Recent Changes to Atlanta DUI Laws Being arrested for driving under the influence can have many legal repercussions; to protect yourself best, seek counsel from an experienced Atlanta DUI attorney as soon as possible. Due to how often DUI cases evolve and change over time, having someone on your side who stays up-to-date on latest changes will provide the most efficient representation for you.
Skilled Johns Creek DUI lawyers will utilize all available resources to secure the best result for their clients’ cases, such as requesting pre-trial hearings to have chemical test results suppressed or challenged, or challenging evidence presented at trial. They may even advocate on your behalf for reduced or dismissed charges depending on the specifics of your situation.
Georgia state law mandates all drivers submit to chemical testing in order to establish their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) levels when lawfully stopped by an officer. Under its Implied Consent law, refusal can result in suspension for at least a year; however there are certain stipulations and exceptions related to this statute.
Law dictates that first-time DUI offenders who fall below the legal limit should not be jailed; however, this isn’t always the case as other factors may impact a judge’s decision to imprison an individual.
After being found guilty of DUI for the first time, Georgia will suspend your driver’s license and may impose jail time as well as steeper fines between $600 and $1,000 plus court surcharges, along with community service requirement of 240 hours and DUI School participation, probation period of 12 months, clinical evaluation and any necessary recommended substance abuse treatments. A second DUI within ten years is considered a felony offense and stricter penalties will apply, such as mandatory 72 hours in jail time plus fines between $600 to $1,000 plus court surcharges plus jail time plus fines between $600 to $1,000 plus court surcharges plus possible jail time of 72 hours plus additional fines between $600 to $1,000 plus court surcharges) plus possible additional fines between $600 to $1,000 plus court surcharges plus probation probation terms of 12 months probation followed by clinical evaluation and recommended substance abuse treatments or more than 1 year imprisonment as well as clinical evaluation and recommended treatment plans of substance abuse treatment recommended treatment recommendations from Georgia authorities.
Repeat offenders may also be required to install an ignition interlock device on any vehicles they own or operate. These breathalyzer-based breathalyzers must be activated prior to starting their car; installation costs could reach as high as $1,200 monthly and must be performed by a certified installer.
An Atlanta DUI lawyer could assist in fighting to prevent or at the very least reduce or dismiss penalties significantly for you. Consult one immediately in order to give your case the greatest chance of success.
Notify us now to ensure you take full advantage of your limited permit or filing an appeal to an automatic suspension, and ensure your best interests are represented by an experienced Atlanta DUI lawyer who cares about representing them and who provides exceptional service and personalized attention with a results-driven approach to each DUI case we handle.