Driving Under the Influence
DUI Lawyer in Hinesville
Much like the rest of the nation, driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol in Georgia is a crime. Drivers who are found to have a blood alcohol content (BAC) level above the legal limit can be arrested and charged with DUI. For aggressive defense against your charges, seek the legal guidance of a DUI defense attorney from Balbo & Gregg. We have helped clients fight their charges for more than 40 combined years, and we will apply this wealth of experience to helping you find the best solutions to your DUI charges.
Providing Prompt & Knowledgeable Defense
After an arrest, it is critical to seek legal assistance immediately. You only have 10 business days after your arrest to request an Administrative License Suspense Hearing (ALS). This important hearing determines if you are eligible to keep your license. If you do not schedule this hearing, you will automatically have your license suspended. Once you contact Balbo & Gregg, our attorneys will begin building a strong defense that will obtain the best results at your hearing.
The ALS hearing is not the end of the DUI process. Our legal team will continue to develop a strong defense throughout the duration of your case. Through every step of the process, we will work with the goal of protecting your rights and defending your freedom. Call us today at (866) 580-3089 to discuss your case with a free consultation.
Criminal Classifications of DUI Charges
DUI charges can vary based on the circumstances of the incident. Most DUI charges are misdemeanors. However, extreme cases that are particularly dangerous or ones that inflict serious injuries can be elevated to a Class 6 felony. This means DUI charges are known as a “wobbler” crime.
Penalties for a DUI conviction include:
- Jail time
- Large fines
- Victim restitution
- Administrative license revocation
- Mandatory installation of an ignition interlock device
- Alcohol education class completion
- Civil forfeiture of your vehicle (felony convictions only)
Repeat offenders face more severe penalties. If your second offense occurs within five years of your first, you could face an increased fine and a longer jail sentence (including a mandatory minimum sentence). Those that commit DUI three times within 10 years are automatically charged with a felony.
DUI Penalties in Georgia
Penalties for driving under the influence are severe because of the potential damage a wreck could cause to other drivers and passengers. DUI penalties depend on your age, type of license, previous DUI convictions, and any aggravating factors. Individuals 21 years and older can be charged with DUI if their BAC level is 0.08% or higher. Commercial vehicle drivers are held to stricter standards and can be arrested for a BAC level of 0.04% or higher. Drivers under the legal drinking age of 21 can be charged with DUI for a BAC level of 0.02% or higher.
In any circumstance, you may be penalized with:
- License suspension
- Heavy fines
- Court costs
- Jail time
- DUI school
- Increased insurance rates
In some cases, you may need to install an ignition interlock device (IID) in your vehicle. The IID requires a breath sample before you can start your vehicle. If alcohol is detected on your breath, the vehicle will not start.
Retain a Premier Defense Firm
The state of Georgia follows the implied-consent law. Under this law, drivers in Georgia are subject to submit to chemical tests of blood, breath, or urine. If you refuse to submit to such a test, your driver's license will automatically be suspended for more than one year. A DUI charge can greatly impact your life if you are convicted. Georgia's penalties are so severe, in fact, that you cannot plead "wet reckless" in place of your DUI.
With so much at stake and such heavy potential consequences, it is critical that you seek the aid of an experienced firm. Work with our Hinesville DUI attorneys at Balbo & Gregg, Attorneys at Law, PC for a seasoned approach to any case. We are equipped to handle your case, and can dedicate our full effort to helping you avoid the harsh consequences for DUI.
To learn more about how our attorneys can help you combat your charges, contact our firm at (866) 580-3089 for a free consultation.
