You were recently arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol in Georgia, and now you are worried. You are afraid of what the potential consequences may be if convicted on a DUI charge. You are concerned about what this could mean for your future. You have a million questions that need answers as soon as possible. Hopefully, this column can address a few of them.
Do I need to worry about the sobriety testing results?
Police officers in Georgia do use various sobriety tests roadside to determine if a driver is impaired. These tests include performing specific physical tasks or providing a breath sample. While many believe these tests are highly accurate, the truth is, they are very subjective. If you failed any of these tests, it may not be the end of the world. Under certain circumstances, it may be possible to have the results deemed inadmissible.
What are the potential penalties if I’m convicted?
Generally speaking, a conviction on a DUI charge may result in jail time, fines and the loss of driving privileges. The severity of these penalties is dependent on several factors such as your blood alcohol concentration at the time of your arrest, any prior offenses on your record and if you caused an accident that resulted in bodily harm — among various others. Along with these standard consequences, you may be sentenced to community service, probation and rehabilitation.
Is it possible to successfully fight a DUI charge?
Yes. Every case is different, however. With the assistance of an experienced criminal defense attorney, you can determine the best way to approach your situation so that you achieve the best possible outcome in the end. That may be a case dismissal or a reduction in charges and/or penalties. For more answers to some common DUI questions, along with information about how legal counsel can assist you with your DUI charge, please take a moment and visit our firm’s website.