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Driving Drunk Penalties

Many people make the mistake of believing a drunk driving arrest is not serious and do not learn the gravity of the situation until they have experienced the consequences.  An overview of DUI facts emphasizes the effect that a DUI can have on your future and explains why most circumstances require an experienced attorney to help. The DUI attorneys at Webb & D'Orazio can help ensure the best possible outcome given your specific circumstances.

SEVERE PENALTIES FOR DUI, EVEN FOR FIRST OFFENDERS

Penalties for driving under the influence are severe. You can expect a number of penalties, even if this is your first offense. If you are convicted of DUI, you may spend up to a year in jail. The fine can range from $300 to $1000. A first offense will carry a mandatory period of community service. You will lose your driver's license for up to a year, and be required to pay $210 to have your license reinstated when you are eligible to drive again. These penalties are only for your first DUI. Subsequent offenses will carry harsher penalties.

IF DRUNK DRIVING CAUSES AN ACCIDENT OR INJURIES

If you are involved in an accident while driving under the influence, you may be sued by other parties. If you do not have legal representation, you are not likely to win the lawsuit. You may be required to pay a considerable amount of money to the individuals who are injured because of your drunk driving.

Especially in these circumstances, it is important to remain calm and polite. You must provide your driver's license and insurance information to the officer. You will need to provide your contact information and contact information for your insurance company if another driver was involved in the accident. Do not offer any other information or answer any other questions as any information you offer can be used against you in court. Do not discuss your DUI arrest or an accident with anyone except your attorney.

WHAT TO DO AFTER AN ARREST

In Georgia, you are not obligated to comply with a field sobriety test. In general, it is better if you do not comply. Field sobriety tests are not always accurate, but the results can be held against you when you go to court. On the other hand you are required to submit to a urine, blood, or breath test. If you refuse, you will lose your license immediately.

Even when you are arrested in Cobb or Paulding County, you have rights. One of the most important rights is your right to talk to an attorney. You should do this as soon as possible after you are arrested.

WHAT A MARIETTA ATTORNEY CAN DO FOR YOU

When you speak with a lawyer, his first job is to ensure your rights. He will make sure you are aware of your legal rights and make sure no one takes advantage of you. Empowering you with knowledge and a comprehensive understanding of your circumstances should be your attorney's first priority.

Next, your lawyer will gather all of the evidence that is relevant to your case. Whether your DUI included an accident, a checkpoint, or is simply a matter of drunk driving, the gathering of as much information as possible will result in the best chance of winning in court. Always tell your lawyer the truth, and do not withhold any information.

Finally, if the case proceeds to court, your attorney will represent you before the court. Depending on the circumstances, your lawyer may be able to get the charges against you dropped. If this is not possible, you may receive less severe penalties by having experienced legal representation.

NEVER REPRESENT YOURSELF

From the immediately after your drunk driving arrest to the final outcome, you need a qualified attorney on your side. Even if you are innocent of the charges against you, do not try to represent yourself. It can lead to a wide range of complications that would not occur if you have a lawyer.

DUI in Marietta GA can take your time, money, freedom, and reputation. You may lose your job while you are in jail, lose the respect of your friends and family, and wind up with a DUI conviction on your record.

Rather than taking these risks, take the sensible approach. If you have made the mistake of driving under the influence, an arrest does not have to ruin your life. You can make a phone call and ask for a consultation. Discuss the situation with your lawyer, and ask him to represent you. There will be fewer complications, and you can have peace of mind.

Featured Testimonial

"Having dealt with attorneys for many years, I always walked away feeling dissatisfied and taken advantage of. Robert was forthcoming and honest with what options we had, spoke and treated my family like humans. He was conscious of our budget and of our time. We need more attorney's like Robert."

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