DUI & Traffic Violations

Experienced defense against DUI charges and traffic violations

Understanding Your Rights and Options

Know Your Rights

When facing a DUI charge, speeding ticket or other traffic violation it is important to understand your rights and know what you are up against. A DUI conviction carries stiff penalties, social stigma and can even cost you your job.

Protect Your Record

Speeding tickets and other traffic citations can be reduced or dismissed to limit driver points and prevent your insurance rates from skyrocketing. An experienced attorney can save you time, money, and inconvenience.

Driving Under The Influence (DUI)

You don't have to be falling down drunk to get charged with a DUI. The majority of people charged with this offense did not believe that they were impaired when they got behind the wheel. But even a few drinks can result in you being over the legal limit and at risk.

Even if you blow under the legal limit, you can be charged with DUI-Less Safe if the officer feels your ability to drive was impaired. Drugs and medications, even if prescribed by a doctor, can impair your ability to drive and result in a DUI arrest.

DUI Penalties in Georgia

  • License suspension (up to 1 year for first offense)
  • Fines up to $1,000 (first offense)
  • Possible jail time (up to 1 year for first offense)
  • DUI education and treatment programs
  • Community service requirements
  • Ignition interlock device
  • Increased insurance rates
  • Professional license consequences

Possible Defense Strategies

  • Challenge the traffic stop legality
  • Question field sobriety test procedures
  • Challenge breathalyzer accuracy and calibration
  • Examine blood test chain of custody
  • Medical conditions affecting test results
  • Officer training and certification issues
  • Constitutional violations during arrest
  • Negotiate reduced charges

Traffic Violations Defense

Speeding tickets and traffic violations can have serious consequences beyond just fines.

Common Violations

  • Speeding tickets
  • Reckless driving
  • Following too closely
  • Improper lane changes
  • Running red lights/stop signs
  • Driving without insurance
  • Suspended license charges

Consequences

  • Points on driving record
  • License suspension risk
  • Increased insurance premiums
  • Fines and court costs
  • Employment impact
  • CDL license jeopardy
  • Super Speeder penalties

Defense Options

  • Challenge radar calibration
  • Question officer observations
  • Negotiate reduced charges
  • Request nolo contendere plea
  • Pursue dismissal
  • Defensive driving courses
  • Court representation

Comprehensive DUI Defense Strategies

If you have been charged with a DUI, you have the right to contest it. An experienced attorney can argue effectively for the best possible result.

Constitutional Validity of Traffic Stop

Was there reasonable suspicion for the initial traffic stop? Were your constitutional rights violated during the stop?

Field Sobriety Test Administration

How were the field sobriety tests administered and how are the results interpreted? Were the tests performed according to standardized procedures?

Officer's Communication of Rights

What the officer tells you, and doesn't tell you, about your rights under Georgia DUI law. Were you properly informed of your rights?

Breath Test Administration

How was the state breath test administered? Was the test operator properly trained? Was the machine in proper working order?

DUI Conviction Penalties in Georgia

The mandatory penalties for DUI conviction are severe and increase with repeat offenses.

First DUI Conviction Penalties

  • 12 months probation with monthly supervision fees
  • Fines up to $1,000 plus court costs
  • 40 hours of community service
  • DUI Risk Reduction classes
  • Minimum 24 hours in county jail

Note: These are minimum penalties. Many courts impose much higher punishments, even for first-time offenders.

Repeat Offense Penalties

Second or third DUI conviction (within 10 years) includes additional penalties:

  • Substantially higher fines
  • More community service hours
  • Alcohol counseling requirements
  • Increased jail time
  • Photo published in local newspaper
  • Ignition interlock device for 6 months

Fourth DUI Conviction: Can be a felony punishable by up to five years in prison.