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Atlanta DUI Lawyer
Finding yourself at the wrong end of a DUI charge can be a frightening experience – and it is crucial that you have access to an experienced, knowledgeable DUI lawyer who will fight for your rights and defend you against this serious criminal offense.
Understanding the basics of DUI can also help you to manage your case, and we are here to provide you with all the information you need, as well as offer you a first-class DUI defense.
What Is A DUI?
A DUI (Driving Under Influence) is when someone drives or operates a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and may also be referred to as a DWI charge (Driving While Intoxicated). It is illegal in every state in the United States, and the penalties for a DUI/DWI generally include fines, jail time, license suspension, community service, and other consequences.
According to Georgia DUI laws, you will be classed as driving under the influence if you have a blood alcohol level (BAC) of 0.08% or higher, and this is reduced to 0.02% for drivers under the age of 21.
What Are The Punishments For A DUI?
Your Atlanta DUI attorney will be able to prepare you on the possible punishment for your case, but as a rule, a DUI conviction in Atlanta could result in:
Community Service
Some judges will impose up to 40 days of community service if you are convicted of a first-time DUI in Atlanta, rising to 30 days, or 240 hours for a second or third offense. Depending on your legal team, experienced DUI lawyers may attempt to get more serious charges reduced to community service for first offenders.
Driving School
Georgia DUI law states that you may also be required to attend “DUI” school if you are a first-time offender – this is a course that will need to be passed before you are deemed to have completed the terms of your punishment. If you are convicted of a second or further DUI, this will become mandatory, and your DUI attorney Atlanta will be required to confirm that you have successfully completed the course.
Fines
In addition to jail time, you may also find yourself facing fines of between $300 and $1000 for a first offense, $600 to $1000 for a second offense, and between $1000 and $5000 for a third offense. In the case of the latter, the judge may agree to waive half the fee in some cases, in exchange for the defendant’s successful completion of a court-approved alcohol treatment program – your criminal defense attorney will be able to advise you on whether this is an option. You should note that you will also have to pay any court costs and charges that arise as a result of your case, and again, your DUI attorney will make this clear.
License Suspension
Depending on the circumstances of your arrest, you could also face a license suspension of between 120 days and 12 months, meaning that you are banned from driving for this period. A third or further offense could see your license revoked for a period of up to 5 years, and you may be charged with a felony if you are convicted of another crime during this revocation period. It is vital to have a quality DUI lawyer on side to help you limit the time that your license is suspended.
Probation
You may be placed on a probation period of up to 12 months, and this can include mandatory drug and alcohol screening throughout the duration of this period.
Public Announcement
Two or more convictions in five years could see you required to pay a mandatory cost of $25. This will see your photograph published in the county paper, along with a notice of conviction.
License Plate Surrender
Two or more convictions in five years can see you required to surrender all license plates to any vehicle that is registered in your name. A third offense will also see you receive a declaration as a “habitual violater”, and you will be legally required to forfeit your vehicle to state control.
Ignition Interlock Device
Two or more convictions in five years will also see the mandatory installation of an ignition interlock device in each of your vehicles. This requires you to pass a breathalyzer test before the engine will start, and will need to be in place for a minimum of 6 months
Jail Time
One of the most serious consequences of a DUI in Atlanta is the prospect of serving time in jail, and this could range from 1 day to 12 months for a first offence, depending on the circumstances surrounding your arrest. This can rise to between 72 hours and 12 months for a second offense, and between 15 days and 12 months for a third offense.
You will need access to a quality Atlanta DUI lawyer as soon as possible to reduce the risk of serving serious jail time; so make sure you opt for criminal defense attorneys with a strong background in handling DUI cases.
Clinical Evaluation
If you receive a second or further conviction for DUI, you may be subject to a clinical evaluation, including a court-ordered substance abuse treatment program, and your DUI lawyers will be required to attest to your success.
What Factors Will Impact My Penalty?
The severity of your penalty will depend on a number of factors, and these include:
- What Factors Will Impact My Penalty?
- How many times you've been arrested for DUI
- The location where the incident occurred
- Your age
- Previous criminal history
- Whether you had a valid driver's license when you were arrested
- Refusal to take a blood/urine sample
These are just a few of the key factors that will be considered – and it is crucial that you have quality Atlanta DUI attorneys on your side.
What Factors Will Impact My Penalty?
The severity of your penalty will depend on a number of factors, and these include:
- What Factors Will Impact My Penalty?
- How many times you've been arrested for DUI
- The location where the incident occurred
- Your age
- Previous criminal history
- Whether you had a valid driver's license when you were arrested
- Refusal to take a blood/urine sample
These are just a few of the key factors that will be considered – and it is crucial that you have quality Atlanta DUI attorneys on your side.
DUI Under The Age of 21
If you are under the age of 21, a BAC of 0.02% or higher, will see you subject to a DUI arrest. You will face a fine of $1,000 – $3000 as well as possible jail time and the risk of having your license suspended for 30 days for a first offense, rising to 180 days for a second offense.
These charges can have a devastating impact on your future opportunities, including employment, education, and family life. A good DUI defense is therefore vital.
Your Next Steps
If you have been arrested or charged with a DUI, contact our experienced team of DUI attorneys today. Our law firm has a strong background in taking on DUI charges and offering first-class DUI defense, and we will work tirelessly to ensure the best outcome possible. Get in touch today for a free consultation, and allow our team of experienced DUI lawyers to take care of you.
