by Editorial TeamThe Ultimate Guide to Hiring an Atlanta DUI Lawyer: What You Need to Know
If you’ve been charged with a DUI in, finding the right Atlanta DUI lawyer is crucial to protect your future. DUI charges can result in severe consequences, including hefty fines, license suspension, and even jail time. However, with the help of an experienced Atlanta DUI lawyer, you can significantly improve your chances of a favorable […]
by Editorial TeamDo You Have to Roll Down Your Window During a Traffic Stop in Atlanta, GA
When pulled over in Atlanta, GA, drivers often wonder if they need to roll down their windows. While not legally required to fully lower the window, DUI attorney Richard Blevins explains that doing so can help ensure smoother communication with law enforcement. This article covers best practices for handling traffic stops, including the legal implications of window compliance and advice on how to stay calm and cooperative.
by Editorial TeamCan I Beat A DUI If I Was Over The Limit in Georgia?
Facing a DUI charge in Georgia, even if over the limit, doesn’t mean an automatic conviction. This article explores common defenses, including improper traffic stops, inaccurate BAC tests, procedural mistakes, and medical conditions, providing insights into how you can challenge a DUI charge successfully. Discover real case examples and expert advice from DUI attorney Richard Blevins, known as DUI Rich, who offers his extensive experience and proven defense strategies to help protect your rights and future.
by Editorial TeamAtlanta DUI Arrest Process and Booking
Facing a DUI arrest in Atlanta can be a daunting and stressful experience. As an experienced Atlanta DUI lawyer, Richard Blevins has guided numerous clients through this challenging process. In this article, he discusses the Atlanta DUI arrest procedure, your Miranda rights, the booking process, and what happens after being arrested for a DUI in Atlanta.
by Editorial TeamFirst-Time DUI Offenders in Atlanta: What to Expect and How to Navigate the Legal Process
If you’re a first-time DUI offender in Georgia, it’s crucial to understand the legal process and equip yourself with the knowledge to navigate it successfully. This comprehensive guide goes beyond what Atlanta DUI law firms offer, addressing often neglected topics and providing valuable resources. From understanding the DUI laws in Georgia to building a strong defense strategy, we’ve got you covered. Explore expert insights, frequently asked questions, and gain the confidence to protect your rights and achieve the best possible outcome in your DUI case.
by Editorial TeamThe Impact of Recent Legal Changes on DUI Cases in Georgia: Staying Informed and Protecting Your Rights
Explore the implications of recent legal changes in Georgia’s DUI laws, compare services to top Atlanta DUI law firms, and access valuable resources and answers to frequently asked questions, helping you stay informed and protect your rights.
by Editorial TeamCan the Police Use Refusal of a Field Sobriety Test Against You?
Generally, the results of DUI field tests are not admissible in court. At least, not as evidence of intoxication. Many states allow only the result of a blood test as evidence. The field test results
by Editorial TeamWhy White Collar Crimes Need an Expert Attorney
It is crucial to recognize that some white-collar charges can be honest mistakes that have resulted from filing errors or other accidents.
by Editorial TeamUnderstanding The Difference Between A Felony And A Misdemeanor
If you have been charged with a crime in Georgia, the first step in understanding how to fight it is by understanding what it means. In most situations, felony charges are easily the most severe, followed by misdemeanors, and then violations at the bottom. Any of these kinds of charges can drastically affect your life, however, so we’re going to break them down for you.
Felony Offense
A felony offense is a serious crime that can be punishable by more than a year spent in prison. A district attorney will be the one to hand out the charge, and they most often handle the case in superior court. Sentences handed out from a felony offense will most likely be served in a state or federal prison. These sentences can range from a year in one of these prisons to life imprisonment or even the death penalty.
- Learn more about Types of DUI charges in Georgia
Society views felony offenses exceptionally harshly. Even after you have paid your debt to society by spending time in prison, you may find it challenging to gain employment, maintain relationships, or even get housing approval. It is vital to be aware that these kinds of offenses cannot be expunged from your criminal record and will stay on it forever.
