Professional drivers such as teachers, healthcare and counseling staff and those required to drive for work could face dire repercussions from being charged with DUI, including legal complications, loss of employment and increased insurance rates.
Professional licensing boards often take action against those caught driving under the influence, including DUI offenses in Johns Creek. Knowing the long-term consequences can help you take steps to safeguard both your reputation and career.
License Suspension
Engaging in DUI charges can be an emotionally distressing experience. Mishandled, it could compromise your criminal record, jail time and community representation rights – these can all have dire repercussions that need to be avoided at all costs. To safeguard against such consequences and protect your future it is wise to hire an experienced Johns Creek DUI attorney as your representative in court proceedings.
Many professions conduct background checks, and being charged with DUI can significantly harm your career prospects and damage trust between colleagues, clients and employers.
Additionally to a court case, you will face an administrative case with Georgia Department of Driver Services which seeks to suspend your license based on failing a breath test or refusing one when requested by police officer. Our firm specializes in representing clients against such letters of suspension as well as administrative cases.
Probation
If your case results in probation or parole, it is essential to understand its potential effects on professional licensing. Licensing boards generally expect high standards of professionalism and integrity from professionals in various fields; DUI conviction can undermine this reputation.
Law enforcement officers conducting DUI stops typically ask drivers questions regarding their use of alcohol or drugs and may conduct breathalyzer, blood or urine tests for evidence of both substances.
After being arrested for DUI, your police report and field sobriety test results become key components in your defense case. Your attorney can review this evidence to identify legal issues which might aid your defense; often they can even negotiate to reduce or dismiss altogether your DUI charges altogether.
Treatment
An arrest for DUI in Johns Creek will leave an indelible mark on your record and become visible to employers, credit card companies and rental agencies. An experienced Johns Creek DUI lawyer can help protect against this fate by offering viable defense strategies that may reduce or drop charges against you.
An officer typically begins their DUI case by investigating whether or not a driver has been drinking and/or using drugs (including prescription medication) while behind the wheel. They will likely question and examine their suspect, looking out for signs such as slurred speech as well as conducting field sobriety tests.
At this stage, a police officer may use a portable breath analyzer to test for blood alcohol content levels above 0.8% and monitor any signs of impairment such as slurred speech and bloodshot eyes.
Ignition Interlock Device
An ignition interlock device (IID) is a breathalyzer attached to your car engine that serves as a preventive measure against intoxicated driving. As soon as you approach, an IID requires you to blow into it to check your Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC), and if your BAC exceeds a preset limit it will prevent starting your engine and prompt periodic rolling retests during your drive.
Most states mandate the installation of an IID for repeat DUI offenders or first-time offenders with high blood alcohol content (BAC). Once installed, IIDs need to be serviced and calibrated at least every 30 or 90 days depending on your state; specific breathing, humming or “suck back” patterns must be completed to pass a test; Smart Start helps drivers pass these exams more easily with its easy and sanitary test patterns on the market.
Court Fines
An arrest for driving under the influence in Johns Creek can have severe financial and personal repercussions, from making professional license applications more challenging to increased insurance premiums that hinder an individual’s ability to afford housing, food, and other essential necessities.
DUI offenses in Johns Creek may result in mandatory community service and alcohol education programs, as well as installation of an ignition interlock device designed to stop driving while intoxicated. Offenders could even face penalties such as jail time.
Experienced DUI lawyers can use pretrial negotiations to reduce charges or penalties and protect your reputation. Furthermore, proactive communication with licensing boards can demonstrate your commitment to addressing any underlying issues which led to your arrest and demonstrate you feel regret over what occurred.