5 Reasons to Fight a DUI Charge

Laws vary from state to state surrounding the severity of punishment that comes along with a DUI In Sandy Springs, GA.  The law is in-depth and lengthy. Learn why you should fight a DUI charge.

Drunk Driving in Georgia

For your very first DUI offense in Georgia, you can expect the following:

• At least 24 hours in jail
• 40 hours community service
• Suspended drivers license following conviction
• Fines from $300-$1000 + statutory surcharges, which will double the amount
• Attend and successfully complete a 20-hour DUI class
• Undergo alcohol/drug evaluations from a licensed addiction specialist (whose recommendation must be followed)
• 12 months probation (deducting time served in jail) following your arrest

If these first offense punishments aren’t enough to scare you away from drinking and driving, perhaps these five reasons will.

Why Fight a DUI

1. $$$$$. Tangling with the justice system is expensive. Even without hiring an attorney (which you should), you will still be facing court costs and fines that will easily add up to $1000+. What else is going to come out of your pocket? Increased car insurance premiums, payment for drug screens, ignition interlock device for your vehicle, and probation supervision fees. You might think not hiring an attorney is the cheapest way to manage a DUI charge; however, admitting guilt and being ordered to jump through a myriad of hoops is the most sure-fire way to burn a deep hole in your pocket. Do yourself a favor, call your lawyer.
2. Speaking of money, did you know a DUI conviction is likely to take away employment opportunities? DUI’s stay with your forever. If you have a job when you get a DUI, you might be looking at being fired or suspended. Not to mention a negatively impacted credit score and only being able to obtain higher interest rates on loans. You’re basically now considered high-risk for anything you apply to do/get. Still think you can’t afford a lawyer? Your attorney might just be the one saving your ability to make money. After all, arrest records are public knowledge, and potential employers today regularly use the internet to research candidates prior to hiring.
3. If you have kids, a DUI could interfere with your parenting, especially if you’re co-parenting in a separated/divorced relationship. Your responsibility may be called into question by your co-parent and also raise red flags within family court. It’s possible a judge may restrict your right to drive your child or even spend time with them depending on severity.
4. Probation isn’t easy. If you’ve never been on probation before, chances are you don’t realize the implications this type of restriction will have on your lifestyle, finances, and social circle. There are several rules you cannot break if you hope to ever be free of probationary measures, such as no leaving the state without permission, monitored driving, random drug screens, regular reporting to your probation officer. The list goes on.
5. Conviction isn’t a guarantee. Even if you know you’re guilty. Defense attorneys with expertise in this area may very well be able to avoid a conviction and clear this hiccup from your permanent criminal record. However, you won’t know unless you call your lawyer and ask!

There is one way to be 100% sure you won’t be convicted of a DUI. Don’t drink and drive!