DUI/ Traffic Tickets Attorney Marietta GA

DUI

Getting pulled over on suspicion of DUI, or driving under the influence, in Georgia is serious and the consequences can be severe. In Georgia, you can be charged with DUI in one of two ways. First, an officer can determine you are driving under the influence by observation and field sobriety testing. Secondly, you can be charged for DUI per se. This means that your blood alcohol level is .08% or higher (the threshold is lower for commercial vehicle drivers or if you are under the age of 21). The punishments range from fines to a jail sentence, depending on your age and previous DUI convictions. In addition, a DUI conviction in Georgia will remain on your driving record forever.

Consequences of a First DUI Conviction in Georgia

In Georgia, there are two separate “cases” in the event of a DUI. There is a criminal case and an administrative case. The outcome of the administrative case will determine the terms of your license suspension. Criminally, Georgia sets mandatory minimum penalties for a first time DUI conviction. This means that if you are convicted of DUI in the state, there are minimum penalties that a judge must impose. The judge has discretion to order more serious punishments in addition to the minimum penalties. Punishments for a first time DUI conviction include:

  • 24 hours to 12 months jail time
  • 40 hours community service
  • $300 – $1000 fine
  • Completion of DUI school
  • 12 month probation period (minus days spent in jail)
  • License suspension for up to one year

Implied Consent Law in Georgia

Georgia law requires that if you are pulled over on suspicion of DUI and the arresting officer requests you submit to a chemical test, you must submit to the testing. The tests can include blood, breath, or urine test.

Should I Refuse the Chemical Test?

dui test

Chemical tests are requested by the arresting officer to provide evidence against you and to offer proof that you were operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. You can refuse the chemical test.

If you refuse to submit to testing, however, know that your license will be suspended for one year. You have the opportunity to challenge your license suspension by requesting an administrative hearing within 30 days of the arrest. Contacting an attorney before this deadline is crucial in order to contest the license revocation and attempt to retain your driving privileges.

Traffic Tickets in Georgia

In addition to DUI, if you receive a traffic ticket in Georgia, you have the right to contest the ticket. An attorney can help advise you legally and may be able to help you avoid appearing in court or to reduce your fines.

Contact a DUI/ Traffic Ticket Attorney Right Away

A DUI conviction in Georgia can affect your driving record for life. It is imperative to speak with a qualified attorney to help protect your rights. Contact attorney Tom Mitchell of the Mitchell Law Group right away after an arrest for DUI. The sooner you speak with an attorney, the better.

Learn more about The Mitchell Law Group. Please contact us.