Dekalb County DUI Lawyer

Dekalb County DUI Attorney

A DUI conviction has severe consequences in Georgia. If you are facing a DUI charge, it never makes sense to attempt to fight it alone. Consult a Dekalb County DUI lawyer to ensure that someone protects your rights.

Understanding DUI in Dekalb County

A DUI charge in Georgia is different from DUI charges in other states. In Georgia, you can receive a DUI charge for operating or being in what is known as “physical control” of a motor vehicle. While some may believe that you have to be driving the vehicle, the “physical control” distinction means that you can be charged, even if the vehicle is not moving.

If an officer assumes you are in control of a vehicle while you are under the influence of alcohol or drugs, have an elevated BAC (Blood Alcohol Concentration), or have any level of illegal drugs in your system, they can charge you with a DUI.

In Georgia, proof of actual impairment is unnecessary to receive a conviction. If you had an elevated BAC, you are assumed to have been under the influence. Elevated BAC levels are much lower for drivers under legal drinking age than they are for the average driver of legal drinking age. Commercial drivers also have a lower legal limit than non-commercial, of-age drivers.

Meeting or exceeding the elevated BAC level can put you in jail if a court convicts you of DUI.

How We Approach Your Case

At Miller North & Brill, we have represented countless clients who face DUI charges in Dekalb County. In every case, we start with an investigation to ensure that we know all the pertinent information of your case. With this step, we can form a proper defense.

The evidence in your case will typically involve the recording of your arrest, test results when applicable, and any other evidence against you. We examine each piece of evidence to check for errors in procedure or process.

While DUI dismissal is not always possible, a valid, solid defense can contribute to DUI dismissal or reduced charges.

Suppose you have accumulated multiple DUI charges. Instead of seeking dismissal or reduced charges, a successful DUI defense can mean staying out of jail, keeping your driving ability, or limiting other severe consequences.

Often, seeking treatment may be a good option. Your attorney can use your treatment to show that you are serious about the situation. Pursuing methods like this can lead to alternative sentencing that can keep you out of jail and limit other penalties in Dekalb County.

Facing Prosecution for DUI

In a DUI case in Georgia, the prosecution’s case hinges on proof that the defendant physically operated a vehicle while they were under the influence of alcohol or drugs. While this may seem simple to prove in many cases, errors in the arrest process or faulty evidence can lead to a successful outcome for a DUI attorney.

The prosecution has to separately prove that the defendant physically operated the vehicle and that they were impaired. They use police records, video recordings, or other documentation to bolster their case.

Explaining Georgia’s DUI Penalties

DUI penalties vary depending on a person’s number of prior convictions within the last ten years. While drivers with multiple offenses may receive harsher penalties, first-time offenders may face the possibility of a heavy sentence if convicted.

A first-time DUI offense can come with several months in jail, several months of license suspension, hundreds of dollars in fines, and days of community service.

Second-time offenders face more days of community service, and their licenses are suspended for years.

Third-time offenders could have their fines increased by thousands of dollars.

FAQs

Q: How Much Does a DUI Lawyer Cost in Georgia?

A: The cost of a DUI lawyer in Georgia varies due to factors such as the complexity of the case and the level of evidence against the defendant. The work a DUI attorney can do for you is invaluable. With a DUI attorney’s assistance, you may receive reduced charges or avoid charges altogether.

It is wise to weigh the most severe consequences of a DUI conviction if you have doubts about hiring a DUI attorney.

Q: Should I Get a Lawyer for My First DUI in Georgia?

A: When considering whether to get a criminal defense attorney for your first DUI in Georgia, consider the potential consequences. A first DUI conviction could result in jail time, hefty fines, months of license suspension, community service, and lasting consequences after you serve your sentence.

It is always wise to retain a DUI attorney’s services when facing a DUI charge, whether your first charge or not.

Q: How Do You Beat a DUI in GA?

A: Beating a DUI case in Georgia comes down to having a well-suited defense for your case. An experienced DUI attorney will look at the evidence in your situation and find where doubt can be cast on some form of the traffic stop or arrest procedure. Possible defenses include:

• Lack of probable cause
• Inconclusive or incorrectly conducted sobriety tests
• Insufficient evidence
• Lack of impairment
• Questioning without giving Miranda rights
• Illegal search and seizure

Q: How Much Are Court Fees in Georgia for DUI?

A: Court fees in Georgia can change depending on the circumstances of your DUI. Typically, costs associated with DUIs are thousands of dollars. Along with court fees, there are many other costs associated with a DUI, such as bail, towing prices, increased insurance premiums, legal fees, alcohol and drug evaluations, treatment programs, and license reinstatement fees.

The amount of time a DUI conviction can take can lead to loss of income as well.

Get Help for DUI Charges in Dekalb County

Attempting to face the complexities of a DUI charge alone is unwise. At Miller North & Brill, our Dekalb County DUI attorneys know how to fight for your rights, explore all possible defense options, and advocate for alternative sentencing. Contact us today for a consultation. We are dedicated to minimizing the effects of your DUI arrest on your life.