Leon Hicks, Esq. Attorney At Law (770) 471-5001 Expert Legal Help, Now!
 Leon Hicks, Esq.  Attorney At Law                                                                                                            (770) 471-5001                                              Expert Legal Help, Now!

Navigating the DUI Arrest and Court Process in Georgia

 

 

 

I. Introduction

 

Driving under the influence (DUI) in Georgia, whether due to alcohol or drugs, is a serious offense with potential consequences such as fines, jail time, or loss of license. The legal limit of alcohol in the blood, or blood alcohol concentration (BAC), is set at 0.08%. If the police test your blood and it shows that you have 0.08% or more alcohol in it, that is against the law. This article will guide you through the steps that occur after a DUI arrest in Georgia, outlining the possible punishments and providing tips on how to defend yourself in case of charges. Being informed in advance can assist in making informed decisions about your case and prepare for the road ahead.



 

II. DUI Arrest

 

When a police officer thinks someone is driving under the influence, they need to have a good reason to arrest them. They might notice things like the driver is driving in a dangerous way, smelling like alcohol, or talking in a way that's hard to understand.

 

When a person gets arrested for DUI, the police officer might make them do some tests to see if they're drunk. These tests might include things like walking in a straight line, standing on one leg, or following a moving object with their eyes.

 

The police officer might also ask the person to take a test that measures the amount of alcohol in their blood, like a breath or blood test. If the person refuses to take the test, they might lose their driver's license automatically.

 

When someone gets arrested for DUI, the police officer has to tell them their rights. The right to drive in the state of Georgia is a privilege and not a formal right. Therefore, police do have to remind you of your criminal rights, only those that apply to your right to drive.

 

After the arrest, the person will go to jail. They may have to pay money (called bail) to be released from jail.





III. Pre-Trial Proceedings

 

The first time someone goes to court for DUI charges is called the arraignment. During this hearing, the judge will tell the person what they are being accused of, and the person will say whether they are pleading guilty or not guilty.

 

Before the trial, there might be a meeting between the person's lawyer and the prosecution, where they talk about the case and see if they can agree on a deal. This is called a pretrial conference.

 

Plea bargaining is when the prosecution and the person's lawyer talk about a deal. This can mean that the person gets less severe charges, or a lighter sentence. For example, instead of getting one year in jail, the person might agree to something less.

 

During the discovery process, the prosecution has to give the defense all the evidence they have. The defense lawyer can use this evidence to build a good case and try to make a deal with the prosecution.

 

Sometimes, before the trial, the defense lawyer might ask the judge to make a decision about certain things that could affect the case. This is called a motion’s hearing. For example, if the defense lawyer thinks the police didn't follow the right procedures when they arrested the person, they might ask the judge to throw out that evidence.

 



IV. Trial

 

During jury selection, the defense lawyer might use something called challenges to get rid of people who might not be fair to the person they are representing. For example, if the defense lawyer thinks that someone on the jury might be friends with the police officer who arrested the person, they might use a challenge to get that person off the jury.

 

During the trial, the prosecution and defense lawyers will show the jury the evidence they have. The defense lawyer's job is to question the prosecution's evidence and show the jury evidence that proves their client is innocent. This can include having witnesses testify, experts talk about the case, and showing other pieces of evidence that help their client's case.

 

Before the jury decides whether the person is guilty or not guilty, the prosecution and defense lawyers get to make one last argument. This is called closing arguments. The defense lawyer will summarize the evidence that was shown and try to convince the jury that the person they are representing is innocent.

 

After the jury has deliberated, they will make a verdict of guilty or not guilty. If the person is found guilty, the judge will decide the punishment. 




V. Penalties for DUI in Georgia

 

When someone is caught driving under the influence (DUI) in Georgia, they can face different penalties depending if it's their first time or if they have been arrested before. For example, a first-time offender faces fines, up to one year in jail, and a one-year suspension of their driver's license. However, if a person is caught DUI more than once, the penalties can be more severe. They might have to pay more money in fines, spend more time in jail, and have their license suspended for a longer time.

 

Additionally, if someone had a high amount of alcohol in their blood or refused to take a chemical test, they can face even harsher penalties. This can include longer jail time and higher fines.

 

If someone is convicted of DUI in Georgia, their license may be suspended. The length of the suspension can vary, it could be six months or up to five years. Repeat offenders may also be required to install an ignition interlock device on their vehicle, which prevents it from starting if they have been drinking.

 

Lastly, DUI offenders in Georgia may be required to participate in alcohol and drug education and treatment programs as part of their sentence. These programs can include therapy, counseling, and support groups and are meant to help address the reasons why they committed the DUI offense in the first place. These programs are critical in assisting offenders in learning from their mistake and making better decisions in the future.

 



VI. Defenses to DUI in Georgia

 

When you get pulled over by the police, they have to have a good reason to do so. If they don't have a good reason or if they violate any of your rights, your lawyer can try to get any evidence found during that time thrown out.

 

When the police give you tests to check if you've been drinking, like walking in a straight line or blowing into a breathalyzer, these tests have to be done correctly. If they weren't done correctly or the results were wrong, your lawyer can say that you weren't drunk, but maybe you had an inner ear problem or were taking medication that made it hard for you to do the test.

 

Some people have medical conditions that can make it hard for them to do the tests the police give, like diabetes or inner ear problems. Your lawyer can use this information to argue that you weren't drunk, but that your actions were caused by your medical condition.

 

If the police did something wrong, like searching your car without permission, your lawyer can try to get any evidence they found thrown out. This is important because if they find something like an open bottle of alcohol, it can be used against you in court.

 

If you have previously been arrested for DUI, the punishment may be severe. Your lawyer can try to argue that your previous convictions should not be used against you, or that you have taken steps to address your alcohol or drug addiction and should be given a more lenient sentence.

 

 

VII. Conclusion

 

Navigating the legal process after getting a DUI in Georgia can be confusing and overwhelming. 

It's important to know what could happen if you're convicted, like paying fines, going to jail, or losing your driver's license. Repeat offenders and those with certain circumstances might face even more severe penalties. But, by understanding your options and working with a lawyer who specializes in DUIs,  you may be able to reduce or even get rid of the charges against you.

 

It's also important to remember that a DUI conviction is not just a legal issue, but a personal one as well. Programs that focus on alcohol and drug education and treatment can help individuals with addiction issues and prevent future incidents. There are also resources like legal aid and treatment programs that can provide additional support for those facing DUI charges in Georgia.

 

In short, if you or someone you know is facing DUI charges in Georgia, it's important to take the necessary steps to protect your rights and defend yourself in court. Hiring a lawyer and exploring available resources can make a big difference in the outcome of your case.

 

 

© 2023 Leon Hicks – Attorney At Law. All rights reserved.

 

 

 

 



 

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