DUI Conviction

Practice Areas

DUI Conviction

Vic Wiegand, DUI Defense Lawyer in Forsyth County serving Cumming, Dawsonville, Dahlonega and the North Metro area.

In Georgia, a DUI means driving under the influence. For law enforcement, this typically refers to a driver who is operating a vehicle after consuming drugs or alcohol. It can include being under the influence of even prescribed drugs. If you are charged with a DUI in Georgia, you are likely very worried.

It should be no surprise to you that driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is a serious criminal offense in Georgia. DUI cases are some of the most serious charges. Although it is usually a misdemeanor, the penalties can be harsher than some felony sentences.

Practice Areas

Contact Info

Address:

Tanyard Oaks Office Park 327 Dahlonega Street Suite 1600 Cumming, Georgia 30040

Phone:

(770) 886-4646

Fax:

770-886-4647

Georgia Takes Drinking and Driving Seriously

Georgia laws set penalties for DUI convictions and they can be severe and life-altering for the offender. The severity of the penalties will depend on certain circumstances such as whether the offender has any prior convictions, the level of intoxication, and whether anyone was injured or killed due to the DUI. Penalties can include fines, jail time, loss of driving privileges, required classes, and community service.

The statute makes it illegal for anyone to operate a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. For alcohol, the standard for the average driver is if the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is .08% or higher, then the driver is considered intoxicated. It also provides for a “per se” violation of the law, meaning that a person can be charged with DUI if their BAC is .08% or higher, regardless of whether they were actually impaired.

DUI Felony Has Mandatory Sentencing

In Georgia, a felony DUI is punishable by mandatory sentences. A fourth or subsequent DUI conviction within 10 years is considered a felony, and offenders face a mandatory minimum sentence of one year in prison. Additionally, if a person causes serious injury or death while driving under the influence, they can face felony charges and mandatory minimum sentences ranging from three to 15 years in prison.

Other Punishments for DUI Convictions

Fines – Common fines associated with DUI in Georgia can include fines ranging from $300 to $5,000, depending on the number of violations and the level of intoxication.
Substance Abuse Education or Treatment – You could be required to attend substance abuse or alcohol education or treatment programs.
Community Service – You may be required to perform community service such as work at a homeless shelter or soup kitchen, warehouse work at nonprofits or food banks, or trash pick-up on freeways.
Ignition Interlock Device – You might have to install an ignition interlock device on your vehicle at your expense. An ignition interlock device requires the driver to blow into a breathalyzer before starting the vehicle, and if their BAC is above a certain level, the vehicle will not start.
Loss of Driver’s License – Driving in Georgia is a privilege, and you could lose that privilege for a set period. No driving can affect your ability to get to work and you could lose your livelihood.

Added Problems with a Conviction for DUI

In addition to these penalties, if convicted, you may face other problems like increased insurance rates, getting a loan/mortgage, renting an apartment, difficulty finding employment, and damage to your reputation and social standing. These types of consequences can last long after the fines are paid, and the prison sentence is served.

These long-term effects make it even more important for you to take the charges seriously and seek legal counsel as soon as possible.

Contact Experienced DUI Defense Attorney Vic Wiegand

Located northeast of Atlanta and serving Cumming, Forsyth County, and the surrounding communities, The Law Office of Vic Wiegand, Esq. is a full-service criminal defense law practice. Attorney Wiegand brings his formidable skills and strategies to the defense of his clients.

The practice is focused on client-centered representation with the belief that everyone is entitled to respect, discretion, and an expert defense. He is proud that they’ve defended many clients with tough-minded and determined litigation.

He understands Georgia law when it comes to DUIs. In fact, under-21 DUIs, Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) DUIs, Boating Under the Influence (BUI) DUI, and DUI Drugs all involve different laws and pitfalls to be avoided.

A DUI conviction can have a devastating impact on your future. You should put yourself in the strongest possible defensive position you can when facing these charges. Call DUI Defense Lawyer Vic Wiegand today at 770-886-4646.

I consider trial by jury as the only anchor ever yet imaged by man, by which a government can be held to the principles of its constitution.

– Thomas Jefferson

Phone:

770-886-4646

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Our Law office is located a few blocks from the Forsyth County Courthouse. Contact Us today for more information.

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