According to reports from the Chattooga County Sheriff's Office, the incident occurred at approximately 11:31 PM on March 8th at the intersection of West Spring Creek Road and the Baptist Church. Deputies were conducting routine checkpoint operations when a blue vehicle, driven by Lacy Adele Trammell, allegedly nearly struck Deputy Garmany due to delayed braking. After the near-miss, Trammell was directed to pull into the nearby church parking lot for further assessment. Upon approaching the vehicle, deputies detected a strong odor of alcohol, and Trammell reportedly admitted to consuming four beers since 5:30 PM while celebrating her birthday. An attempt to administer a Preliminary Breath Test (PBT) was unsuccessful. Following field assessment, Trammell was placed under arrest for DUI/Alcohol, informed of her Implied Consent rights, and subsequently refused a blood draw. She was transported to the Chattooga County Jail where she was formally charged with DUI and related infractions.

Location and Infrastructure

The checkpoint where this incident occurred is situated at a significant intersection in Chattooga County, where West Spring Creek Road meets the area near a Baptist Church. This location is strategically important for law enforcement as it serves as a connecting route between residential areas and provides access to community landmarks such as the church. The intersection is likely subject to varying traffic patterns, with potentially increased activity during church events and services. Rural roads in Chattooga County, including West Spring Creek Road, often have fewer traffic control devices than urban areas, making enforcement checkpoints an important safety measure. Such locations are typically selected for checkpoints based on traffic volume, accident history, and accessibility factors that allow officers to safely conduct stops while minimizing disruption to regular traffic flow. The timing of this checkpoint – late evening at 11:31 PM – aligns with standard practice for DUI enforcement operations when impaired driving risks typically increase.

Legal Rights and Considerations

In Georgia, DUI charges carry significant legal consequences, including potential license suspension, fines, mandatory alcohol education programs, and possible incarceration, especially for repeat offenders. Under Georgia's Implied Consent law, which was referenced in this case, drivers are deemed to have given consent to chemical testing (breath, blood, or urine) when suspected of DUI; refusal to submit to testing, as occurred in this instance, typically results in an automatic license suspension. The defendant has the right to challenge this suspension through an administrative hearing if requested within 30 days of arrest. Georgia applies a "per se" DUI standard where a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher constitutes impairment, though charges can still apply at lower levels if impairment is evident. Those facing DUI charges should be aware that Georgia has a two-year statute of limitations for misdemeanor offenses, including most first-time DUI arrests. Potential defendants should seek qualified legal counsel promptly to understand their rights and defense options.

Related Resources

Emergency Services:

• Chattooga County Sheriff's Office: (706) 857-3411
• Chattooga County Emergency Services: 911
• Redmond Regional Medical Center: (706) 291-0291

Traffic Safety Resources:

• Georgia Governor's Office of Highway Safety: (404) 656-6996
• Georgia Department of Driver Services: (678) 413-8400
• Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Georgia: (404) 223-6233

Support Services:

• Georgia Crisis & Access Line: 1-800-715-4225
• Alcoholics Anonymous - Northwest Georgia: (706) 234-5246
• Victim-Witness Assistance Program - Chattooga County: (706) 857-0700

Legal References:

• Georgia Code Title 40, Chapter 6, Article 15 (DUI Laws)
• Georgia Department of Driver Services: DUI Intervention Program
• Georgia Legal Aid: www.georgialegalaid.org