The traffic stop and breathalyzer test are just the first steps in what could be a lengthy and difficult legal process when you have been pulled over on suspicion of DUI. You are facing criminal penalties and other collateral consequences if you are convicted of any criminal offense. When there is so much at stake, you need legal help from an experienced DUI lawyer to both navigate the criminal justice system and work towards the best possible outcome of your case. Moffitt Law, LLC defends Columbus-area residents who have been charged with DUI.
What Are the Penalties for a DUI Conviction?
Georgia imposes significant criminal penalties if you are charged with and convicted of a DUI offense.
Some of the penalties are as follows:
- A first offense could result in a jail sentence of up to a year (which can be suspended by the judge), a fine of $300 to $1,000, and the loss of your license for up to one year.
- A second offense (within five years of the first) could mean 90 days to a year in prison (and you would serve at least 48 hours in jail), a fine of $600 to $1000, and the loss of your license for up to three years.
- A third offense can result in 120 days to a year in jail (with a minimum of 15 days served) and a fine between $1,000 and $5,000. You could also lose your license for five years.
Georgia also may charge DUI as a felony. A felony DUI is a fourth offense or one that results in serious bodily injury. Then, you would face a minimum of one year in jail and up to 15 years in prison. Any type of DUI charge is serious, and you have no choice but to deal with it.
Further Consequences of a DUI Conviction
Georgia law does not allow you to expunge records of a DUI conviction. Thus, if you are convicted of DUI, your record May remain with you forever. Potential jail time is not the only consequence of a DUI conviction. You may face the following challenges:
- The loss of your driver’s license
- Requirement to take a drug and alcohol course
- Potential loss of your job
- Inability to engage in certain professions
- Damage to your reputation
- Negative impacts on your immigration status
- Challenges with custody cases
- If your conviction was a felony, the loss of your right to carry firearms
Either way, you need to know exactly what you may face in the future should you be convicted or choose to plead guilty. A DUI conviction does not stop causing collateral impacts once you have served whatever sentence has been imposed.
How A Columbus DUI Defense Lawyer May Be Able To Help You
Before you make any decisions in your DUI case, you need to know both your legal options and the potential consequences of a conviction. An experienced attorney will learn more about your situation and work to ensure that you understand what you are facing.
A Columbus DUI attorney can review your case to determine whether you have any potential defenses to the charges. Given the drastic criminal consequences and collateral penalties, it may be in your interest to fight the charges if you have an available defense. DUI defenses include:
- There was no basis for the traffic stop in the first place
- There was a technical issue with the breathalyzer test or the physical evidence being used against you
- Law enforcement otherwise violated your rights, such as denying you the right to counsel or improperly questioning you
- You were not intoxicated at the time of the traffic stop
Then, your lawyer could investigate your case to help you determine whether it is in your best interest to reach a plea agreement with the prosecutor or fight the charges against you. If your choice is the latter.
Your attorney will gather evidence that can be used to back up your defenses in your case. If you choose to negotiate with the prosecutor, an attorney knows how to deal with law enforcement and can work to secure you the best possible deal. You want a lawyer who has deep experience with DUI cases and knows how to quickly assess your options and potentially speak to the prosecutor.
Contact a Columbus DUI Attorney Today
When you need a tough yet practical DUI attorney to represent you, call Moffitt Law, LLC. Once you hire us after your free initial consultation, we will immediately get to work to help you assess your options and determine your path forward. You must reach out to a lawyer immediately before any developments occur in your case. To speak with an attorney, you can message us online or call us today at 762-200-2924.