Norcross DUI Attorneys
You can be Charged with DUI for Driving Drunk or Under the Influence of Other Drugs
In Georgia, as in the rest if the United States, it is illegal to drive when your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.08% or higher. If you are a commercial driver or under the age of 21, your legal BAC limit for driving is even lower. For commercial drivers, the legal limit is 0.04% and for underage drivers, it is 0.02%.
Driving drunk is grounds for a driving under the influence ( DUI ) charge. So is driving while under the influence of another drug, like marijuana. If you are charged with DUI, you can fight the charge to potentially have it dropped with the aid of an experienced DUI defense lawyer.
DUI Charges and Penalties in Georgia
In Georgia, a DUI charge for driving with a BAC at or above 0.08% is known as a DUI per se. Driving while impaired, but not necessarily beyond the legal BAC limit, is known as a DUI less safe. The penalties for both types of DUI charge are the same.
The penalties a driver faces for his or her DUI charge depend on a few factors. These factors include whether he or she was underage at the time of the arrest and whether he or she has previous DUI convictions on his or her record. Penalties for a DUI conviction include:
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Fines;
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Jail time;
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Driver’s license suspension;
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Completion of a mandatory alcohol education course;
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Community service; and
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Installation of an ignition interlock device on the driver’s vehicle.
Fighting a DUI Charge
There are a few different strategies you can potentially employ to fight your DUI charge. Your lawyer will advise you about your rights and legal options when you are facing a DUI. The most effective defense strategy for your case depends on the circumstances surrounding it.
When you are convicted of DUI, your lawyer can help you negotiate an arrangement that makes it more manageable. How he or she can help you alter your DUI’s terms depends on a few factors, like the nature of your offense, your age, and the hardships you are facing. Your lawyer can potentially help you:
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Obtain a limited driving permit;
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Negotiate your sentence to be less severe; and
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When your suspension is over, your lawyer can help you have your driver’s license reinstated. If your driver’s license is revoked, your lawyer can help you determine whether you are eligible for a reinstatement and if so, he or she can help you obtain one.
Work with an Experienced Gwinnett County DUI Defense Lawyer
If you are facing a DUI charge, start working on your legal defense strategy with an experienced DUI defense lawyer as soon as possible. The sooner you start developing an effective defense strategy, the better chance you will have of having your charge dismissed. Contact Zimmerman & Associates today to schedule your free legal consultation in our office.