Misdemeanor Offenses
As mentioned previously, misdemeanor offenses are not as grave as felonies. The solicitor general’s office generally levels these charges, and the case can be handled in either municipal or state court. Most municipal charges are punishable by up to twelve months in prison and a $1,000 fine. In some instances, you can be charged with a high or aggravated misdemeanor, which carries significantly higher fiscal penalties.
Sentences for misdemeanors are usually served in your local county jail rather than a state or federal prison. While these offenses do show up on your criminal record, there is the possibility for them to be expunged. Most often, these offenses do not have the same effect that felony offenses do on housing or employment.
Violations
It is worth also noting violations as these are the least severe types of crimes and often result in a fine with no jail time. In Georgia, a violation can also be referred to as an infraction. Suppose you have violated a city rule or county ordinance by trespassing, littering, or acquiring traffic tickets. In that case, it will qualify as a violation or infraction and will not show up on your criminal record unless you fail to pay the fine or respond to the charges, at which point it will escalate in severity.
- Learn more about second offense DUI
The criminal justice system is complex, and it is always essential to understand what is happening to you if you get caught in it. Staying informed is part of it, but consider that lawyers have spent their entire careers and education learning about this system and will be much more informed. Always hire a defense lawyer if you find yourself on the wrong end of the system, as that will give you the greatest chance of success.
by Editorial TeamThe Do’s and Don’ts After You’ve Been Charged with a DUI
We all make mistakes, but letting them snowball into a series of missteps is never the right solution, especially in a DUI case.
DUI charges carry many extreme potential penalties, including possible jail time, probation, and driver’s license suspension. There are some important rules you need to follow if you are charged with a DUI:
- Do not assume an arrest guarantees a guilty verdict
- Do seek legal advice quickly after your charge
- Do not try to represent yourself
- Do try to appeal your license suspension
While these rules will help the situation, it is crucial to understand the proceedings if you want to avoid the maximum penalties. This is especially true if this is not your first DUI charge, as the penalties can also include felony charges and up to five years in prison.
What Are The Penalties For a DUI?
In Georgia, the penalties for a DUI are related to the number of prior DUI charges. For a first offense, the charges are much less severe but still can cause a massive disruption to your life and career.
First offense charges include but are not limited to:
- License suspension
- One to ten days in jail
- One year of probation
- The cost of court proceedings and surcharges
- $300 fine
- Community service
The charges scale up until a fourth DUI, at which point you will be facing felony charges and much more severe penalties.
What Can I Do to Save my License?
During almost every arrest for driving under the influence, the arresting officer will inform the detained driver of their implied consent rights and confiscate their license.
This is the first step in the process of suspending a license. Luckily, an administrative license suspension (ALS) must go through many stages before it is finalized. As stated by the Constitution, every citizen is entitled to due process.
- Learn more about driving with a suspended license
In this case, it means that you can request a hearing to appeal the suspension of your license as long as you do it within 30 days of your arrest. Moving quickly is critical as this is the biggest “must-do” after being arrested for a DUI, which has a very tight time window.
To request an appeal hearing, you will need to pay a fee and follow a complicated and detail-focused process. It is highly recommended that you hire a lawyer to make this go smoothly.
What Should I Avoid Doing After My Arrest?
Being arrested for a DUI is a stressful experience, and many don’t bother fighting the charges because they consider them to be set in stone. However, an arrest does not automatically mean that you are guilty, and pleading guilty to a DUI charge is actually not the best idea.
Many think that taking the guilty plea will make the ordeal move quickly and make the stress and embarrassment of the charges go away, but in truth, it can lead to even more unexpected consequences.
Even if you can’t win your DUI case, fighting it can result in reduced charges or penalties. Most importantly, fighting your DUI charge with a lawyer gives you the chance to know your rights and all of the consequences that can occur upfront, this will allow you to be informed of your decisions before you make them.
You will never be able to seek lower penalties or potentially win a DUI case if you choose not to fight it, and being associated with a guilty plea can have a significant impact on your life, career, and loved ones.
For more legal advice on DUI’s don’t hesitate to reach out.
