The state of Georgia has very strict rules against driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs (DUI). If you are stopped for suspicion of DUI and your blood alcohol content (BAC) tests at 0.08 or higher, you will be arrested. Even if your BAC tests lower than 0.08 and a police officer reasonably believes you are under the influence of alcohol or drugs which have impaired your driving ability, the officer can arrest you.
If you are convicted of the offense, the penalties are harsh even for first time offenders. Your driver’s license may be suspended. If this is your second or third offense, you will almost certainly serve time in jail. Substantial fines may be imposed as well.
Depending on the circumstances of your offense, an ignition interlock device may be placed on your car. You will have to blow into the device every time you start your vehicle. If any alcohol is detected in your blood stream, even a small amount that might be found in over-the-counter cough syrup, your car will not start. Your car insurance rates may skyrocket and you might even lose your job.
It is important for you not to speak to anyone about your case without your attorney present. If the law enforcement officer who stopped you asked if you had anything to drink, you may think you helped your case by answering, “Just a glass of wine with dinner.” Your answer does not help your case and only serves as an admission that you had, in fact, been drinking.
If you submitted to field sobriety tests on the side of the road, those tests will likely be used against you in court.
Contact the Law Office of Wendi D. Armstrong
The Law Office of Wendi D. Armstrong is located in Conyers, Georgia, and serves those in the entire metro Atlanta area. Attorney Armstrong is a former public defender where she learned how to balance a heavy caseload with providing her clients an excellent defense. Attorney Armstrong has been in private practice since 2006 and has handled DUI defense since 2004. Her mission is to act only in the best interest of her clients. Although there can be no guarantees in the criminal justice system, you can trust attorney Armstrong to provide you the best possible legal defense. Call her today at (770) 918-9914.