DUI Law in Roswell, Georgia
Driving under the influence (DUI) is a serious offense in Roswell, Georgia. The Georgia Code makes it illegal for any person to drive any vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, any drug, toxic vapor, or any combination of these.
Even when the alcohol had been consumed a few hours before driving, the person in question would still be liable if a test reveals more than 0.08grams alcohol concentration in the person’s body system after three hours.
To determine whether a DUI has occurred, the police officers of the Roswell Police Department may carry out breath tests, blood alcohol concentration tests, and urine analysis. If the tests return as positive for any prohibited material, the police may then make a DUI arrest on that basis.
Being arrested for a DUI can be an extremely stressful experience. You may be wondering if you would be going to jail or may have concerns about your driver’s license suspension. If you have found yourself in this situation, consulting criminal defense attorneys who handle drunk driving cases may be necessary if you want to avoid harsh consequences.
What to Do After a DUI Arrest
If you have been arrested for DUI, it is very likely that you’ll be faced with a DUI charge and possible conviction. In that case, it would be in your best interest to contact an experienced DUI defense attorney or legal team.
Whether your Roswell DUI case will be heard in Roswell Municipal Court or Fulton County State Court depends on several factors. For example, if a jury trial is requested, your case will be transferred to Fulton County State Court because Roswell Municipal Court doesn’t conduct jury trials.
Roswell DUI Lawyers Explain the Possible Penalties
DUI cases are treated very seriously and attract severe penalties upon conviction. Some of the penalties for DUI offenses include:
- Driver’s license suspension
- Ignition interlock device
- Revocation of driving privileges
- Fines of not less than $300
- Community service
- Imprisonment or jail time
In addition to these, upon a DUI conviction, the prosecutor may recommend a clinical evaluation and completion of a substance abuse treatment program in some cases.
The penalties are even steeper for those who have prior DUI convictions or a criminal record. Facing Roswell DUI charges as a repeat offender can transform your DUI offense from a misdemeanor to a felony.
Aggravating Factors in DUI Cases
When a DUI gets treated as something more serious, chances are that certain aggravating factors have contributed. Although DUI offenses are most often treated as misdemeanors, many circumstances can contribute to and elevate misdemeanors into felony DUI charges.
One type of aggravated DUI charge would be DUI with injury. When driving under the influence results in an injury to another person, that would typically be considered a felony DUI. On the other hand, if one’s impaired driving results in the death of another person, they will most likely face vehicular homicide charges.
If an impaired driver travels with a minor passenger, the driver can face a separate offense of DUI child endangerment. If convicted, that can add up to a year in jail and up to $1,000 in fines to regular DUI penalties.
Consequences of a Drunk Driving Conviction
The consequences of a drunk driving conviction can be life-changing, but working with an experienced Roswell GA DUI lawyer can give you a better chance of minimizing these penalties. DUI lawyers are familiar with the laws relevant to your case and can help you present a solid defense to your DUI charge. They have the skills, experience, and resources to help you mitigate your liability and perhaps even secure an acquittal.
The right Roswell DUI defense lawyers can help you with cases of DUI drug arrests, vehicular homicide, underage DUI, reckless driving, and other driving-related offenses. After reviewing your DUI case, they can represent you in court or at bond hearings and help ensure your rights are protected after DUI arrests. If you and your attorney decide it is the best course of action, they can attempt to negotiate plea deals as part of your DUI case.
When you consider the worst-case situation of being convicted and perhaps jailed for a long time, it makes sense to do everything you can to prevent a DUI conviction.
If you are considering hiring a DUI defense lawyer, the team at Chehimi Law is ready to speak with you about your DUI arrest today.
Finding an Experienced Roswell DUI Lawyer
If you or your loved one has been arrested for a DUI or has a drunk driving case, you may be wondering how to find an experienced lawyer to assist you with the case.
Your ideal lawyer should have extensive experience in DUI defense and should have successfully handled many DUI cases.
Before making a choice, you should know the lawyer’s background and qualifications. Your lawyer should have a proven record of success with DUI/DWI defense. Your lawyer or law firm should be familiar with the procedures at the Roswell Municipal Court and the Roswell Police Department.
Many people begin their search for a top-notch DWI lawyer via a Google search or by making inquiries from family and friends. Regardless of the method you apply, you should also ensure that your chosen legal representative or legal team is someone you are comfortable with and who you can trust.
The Cost of Roswell GA DUI Attorneys
Of course, as you consider hiring the legal services of a Roswell DUI attorney, the question of cost will arise.
The cost of hiring a DUI attorney and defending a DUI case varies and may not be easy to determine. However, for Georgia DUI lawyers, the fees are usually dependent on several factors including the attorney’s skill and experience, the size of the law firm or law office, the location, the complexity of the DUI case, and whether it is an existing attorney-client relationship.
To give you an idea of the possible costs, you could schedule a free consultation with a qualified DUI defense lawyer. There you can discuss your case and any other concerns you might have.
Final Remarks
If you or your loved one are facing a Roswell DUI charge, it is crucial to secure the services of an experienced DUI lawyer. Obtaining a public defender or representing yourself is not possible for everyone. Talk with a professional, passionate DUI attorney today to explore your options.
