DUI Process in Douglas County

Understanding the DUI Process

It is illegal to drive a motor vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, if you have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08% or higher. Anyone who is arrested for DUI will be facing mandatory fines, jail time, community service and more upon conviction.

Individuals who are charged with multiple DUI offenses, or who have seriously injured or killed someone as a result of their driving under the influence, can expect to be faced with enhanced, harsher penalties. There will be no leniency from prosecuting attorneys during the DUI process, especially when it comes to prosecuting multiple DUI offenders. Being arrested or charged with DUI can be an extremely difficult and frightening experience.

That is why it is important that you know and understand the DUI process:

• The first part of the DUI process begins when you have been pulled over for suspicion of DUI. It is not uncommon for law enforcement officials to make an arrest if either your BAC reads .08% or higher on a field breathalyzer test, or you are exhibiting any of the signs commonly associated with someone who is under the influence. This is true regardless of whether or not you have been drinking. Georgia also has a zero tolerance policy for any drivers who are not of legal drinking age. Any person under the age of 21 who is found operating a motor vehicle with a BAC of .02% or higher will be subject to full DUI penalties.
• After you have been arrested and charged with DUI, your first court appearance will be during your arraignment. It is essential to have an accomplished criminal defense attorney, who is well-versed and experienced with DUI cases, representing you from this point forward. At the arraignment the judge will inform you of the charges against you, ask for your plea, set conditions for your release or bond, and set your next court date. If the judge deems it necessary, you may also be ordered to have an ignition interlock device installed on your vehicle and be subjected to random urine tests.
• Many judges will order one or more pretrial court dates so that the prosecution can present their evidence against you. This is beneficial as it allows the firm to review the prosecution's documentation and police reports, challenge the admission of erroneous or illegally-gathered evidence, and help craft your defense.
• The DUI trial comes next. Depending on the circumstances of the case, your trial will be heard and decided upon by either a jury or a judge. Although the prosecution will exhaust all resources in order to prove that you are guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, the firm is extremely accomplished in defending clients facing DUI charges and they have the experience and commitment you want defending your rights and protecting your interests.
• Individuals who the judge or jury find guilty of the charges are convicted and sentenced. In addition to jail time, fines, community service, license suspension and more, all DUI convictions are reported to the DMV and go on your permanent driving record.

Anyone facing DUI charges know that their freedom and their future are at stake. If you or a loved one has been arrested for DUI, you are advised to contact a Douglas County criminal defense lawyer from Howard and Arca Attorneys at Law immediately. A DUI conviction will go on your permanent criminal record. In many cases, it will also have a negative impact on your family, your job, and your livelihood.

You do have rights, however, and the firm will work with you closely to answer any questions you may have, thoroughly review and evaluate the case against you, and advise you on the best course of action to pursue. The firm prides itself on being responsive to their clients in order to provide them with the insightful, hard-hitting defense they need when facing DUI charges.

Douglas County DUI Defense Lawyer Serving Atlanta & West Georgia

The firm is located in Dallas, however they also serve Metro Atlanta and West Georgia. The firm has many years experience representing clients in all manner of DUI and criminal defense cases and they are always prepared to fight aggressively on behalf of their clients. Even in instances where going to trial is not in their client's best interests, the firm is committed to using their knowledge and experience to develop creative, insightful solutions in order to negotiate effective out-of-court resolutions.

If you have questions about the DUI process, or you need an attorney who will provide you with the aggressive representation you deserve when facing DUI charges, contact a Douglas County DUI defense attorney from Howard and Arca Attorneys at Law today.