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The expansive nature of the city and the soaring popularity of the BeltLine have fundamentally altered the way people travel. Electric scooters, e bikes and golf carts are becoming so ubiquitous that they are the new favorite method to beat the congestion of the busy traffic or have a nice weekend outing. Due to the fact that these alternative forms of transport are more of a toy or a leisure activity as opposed to a vehicle, a very dangerous illusion has been created. The common belief is that it is safe and legal to hop on a rented scooter after a couple of beverages in a local brewery since driving is not safe. Sadly, this presupposition often results in an abrupt arrest, so it is crucial to contact an experienced Atlanta DUI Attorney in case something goes wrong during your night out and you find yourself in the police custody.
To learn the reasons why you can be arrested using a scooter or even golf cart, you must examine the definition of a vehicle in Georgia law. The state laws are phrased in a very general fashion and laws concerning impaired driving are applicable to practically any kind of device that can transport an individual through a road or other path. It implies that an e bike or an electric scooter is subject to exactly the same legal code as a typical passenger sedan. Provided that law enforcement concludes that you are using one of these devices and that you are under the influence of alcohol or drugs, you will be subject to the full implementation of the criminal justice system. These special cases need a very knowledgeable DUI Lawyer Atlanta to defend them as the particular statutes that cover alternative transportation are involved.
Police departments in the metro region have seen an extreme increase in patrols of popular multi use trails and communities that have a high use of golf carts. Since the roads are very busy with people walking, running and children playing, police are on high alert to anyone who is operating a device out of the road. The officer can simply say a few words, such as having an officer make a slight step when he or she tries to park a scooter or slightly swerve on a golf cart path, and this will be sufficient evidence to start a stop and initiate a drunk driving investigation. When the charges are presented your best bet would be to hire the Atlanta DUI Attorney James Yeargan of Yeargan and KERT LLC because you will have an attorney willing to examine the probable cause of the officers to stop you on a non traditional, busy traffic area.
The worst shock to people who have been caught riding on a scooter or e bike is the harshness of the repercussions that can be faced. The fines on conviction are the same as those you would pay in case you were driving a full sized truck through interstate. This involves thousands of dollars in fines, mandatory alcohol risk reduction classes, hours of community service and possible jail time. What is worse is that upon conviction, the actual drivers license will also be suspended, which will have a huge effect on your commutes to work using your regular car. You cannot just sweep an apprehension on a scooter as a petty offense. A tough DUI Attorney Atlanta is required to struggle against the charges and safeguard your permanent driving license.
Facing a criminal charge based on recreational ride may be terribly overwhelming and terribly unjust. The prosecution will attempt to make your actions seem like a serious danger to the general welfare, by capitalizing on the increasing general anger at carefree scooter riders and golf cart operators. You need to put the situation into serious consideration and start establishing a solid defense plan as soon as possible, or the financial and personal expenses of a conviction will continue to multiply. With the help of a committed Atlanta DUI Lawyer, you will be able to call the evidence into question, have a discussion with the prosecution, and find a solution that will safeguard your rights and leave your record unmarred.
