DUIs come with very serious penalties in Georgia like a lot of states. If you get pulled over for a DUI traffic stop, you will be very concerned if you have been drinking. Leading DUI defense lawyer, Vic Wiegand reviews a bit about DUI and traffic stops for DUIs in today’s blog.
Whether this is your first offense or your fourth, you need an experienced criminal defense team by your side with an attorney who will protect your rights and try to help you keep your license. Attorney Wiegand knows that although a DUI conviction may be a misdemeanor, the penalties can be harsher than some felony sentences. It is a very complex and ever-changing area of law, but his law practice has the experience to answer questions you may have if charged with a DUI in Cumming and the surrounding area in and around Forsyth County.
What is a DUI Under Georgia Law?
Georgia Law (GA Code 40-6-39) defines Driving Under the Influence or DUI is when a person is driving while under the physical effect of alcohol or another controlled substance. If the individual’s blood alcohol level is 0.08 percent or higher, then they will likely be charged with a DUI.
What is a Traffic Stop for a DUI?
If a police officer pulls you over, it may be because of some traffic infraction such as not coming to a complete stop at a stop sign, or maybe speeding a bit, or even going too slow. The officer may wonder or suspect you are driving poorly because maybe- just maybe- you are under the influence. If you have been drinking, be cautious of your behavior. It’s best to be polite and cooperative as far as providing requested items – license, registration, & proof of insurance.
Do not volunteer that you have been drinking if asked. The officer is already suspicious no matter how “nice” they seem. But you should not provide them with an admission that you have been drinking. This could be used against you later.
If they feel like their suspicion is true and you may be driving under the influence, you may be arrested. But now remember getting convicted is a whole different thing. So though an arrest will be inconvenient and frightening, with an experienced DUI defense lawyer, like Mr. Wiegand, there is a very good chance you will not be convicted.
The Penalties of a DUI
The penalties for being convicted of DUI can be harsh, even if this is not your first DUI offense. That is why you must have an experienced attorney who has handled cases like this before. You will want to avoid a conviction. If you do have a concern about your drinking after this incident, you should take care of getting help privately with your physician or a substance abuse clinic.
- Losing your Driving License. You could also be subjected to administrative penalties from the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, which could include financial and personal penalties. Losing your driving privileges is a very real possibility.
If you refused a state-requested blood/breath/urine test OR your test results were a .08 or higher, you may only have 30 days to request an administrative license hearing to prevent the suspension of your driver’s license by the Department of Drivers Services (DDS). Do not lose your license, contact our office at (770) 886-4646.
- Penalties for DUI Conviction
If convicted of a DUI, you could also receive penalties in addition to losing your license/driving privileges. A DUI conviction results in serious penalties including jail time, expensive fines, court fees, probation, community service, drug and alcohol screening, mandatory substance abuse education courses, and other possible penalties.
Contact Cumming DUI Defense Lawyer
The Law Office of Vic Wiegand, Esq. is a full-service criminal defense law practice, committed to protecting our client’s interests and protecting their rights. We focus on client-centered quality representation. We believe everyone is entitled to respect, discretion, and an expert defense.
With nearly 20 years of experience practicing Criminal Defense Law, attorney Wiegand helps his clients when it comes to getting charges dropped or pleaded down. He understands the need to resolve some cases quickly and discreetly without the need for a trial or publicity. Yet, when necessary, he is comfortable and experienced in appearing in court with a proven record of achieving excellent results.
If you have been charged with a crime, call us at (770) 886-4646 or schedule a free consultation using our online form. We have offices located in Cumming, Georgia, just 40 miles northeast of Atlanta in Forsyth County.
