DUI

Driving Under The Influence (DUI)

A brief lapse in judgment can result in severe consequences. Nothing can be further from the truth when dealing with driving under the influence (DUI) charge. Consequences such as arrest, jail time, fines, penalties, and license suspension are only a handful of the negative repercussions a person can face. DUI charges can lead to a conviction. Depending on the conviction, a DUI can be classified as a misdemeanor or a felony. A misdemeanor may not be as severe as a felony; however, they both carry serious ramifications and consequences. If convicted, your offense follows you on a criminal history record for life. Having a criminal history can affect your personal life as much as the legal ramifications, if not more. Your DUI offense can introduce a whole set of long-term consequences to your personal life, especially if you’re not prepared for them. It is imperative to consult a DUI defense attorney in Atlanta, GA, such as attorney George C. Creal, as soon as you’re arrested. A knowledgeable DUI defense attorney will be able to assist you through the challenging DUI legal process.

Long-term DUI consequences can be damaging. They affect your life and possibly the lives of your family and loved ones. Your financial health can also suffer. It is wise to seek the help of a DUI defense attorney in Atlanta, GA, for the best solution to a DUI offense. Without the assistance of a defense attorney to lessen the charges or have them removed, the consequences can linger for years and undermine your future opportunities. If you choose to handle your DUI case alone and complete all legal obligations, and pay all the penalties and fines, you’ll still be left with a damaging conviction that will affect your future in the long-term.

Long-term consequences can include the following:

• Driver’s License Revocation – Your driver’s license can get revoked if you are convicted of a DUI. If it’s your first offense, it can get revoked for up to two years. Without a license, it will be challenging to get to and from work, school, running errands, visiting family and friends, and any other place that requires you to drive.
• Background Checks – Criminal background checks are conducted by most employers when a person is looking to get hired. A DUI, whether it’s a felony or misdemeanor, will appear during a background check. Employers usually bypass a job applicant if their background check comes back with a conviction. Landlords also conduct background checks for prospective tenants. Securing a place to live can be challenging if a DUI conviction is present.
• Employment – A DUI can gravely affect your employment. If you’re seeking employment, your conviction will show up on a criminal background check. Most employers perform a background check before hiring a potential candidate, and if you have a DUI conviction, the job you want may not be in the cards. If you are already employed, it does not mean that your job status is safe. A DUI charge requires an immense amount of time to take care of. During your case, you will be subject to court dates, jail time, DUI mandatory programs, and possible community service. All of these requirements can affect your job performance, schedule, and attendance and put your employment at risk.
• Auto Insurance Rates – After a DUI conviction, your car insurance rates will suffer. Car insurance rates will substantially increase because insurance companies consider drivers with a DUI conviction to be a liability. Moreover, some insurance companies will terminate a customer’s coverage after becoming aware of a DUI conviction.

Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) In Georgia

In the State of Georgia, DUI laws prohibit anyone from driving or from actual physical control. Actual physical control can include different scenarios. A driver in the driver’s seat while parked and not operating the car or vehicle on the road can be described as actual physical control. Other situations that can fall under actual physical control can involve the location of the car keys, whether the driver was asleep, the site of the car, and whether the vehicle’s engine was running. Regardless of the circumstance, it is essential to consult with a DUI defense attorney in Atlanta, GA. Your attorney will be able to advise you on how best to navigate your offense in court.

Driving under the influence in Georgia involves a person who is operating or in actual physical control of a vehicle with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08% or higher. If a person is operating a commercial vehicle, the blood alcohol content can’t be higher than .04%. A person’s BAC is even less if he or she is under the age of 21. If you’re under the age of 21, you can get charged if your BAC is .02% or more.

Driving under the influence, not only means having alcohol in your system, but also includes drugs, controlled substances, and illegal drugs.

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• The Importance Of Seeking Medical Attention After A Car Accident
• What To Tell The Officer On Scene About Prescription Medications
• What May Occur If One Is Pulled Over And The Officer Suspects They Are Under The Influence Of Something Other Than Alcohol
• The Important Personal Medical History To Share With Your DUI Attorney
• The Information Someone Stopped By Law Enforcement In Fulton County Is Required To Provide During A DUI Investigation
• The Consequences Of Refusing The Breathalyzer Test When Arrested For A DUI Near Forest Park, Georgia
• The Information To Share With Your DUI Attorney
• Handling Drug-Related Charges In Georgia
• What Is Considered DUI Under Georgia State Law?
• Do I Need A Lawyer For My DUI Charge In Atlanta, Georgia?
• What Are The Penalties For A DUI Conviction In Georgia?
• What Happens When Someone Is Stopped For A DUI In Georgia?
• How Does Georgia DUI Police Protocol Change If The Driver Is Suspected Of Being Under The Influence of Drugs?
• Are Most DUI Cases Generally Settled With Plea Deals?
• What Are The Penalties For DUI Convictions In Georgia?
• Can I Have A DUI Conviction Sealed Or Expunged From My Record?

Many people assume that they can handle their own DUI case once they’re arrested and charged while others give in to the legal process without a fight. Both actions can result in a conviction with substantial penalties, fees, and jail time, along with any long-term consequences. However, these scenarios can be avoided with the right attorney on your side. A skilled DUI attorney can get the charges dropped or significantly reduced. Having charges dropped or reduced can save you from a negative record. The help from an attorney can also save you money from court fees and penalties. Your license can be restored, and additional jail time can be avoided. The benefits of hiring an experienced DUI defense attorney in Atlanta, GA, can prove invaluable.

Anyone who consumes alcohol, drugs, or illegal substances while driving or in actual physical control of a vehicle risks being arrested and charged. It is not wise to handle your own case. Managing your own case can result in an unnecessary conviction or other serious charges. However, your case can be successfully fought by an experienced DUI defense attorney in Atlanta, GA, such as Attorney George C. Creal. Attorney Creal will ensure that your rights are protected and that your case is dealt with professionally.