Riverdale DUI Lawyer

Drinking or using drugs while driving can have serious consequences. Not only is driving under the influence (DUI) reckless behavior that can harm others, but the legal penalties can also completely alter your life. A criminal conviction limits your job opportunities, where you can live, and more. 

This state’s DUI laws are among the strictest in the country. When you have been arrested for operating a vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, consult a Riverdale DUI lawyer about your options. A good defense strategy could help you avoid prison time and fines and keep your license. One of our criminal defense attorneys could also help you learn about the state’s laws and potential defenses.

State DUI Laws

Georgia law defines a DUI as driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or another intoxicating substance. According to the state laws, someone is intoxicated when they:

• Have marijuana or another controlled substance present in their blood or urine
• Are under the influence of drugs or alcohol to the extent that it is less safe to drive a vehicle
• Are under the influence of a prescription drug without proper authorization, to the extent that it is unsafe to drive
• Has a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 percent within three hours of driving or being in actual physical control of a vehicle. The legal limit is 0.02 percent for drivers under age 21 and 0.04 for drivers of commercial vehicles.

The law does have exceptions for those who have a drug in their system but are using it legally with a prescription. 

DUI Penalties

Depending on the circumstances of the charges, a DUI can be either a misdemeanor or felony; reviewing the differences and potential penalties with an attorney in Riverdale is crucial. In addition to criminal penalties, drivers can be subject to several non-criminal penalties if convicted, such as insurance penalties, license suspension, community service, and an ignition interlock device installed on their vehicle. 

A first offense for a DUI can result in one day to one year in jail, up to one year of license suspension, and fines up to $1,000. If convicted of a second offense, the defendant will face 90 days to one year in jail, a one-to-three-year license suspension, and court costs. A third conviction can result in up to a year in prison, a five-year license suspension, and fines up to $5,000. However, third offenses within a 10-year period of other DUI convictions are charged as felonies and carry severe consequences.

Possible Defenses to a DUI Charge

To convict someone of a DUI, the prosecutor must prove that the defendant committed the offense beyond a reasonable doubt. In DUI cases, there are various defenses available to reduce the impact of the charges. For example, if the police acted unlawfully, there may be an argument to suppress evidence. Likewise, there are often errors with breathalyzers and blood alcohol tests that cause the results to be inadmissible in court. While it can be tempting to take a plea deal, it might make more sense to take a case to trial in some circumstances. A Riverdale attorney experienced with fighting DUI charges could provide insight into this important decision.  

Consult a Riverdale Attorney About DUI Charges

A DUI conviction can significantly impact your future; you could lose your license and your job, or even end up in jail. When you are facing criminal charges, you need to put yourself in the best possible position to defeat them.

When you hire a Riverdale DUI lawyer to defend you, they can advocate for your best interests. Our legal team is prepared to handle your case. We have years of experience representing clients across the state. A criminal defense attorney could gather evidence that supports your innocence and fight to suppress evidence that might harm your case. Call us today for a free consultation.