If you have been arrested on suspicion of DUI in Georgia due to a blood alcohol of .08 or refusing a chemical test, you will lose your license for a period of time. Before your license is suspended, however, you will have the opportunity to appeal the suspension in front of the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS).
If you choose to appeal the suspension, be sure to have an experienced lawyer from the Willis Law Firm by your side at your DDS hearing for the best possible outcome.
An Attorney Can Argue Your Case at a DDS Hearing
Following a DUI arrest, you will receive DDS Form 1205 that will act as a temporary driver’s license and a notice that your driver’s license will be suspended after 30 days. If you feel as though you were mistakenly arrested for a DUI or that you should not have your license suspended, you have 30 calendar days to request a hearing to appeal this suspension. If you appeal, you will have to fight your DUI charge in an administrative court, which is different than the criminal court and will not affect that ruling.
If your license is suspended, then the regular penalties for a DUI will apply to your case. You may receive permission to drive to limited places after some time, but otherwise, you will not be able to drive a car for at least one year.
What To Expect From Your Hearing
30 to 90 days following the appeal, you will have to attend the suspension hearing. This hearing is a good opportunity for you and your DUI defense attorney to learn about the arresting officer and their arguments against you.
Three different things may occur at the DDS hearing:
- The arresting officer did not apply and your license cannot be suspended
- Your attorney can work with the arresting officer to dismiss the license suspension
- The arresting officer provides evidence that shows the need for license suspension
With an attorney present at these hearings, you fight can secure a positive outcome. At a DDS hearing, an attorney can question the arresting officer and develop an official transcript of the events of that night that is admissible in the criminal case. These questions can further assist Thomas & Willis, LLC in developing a solid defense in your DUI case.
Give our firm a call today for a free case consultation and learn more about how we can be an asset in your DDS hearing!