A DUI charge in Georgia can raise questions about your driver’s license, your ability to get to work, and the possibility of a criminal record. You may be unsure about whether the police officer followed proper procedures in testing you for a DUI, whether your stop was legal, or what evidence the prosecutor is allowed to use in court.
Understanding your DUI charge, the legal process, and your options is an important first step in dealing with a DUI charge. At Village Counsel Law Firm, we help individuals facing DUI allegations by providing clear information and advice.
DUIs in Georgia
Georgia law prohibits drivers from operating a moving vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. DUI allegations in Georgia can arise from an officer’s observations of impaired driving, field sobriety tests, breathalyzer testing, blood testing, and more. While evidence of impaired driving is often an important part of a DUI case, Georgia law also allows per se DUI charges based on specific blood alcohol concentration numbers.
A DUI charge is not the same as a conviction. A prosecutor must still prove the DUI charge in court, and as the defendant, you can contest the charges and present evidence and arguments to support your innocence.
Defending Against a DUI
How you choose to defend against your DUI will depend on the particular circumstances of your arrest and the DUI evidence that the prosecutor intends to use. You can challenge a DUI if the initial traffic stop was improper, officers failed to follow proper testing procedures, there was no basis for additional testing, or the overall evidence of impairment is questionable.
Depending on the unique facts of your case, you may need to rely on police reports, body-camera footage, or chemical test results to prove your case. Or you may hire an expert to testify that police failed to follow proper procedures when collecting or handling your test sample. There are many ways to challenge a DUI charge, and an experienced Georgia DUI defense attorney can help you craft a defensive legal strategy that meets your needs.
DUI Administrative Procedures
In addition to criminal proceedings, a DUI charge in Georgia can also trigger administrative consequences related to your driver’s license. Carefully review any paperwork you receive about impacts to your license, as the timeline to appeal can be very short,t and these proceedings are separate from any ongoing criminal matters.
Speak With An Experienced Georgia DUI Defense Attorney
If you have been arrested or charged with a DUI in Georgia, speak with a Georgia DUI defense attorney as soon as possible. At Village Counsel Law Firm, we provide comprehensive, strategic guidance to help you defend against DUI charges and protect your license. For more information, contact our office today.