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If you have been arrested for DUI in Alpharetta, Georgia it’s essential that you hire an attorney with experience to defend you. Police in Fulton County have become very aggressive when arresting people suspected of DUI; having the right legal counsel on your side can help ensure a positive resolution and keep your record clean. Our office offers 24/7 legal support; call now and speak to one of our attorneys!
DUI (driving under the influence) in Georgia is a misdemeanor offense and occurs when one drives while impaired by alcohol or drugs. You can be found guilty even if your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) falls below legal limits if physical control of a vehicle while intoxicated or you consumed one or more drinks within three hours before driving. Furthermore, jail time, fines and community service could all result from being charged with DUI in Georgia.
Police officers typically make traffic stops and initiate investigations for DUI after observing some telltale signs such as slurred speech or an alcohol scent. Once pulled over, officers usually ask drivers to perform field sobriety tests in order to assess their BAC level.
These tests can be quite complicated and require someone who is both mentally and physically stable to complete. Common tests include one leg stands and walk and turns; your officer will likely also collect samples of your breath or urine for analysis. To protect yourself if charged with DUI in Georgia, hire an experienced Alpharetta DUI lawyer immediately; their legal knowledge will allow them to challenge test results and fight on your behalf to keep your license.
At the time of an arrest for DUI, the Department of Driver Services typically suspends your driver’s license without warning. This process continues until either you secure a court date to fight for its reinstatement, or request an Administrative Licensing System Hearing (ALS hearing). An ALS hearing takes place separately from court dates and in another location than your court appearance for DUI cases; you only have 30 days from when an arrest was made to request one with them; thus it’s vital that Alpharetta DUI lawyers act fast in seeking out advice before calling ALS hearings themselves from DODS!
Your lawyer will discuss the facts surrounding your case with you and then establish the best strategy for your defense. He/She may try and work out a plea agreement with Fran Shoenthal from City Prosecution or “bind over” your case to Fulton County State Court for trial.
Bethea v. State is a recent Georgia Court of Appeals ruling which reinforces the trend against DUI roadblocks in Georgia. The court determined there is good cause to remove jurors who do not fully review and evaluate all evidence presented at trial before making their judgment based on it.
