Behind the Breathalyzer Case Studies and Courtroom Insights Roadside Realities by admin October 7, 2024
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Those on probation for alcohol- or drug-related offenses, including DUIs and related offenses, will be subject to additional conditions in addition to their criminal sentence. These may include random drug screening and attending DUI school among others.
Being charged with DUI while on probation is a serious breach of contract that may put both you and your family’s safety in jeopardy.
1. Jail Time
Defendants charged with their second DUI in Sandy Springs can expect far harsher repercussions than those facing their first offense, including jail time, fines and license suspension; alcohol treatment programs; driving classes and other requirements could all come into play as penalties for such convictions.
A repeat offense may carry even harsher repercussions if the defendant has children or an occupation, since judges will attempt to minimize any impact to family relationships whenever possible.
If you are arrested for driving under the influence, police officers will likely ask you to undergo field sobriety tests such as walking on a straight line and reciting alphabet backwards. While you are free not to submit to these tests, if alcohol, slurred speech or open containers are detected they have probable cause to suspect you as driving while impaired.
2. Fines
Sandy Springs DUI conviction fines can be very hefty; starting from $600 and reaching up to $1,000. Furthermore, minimum 30 day community service requirements will need to be fulfilled and your license could be suspended for up to one year – on top of which a clinical evaluation and treatment may also need to take place at your own cost.
Police officers may ask you to perform field sobriety tests such as walking in a straight line, standing on one foot or reciting alphabet backwards. But you have the right to refuse these tests and fight to keep your license and avoid jail time; an experienced attorney can file an appeal letter within thirty days to prevent your license being automatically suspended.
3. Probation
After being charged with DUI, probationary periods typically include numerous requirements that must be fulfilled, such as court-ordered alcohol education programs, paying all fines by certain dates, community service hours within an established timeline and using ignition interlock devices. Any violations can lead to jail time and license suspension.
During this time, you must refrain from drinking alcohol or taking drugs and must submit to random drug and alcohol tests at your own expense.
If you violate probation, it’s essential that you seek legal help immediately. James Yeargan Sandy Springs DUI Attorneys offer exceptional legal defense for their clients facing DUI charges and strive to defend driving privileges by fighting them vigorously. Contact us for a complimentary case evaluation now.
4. Alcohol Treatment
No matter if it is your first DUI offense or probation for previous ones, Georgia laws emphasize rehabilitation for those charged with DUIs.
As part of a DUI arrest, your entire interaction with police may be captured on video, including field sobriety exercises and questioning that follows. How you appear on video may decide your fate in many cases.
Your lawyer will carefully assess all of the evidence in your case and search for any viable defenses. He may be able to convince the prosecution to lower charges or lighten your sentence; otherwise he will take your case before a jury trial.
5. License Suspension
Officer John Head from the Sandy Springs DUI Task Force arrests more drivers for Driving Under the Influence than any other officer in Sandy Springs. If he obtains a search warrant to obtain blood samples for post-arrest chemical tests, that will result in an automatic 12-month license suspension in addition to any other penalties associated with your criminal case.
Your Sandy Springs DUI lawyer may request an administrative hearing with the Georgia Department of Driver Services to challenge your license suspension. This action is litigated separately from your criminal case and our lawyers will take this opportunity to search for errors and violations of your rights as well as reasons police stopped you for DUI checkpoint such as burnt-out headlight or slurred speech.
