What to Do Immediately After a DUI Arrest in Georgia

Facing a DUI arrest in Georgia can be an overwhelming and confusing experience. If you’ve recently found yourself in this situation, you may be unsure of what to do next. You might feel anxious about the legal consequences, and you may be wondering how to protect your rights moving forward. It’s normal to experience a range of emotions, from fear and frustration to disbelief, but rest assured, you are not alone in this. At our firm, we understand the gravity of what you’re going through, and we are here to guide you through the process step by step. We are empathetic to your concerns, and our goal is to help you get the best possible outcome for your case.

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Understanding the DUI Arrest Process in Georgia

The first thing to understand is the DUI arrest process in Georgia. After an arrest, the officer will typically inform you of the charges and take you to a local jail. From there, you may be asked to take a chemical test, either breath, blood, or urine. This test is critical because it will determine your blood alcohol concentration (BAC), which plays a significant role in the outcome of your case. You have the right to refuse the test, but doing so can lead to severe consequences, including a suspension of your driver’s license. This is an important decision that you should carefully consider with the advice of an attorney.

The arrest itself is just the beginning of the legal process. You will likely face arraignment where you will enter your plea and receive the official charges against you. During this time, it’s essential to have legal representation that can advocate on your behalf. Having a DUI attorney by your side can make a significant difference in how your case unfolds.

Stay Calm and Cooperative with Law Enforcement

When you are arrested for DUI, it’s crucial to remain calm and cooperative with law enforcement. While it’s understandable to feel upset or confused, reacting aggressively or refusing to comply with the officer’s instructions can only make matters worse. It’s essential to remember that you have the right to remain silent and the right to speak to an attorney. Use these rights wisely and avoid making statements that could be used against you later in your case. If you are asked to take a field sobriety test or provide a breath sample, do so if required, but remember you can request a lawyer before making any major decisions.

The Importance of Your Driver’s License

In Georgia, a DUI arrest often comes with an immediate license suspension, especially if your BAC exceeds the legal limit of 0.08%. However, you do have the right to request an administrative hearing to challenge the suspension. It’s important to act quickly and request this hearing within 10 business days after your arrest. If you miss this deadline, your license may be suspended for a longer period. A DUI attorney can assist you in filing for this hearing and representing your interests in front of the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS).

Even if you are facing a license suspension, there may still be options to keep your driving privileges intact. For example, you might be eligible for a limited driving permit, which allows you to drive to work or other essential places. Your attorney can help you navigate these processes and ensure that you understand your rights and responsibilities.

Greg Willis has been successful at defending DUI cases (over 93% without a conviction)

He's the only lawyer in the State of Georgia to ever be recognized for all three of these accomplishments.

Received the Samurai Lawyer Award for having gone to jail for a total of 4 days in order to save his own client

Received the BadAss Lawyer Award for the biggest impact of all DUI lawyers in DUI defense in the country

Received the vote of Georgia Lawyers as a Superlawyer in DUI Law for 10 straight consecutive years

 

Contact a Skilled DUI Attorney Right Away

One of the most important steps after a DUI arrest is to contact a skilled DUI attorney immediately. Many people make the mistake of thinking that they can handle the case on their own or that the process will be straightforward. However, DUI cases in Georgia are complex, and the consequences of a conviction can be severe, including fines, license suspension, mandatory DUI classes, and even jail time. Having an experienced attorney on your side can make all the difference in the outcome of your case. A lawyer can evaluate the details of your arrest, challenge any inaccuracies, and work to have the charges reduced or dismissed if possible.

What Happens During Your DUI Case?

Once you have hired a DUI attorney, they will begin to assess the evidence against you. This can include reviewing police reports, dashcam footage, witness testimony, and any other details surrounding your arrest. Your lawyer will also investigate whether the arresting officer followed proper procedures, such as administering the correct tests and obtaining necessary warrants. If any mistakes were made, your attorney might be able to use this to your advantage.

During the legal process, your attorney will explore different defense strategies, such as questioning the reliability of breathalyzer results or challenging the traffic stop. They may also look into any possible mitigating factors, such as medical conditions or other circumstances that could have influenced the results of field tests. The goal is to build a case that either leads to a reduction in charges or a more lenient sentence.

Greg has truly mastered his craft. His preparation is second to none and his confidence helps reduce the nervousness and anxiety his clients face. He is a real life version of Harvey Specter and I highly recommend him.”

- Travis

Greg and his team are absolutely incredible. Greg explained everything to me in detail, as this is the first ever time I have been arrested. Regular updates throughout the process which allowed me to get on with everyday life. 200% I would recommend Greg and his team to anyone with a DUI case."

- James Hellens

Mr Willis is the best in the business. He knows the law inside and out. I was in a serious jam and Greg got my dui reduced to a reckless driving. This man will fight for you every step of the way."

- Anonymous

Your Rights During the DUI Process

As a defendant in a DUI case, it’s important to understand your rights. You have the right to remain silent, the right to an attorney, and the right to a fair trial. Your attorney can advise you on when to speak and when to stay silent. It’s essential to remember that anything you say to law enforcement or others involved in the case can potentially be used against you. Speaking to a lawyer before making statements can help protect your legal rights and improve your chances of success.

If you are facing DUI charges, you also have the right to challenge the evidence presented against you. This includes questioning the accuracy of breathalyzer tests, challenging the circumstances surrounding the traffic stop, or pointing out any inconsistencies in the police report. Your lawyer will ensure that all the evidence in your case is examined thoroughly.

The Potential Consequences of a DUI Conviction

A DUI conviction in Georgia can result in a variety of penalties, depending on the circumstances of your case and whether it’s your first or subsequent offense. Penalties can include fines, mandatory DUI education programs, community service, license suspension, and even jail time. The severity of these penalties increases with the number of prior offenses. For example, a first-time offender may face less severe consequences than someone with multiple DUI convictions.

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Even if you are convicted, there may be opportunities to reduce the severity of the penalties. In some cases, your attorney may be able to negotiate a plea deal that reduces the charge to a less serious offense, such as reckless driving. This can result in fewer penalties and less impact on your future. Additionally, your attorney may be able to work out an alternative sentencing arrangement, such as probation or community service, to help minimize the effects of a conviction on your life.

If you’ve been arrested for DUI in Georgia, it’s essential to take immediate action to protect your rights. The sooner you contact an attorney, the sooner they can begin building a defense strategy tailored to your case. At Willis Law Firm, we are committed to providing you with the support and guidance you need during this challenging time. We understand that this is a stressful experience, and we are here to help you achieve the best possible outcome for your case.

With our experience and dedication to your case, we will work tirelessly to challenge the charges against you and explore every possible defense. Contact Willis Law Firm today to schedule a consultation and get the help you need to navigate your DUI case successfully. We’re here for you every step of the way.