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Driving Under the Influence in Atlanta

Overview
If you were stopped by a police officer in Atlanta for questionable driving, chances are you were driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and will be arrested.  This is a serious offense; you can risk losing your freedom, license and job!

In fact, it is so serious that the state of Georgia requires two separate cases for a DUI charge:

  1. In criminal court
  2. With the Department of Motor Vehicle Safety

With a charge like DUI, you can not only lose your driver’s license and face expensive fines, but you can end up in jail.

It’s time to contact the DUI Defense Law Offices of “Insert Attorney Name”.  With them on your side, you have a chance to keep your life intact.   Our attorneys know that field sobriety tests, breath tests and circumstances surrounding your arrest can work in your favor once the facts come out.

DUI Alcohol Levels

  1. Blood alcohol concentration is .08 grams or more
  2. Blood alcohol concentration is less than .05 grams
  3. Blood alcohol concentration is above .05 grams but less than .08 grams - questionable
  4. The police only need probable cause to arrest you for driving under the influence within the last 3 hour period

DUI Drugs

  1. It is illegal to be under the influence of any glue, aerosol, or other toxic vapor when driving
  2. It is illegal to be under the influence of any drug or prescription medicine while driving

Next Steps

  1. You will be questioned
  2. You will be asked to take a field sobriety test
    1. The test will determine your blood-alcohol concentration
      1. however, it is not admissible as evidence in court
  3. After the arrest, he will take you to the police station to administer a breath test and/or blood test
    1. Please note these tests are unreliable and sometimes inaccurate
    2. Georgia law requires you to submit to a test
      1. If you refuse, you will face additional penalties (immediate suspension of license)
      2. If you blood-alcohol level is .08%, your driver’s license will be taken from you immediately and suspended
      3. The suspension of your license will appear in the records of the Georgia Department of Motor Vehicles
  4. To keep driving in Georgia, you must request an administrative hearing within 10 business days after your license has been taken from you.
    1. All drivers under 21 with a BAC of .02 or more
    2. All drivers over 21 with a BAC of .08 or more
    3. All commercial drivers with a BAC of .04 or more
  5. All Drivers – If you had a valid license when stopped, you may apply for a temporary license until your hearing
    1. If you lose at the hearing, you cannot drive 

If you are facing a DUI arrest, it could be one of the most stressful times in your life.  Let our experienced attorneys at the DUI Defense Law Offices of “Insert Attorney Name” fight the charges for you because they understand the Atlanta DUI laws.  

Penalties

First Offense

  1. 10 days to 1 year jail sentence, including a mandatory 24 hours in jail
  2. A fine of $300 to $1,000
  3. 12 months of probation
  4. Suspension of driver’s license for 1 year
  5. 40 hours community service – first offense
  6. Driver’s Risk Reduction Course

Second Offense – within 5 years

  1. 90 days to 1 year jail sentence, including a mandatory 72 hours in jail
  2. A fine of $600 to $1,000, plus surcharges
  3. 12 months of probation
  4. Suspension of driver’s license for 1 year
  5. 240 hours community service
  6. Suspension of driver’s license for 3 years
  7. Ignition interlock device on vehicle at your expense
  8. Alcohol evaluation and treatment program
  9. Driver’s Risk Reduction Course
  10. License plate confiscation
  11. Publication of your photo in the local newspaper

Third Offense

  1. A fine of up to $5,000.00
  2. Suspension of driver’s license
  3. 30 days community service
  4. Alcohol/drug evaluation or treatment program

In Addition

  1. Higher insurance premiums
  2. No driver’s license for everyday identifications

In Conclusion
The attorneys at the DUI Defense Law Offices of “Insert Attorney Name” concentrate in driving under the influence cases, a charge that can follow you the rest of your life.   We want our clients to receive the guidance and direction they need from start to finish. Our goal is to provide the best quality representation and continual advice to our clients.