If you are facing charges for driving under the influence, you have a lot to be concerned about. DUI is a serious crime, and the state of Georgia does not take it lightly. A first offense can mean fines and jail time.
You might feel like your entire future is on the line over one mistake, but there is hope, and you have rights. A Milton DUI defense lawyer can help you choose the next steps, with the goal of minimizing the impact your charges have on your life or possibly getting them dropped.
Our Milton criminal defense lawyers at Speights Law have over 120 years of combined experience advocating for Georgia residents accused of DUI and other crimes. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and find out how we can help.
Do You Need a Milton DUI Defense Lawyer?
When you face charges as severe as a DUI, it can feel like there is no way to beat the criminal justice system, even if they are treating you unfairly. You might think the only way out is to accept the consequences and try not to get in this situation ever again.
You are smart to avoid similar situations in the future, but you don’t have to accept your current charges without a fight. And, you don’t have to deal with whichever overworked, under-resourced public defender draws your name. We can help you stand up for yourself.
When you hire our Milton DUI defense attorneys, you have several advantages, including our years of experience defending people accused of DUIs. While every case is different, we may:
Investigate Your Case
We will review the evidence and the procedures followed by the arresting officer. This will help us understand the strength of the prosecutor’s case against you and recommend potential options for resolving your case.
Contest the Charges
If we can prove that evidence is insufficient to warrant your charges, we may suggest contesting them. For example, procedural or civil rights violations could lead to an acquittal or dropped charges.
Reduce Your Charges
If we believe the prosecution’s case has some merit, we may suggest negotiating for reduced charges. This can be effective if you have a relatively clean criminal record. For example, instead of DUI, you may plead to a lesser included charge of reckless driving or another traffic offense.
Argue for Lesser Penalties
If the prosecutor convicts you of DUI, we can still fight on your behalf. We may argue for alternatives to incarceration, such as house arrest or probation, or suggest lighter fines in exchange for community service.
Appeal Your Conviction
If we believe there were errors in the legal process that led to your conviction, we may be able to help you appeal the decision.
Defend Your Civil Rights
Our most important job is to defend your rights and your presumption of innocence. The prosecution must demonstrate you are guilty of your charges, and they have the burden of proof. We will work to ensure that you are treated fairly during legal proceedings.
What Evidence Is Used for a DUI Charge?
The police officer who stops you is aware of what to look for when assessing if a driver is under the influence. They will use various cues and techniques, such as:
- Visual observations of your driving and your behavior during the stop
- The presence of an alcohol smell on your breath or in your car
- The results of a field sobriety test
- The results of a blood alcohol test
For drivers over 21, the legal limit in Georgia is a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08%. However, you can face arrest even if you aren’t over the limit. If you are driving unsafely and authorities believe alcohol is involved, they may arrest you on a DUI Less Safe charge.
What Happens When You Are Arrested for DUI in Georgia?
Even though a DUI arrest does not necessarily mean a conviction, the penalties begin almost immediately. Reach out to a DUI defense lawyer in Milton as soon as you can. You need someone on your side who understands the process and knows the correct steps to follow.
Some of the penalties you can expect include:
License Suspension
For a first offense, you will receive a one-year suspension. After 30 days, sometimes you can apply for a temporary permit and, in some cases, reinstate your license. The license suspension process begins immediately after your arrest.
If it is your second DUI, your license can be suspended for three years. For a third offense, you earn habitual violator status, and your license is revoked for five years. Revoking your license may seem harsh, but the penalty is designed to keep repeat offenders off the road.
A DUI attorney can help you request a hearing to contest your license suspension. The request must be made within 30 days of your arrest.
Additional Penalties
In Georgia, DUI penalties become more severe with each additional violation. As a first-time offender, you may face:
- 12 months in jail
- A fine of up to $1,0000
- Probation
- Community service
- Mandatory installation of an ignition interlock device (IID)
- DUI education classes
When facing such serious consequences, don’t try to take on the system alone. Contact a DUI attorney who knows the law and can help you find your way through this difficult situation.
Contact a Milton DUI Defense Attorney
One DUI conviction can set you back financially and derail your career. A year in prison can take its toll, and if you’ve been convicted before, your penalties only get worse. Don’t play games with your future.
Get the help you need to minimize your charges and give yourself the bright future you deserve.
If you believe you’ve been treated unfairly, there is no reason to allow the criminal justice system to push you around. A Milton DUI defense attorney can help you fight for your rights.
Our team at Speights Law has been advocating for people in need since 2001. Contact us today for a free case evaluation.
