DUI can have devastating repercussions, but an Alpharetta GA DUI Lawyer like Jim Yeargan may help negotiate an acceptable plea bargain with the prosecutor and achieve the best results for their client.
Police officers need a valid reason to ask you to pull over. These include violations such as red light running, weaving in and out of lanes or an unsafe driving pattern.
1. Loss of Driver’s License
An DUI conviction can have serious repercussions, depending on your BAC level, prior convictions and any aggravating factors involved. A conviction could include fines, license suspension, jail time, alcohol or drug treatment programs, probation supervision or car ignition interlock devices being installed – not to mention increased car insurance rates as a result of said conviction.
If someone was hurt due to your negligent drunk driving, in addition to criminal charges you could also face civil litigation that is both emotionally and financially draining.
Georgia DUI law states that any individual operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs will be guilty of DUI. Impairment can be measured through standard field sobriety tests, breathalyzer tests and blood analyses.
If you are arrested for DUI while transporting children in your car, they will face more stringent charges of DUI with child endangerment than regular DUI charges due to the risk they present to children. It’s essential to work with an experienced DUI defense lawyer who can understand your individual circumstances and create the strongest strategy to address them.
2. Court Fines
An DUI conviction poses numerous financial hurdles. There will be court fines and fees as well as higher car insurance premiums that may add significant expense depending on your job and location. These costs could become significant.
If anyone was injured as the result of your DUI, civil litigations can also have devastating effects. They could include paying compensation for lost wages, medical expenses and pain and suffering as well as possible penalties from civil court.
Standard Georgia DUI penalties for first-offenders consist of a minimum fine of up to $1,000, license suspension of up to 12 months, community service hours, an alcohol or drug risk reduction program and all related costs. Should the offense involve marijuana use, inhalants, designer drugs or prescription medication use then these penalties may increase significantly.
3. Jail Time
Being pulled over by an officer who suspects you of drinking and driving can be extremely unnerving. They will ask questions about your evening, administer field sobriety tests and administer breathalyzer tests if requested; should these be refused or your alcohol concentration be found above legal limit your license will be suspended and criminal charges for DUI will follow.
Alpharetta police officers prioritize DUI enforcement and regularly hold sobriety checkpoints throughout the city center, Avalon and concert venues such as Ameris Bank Amphitheatre.
First-time offenders face at minimum 10 days in jail and up to a $1,000 fine as well as 40 hours of community service. They will also need to attend an alcohol/drug education class and join an assessment risk reduction program.
Second-time offenders face more stringent penalties, so Michael Fulcher can provide legal guidance through every stage of your case. Our DUI experts specialize in offering insights and strategies tailored specifically for your situation – should a child endangerment charge be added, it could result in loss of custody of your children.
4. Damage to Your Driver’s License
Accidentally being arrested for drunk driving can have serious repercussions, particularly if driving for work purposes. Many licensing boards like the state nursing board require applicants to maintain a clean record before applying. A DUI could put your professional licensing at risk as suspension or even revocation could follow, potentially taking your livelihood with it.
Alpharetta police officers frequently target drivers they suspect of being under the influence of alcohol or drugs. An officer will try to detect an odor of alcohol and check for signs of intoxication such as bloodshot eyes and slurred speech; additionally, if they suspect drugs as the source of their intoxication they may perform a chemical test to measure your blood alcohol concentration level.
Your lawyer may be able to secure a plea bargain depending on your criminal history and circumstances surrounding your DUI offense, however they will only do so after meeting with the prosecutor and reviewing all details of your case; typically this happens following your arraignment hearing.
5. Damage to Your Relationships
An arrest and conviction for DUI can have lasting repercussions in your life. It could make it more difficult to maintain employment or even obtain new jobs; affect apartment rental applications or loans for home purchases; damage your reputation; make making friends difficult; or strain relationships between family members who might feel offended.
Alpharetta Municipal Court does not possess the power or jurisdiction to conduct jury trials for DUI charges; instead, if you would like a jury trial you must transfer your case to Fulton County State or Superior Court instead. Your lawyer can still negotiate with the prosecutor in Alpharetta until reaching an acceptable solution that best serves your interests.
If you are arrested for DUI with a minor (under 14 years old) in your vehicle, this will increase your charge to child endangerment and require jail time, fines and fees in addition to possible loss of custody. Furthermore, the police can read your implied consent rights to you and order breath/blood tests to ascertain your BAC level.
