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Police officers look out for signs of intoxication when pulling you over; such as slurred speech, red eyes or confusion. A Milton DUI attorney can help explain your charges and assist with legal process.
An initial DUI arrest results in a one year license suspension; however, with the assistance of an experienced lawyer they may be able to reduce or dismiss it altogether.
Fines
If you are arrested for DUI in Milton, your case will be handled by the city’s municipal court which has more limited scheduling flexibility than Fulton County Superior Court and requires immediate representation by a criminal attorney in Milton. Therefore it is crucial that you seek assistance immediately.
Georgia law states that anyone found driving under the influence (DUI) with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of.08% or above or exhibiting physical signs that suggest impaired driving such as slurred speech or bloodshot eyes could be charged with DUI. A qualified DUI lawyer can challenge the evidence presented against them while exploring all available defense strategies and solutions.
An alcohol DUI conviction will appear on your record and could make it more difficult to find work, housing or education opportunities. Furthermore, travelling internationally might also become challenging; countries like Canada require valid drivers licenses in order to enter their territory.
Those convicted of DUI will face fines ranging from $300 to $1,000 plus court costs and surcharges, in addition to being required to install and maintain an ignition interlock device in their vehicle – a breathalyzer-type machine which measures your blood alcohol concentration before permitting starting of your engine – costs of which fall solely onto them as individuals charged with the offense.
Jail Time
Marie was driving home after a night of drinking with friends when she was pulled over for DUI by police. Although she only consumed a few drinks, her BAC exceeded legal limit and she was arrested; as a result of this experience her life drastically altered as she lost her job, had college classes suspended, travel plans with family and friends cancelled, as well as having to spend some time behind bars.
As soon as someone is arrested for DUI in Georgia, they are taken to either a jail or police station and “booked.” This process entails fingerprinting, photographing, and collecting personal data before being given a phone number to contact someone who can get in touch with an attorney on their behalf. A first offense DUI conviction requires at least 24 hours in jail although a judge can either waive, stay or modify this requirement depending on the facts surrounding their case.
After being arrested, defendants will be assigned a court date in Milton that can be found near the bottom of their tickets. At this hearing – known as an arraignment – a prosecutor will present evidence as to why you should be charged and eventually found guilty.
Experienced DUI lawyers can fight to have your charges dismissed, reduced, or dropped altogether. While this takes knowledge, skill and determination on their part – it is possible!
Driver’s License Suspension
Georgia takes DUI charges very seriously, with even first-offense drivers facing stiff penalties such as fines, jail time, suspension of driving privileges, probation and community service obligations as well as substance abuse evaluation and alcohol education classes if convicted. A Milton DUI lawyer will immediately start to build your defenses by challenging any valid evidence the prosecution presents against you – often leading to changes from DUI charges to reckless driving – which carries less serious penalties but doesn’t carry as much stigma attached with criminal conviction.
DUI convictions come with administrative license suspension actions by the Georgia Department of Driver Services in addition to criminal penalties. The length of suspension will depend on whether or not you refuse a Milton police officer’s breath, blood or urine test or took it and exceeded legal limits; typically one-year driver license suspensions apply, though if eligible for a restricted driving permit or ignition interlock device you could keep driving while your case progresses.
An experienced Milton DUI attorney will review your options, such as any possible plea offers, before helping you decide the best course of action for your situation. He or she should possess extensive knowledge about both Milton Municipal Court and Fulton County State/Superior Court where your case will be heard.
Ignition Interlock Device
First-time DUI arrests often lead to license suspension; however, in certain instances a Limited Permit may be issued after 120 days and completion of DUI school (Risk Reduction). This permit allows drivers to only travel between work or court-approved places.
Based on state laws, you may be required to install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle. This breathalyzer-type device requires you to blow into it prior to starting and periodically during driving – if it detects breath alcohol levels exceeding certain levels, your car won’t start.
An IID is an invaluable weapon in the fight against impaired driving, helping reduce drunk driving accidents and injuries while cutting down costs of rehabilitation programs and criminal convictions.
Many states require interlock device (IID) installations after any DUI conviction, including first offenses. Individuals can also install an IID as an indicator to their loved ones and authorities that they are committed to making positive changes in their life.
An arrest for DUI can have lasting repercussions for your personal and professional lives, so it’s vital that you seek legal representation immediately to defend your rights. An experienced Milton DUI attorney can guide you through the complex legal process while fighting to restore your freedom.
