Recently Charged with a DUI? The Top 5 Reasons Why You Need a DUI Attorney in Atlanta

If you were recently arrested for driving under the influence (DUI), you need to:

• Recognize the seriousness of the situation overall
• Immediately take the appropriate steps to fight the charges against you

After all, a conviction could cost you a lot of money, and depending on the severity of the charges against you, your freedom.

Hiring an attorney who specializes in DUI cases is important if you plan on fighting the charges.  An attorney with a track record of success in handling DUI cases in Atlanta will possess the knowledge and expertise to effectively sort through the details of your case so that you are aware of what options you may or may not have. From there, they can strategize on what the best course of action should be moving forward.

But that’s not all.

Here are the top 5 reasons why you need to retain the services of an Atlanta DUI lawyer.

They Know the DUI Laws (and the penalties)

In Atlanta, Georgia, driving under the influence (DUI) is a serious criminal offense that should not be taken lightly.

The most common penalty for a DUI conviction in Atlanta is jail time that ranges from a day to five years. The length of time you will serve is contingent on both the severity of the offense, as well as if it is your first DUI. If you have prior offenses, you can expect a much longer sentence.

On top of this, you will be forced to pay fines between $300-$5,000 depending on factors such as blood alcohol content (BAC), if you have prior convictions, and if there were any injuries – or deaths – caused by your irresponsible driving.

Additional penalties include:

• License suspension/revocation
• Mandatory completion of an alcohol safety program
• Installation of an ignition interlock device (IID)
• Community service
• Probation
• Vehicle impoundment

It’s important to keep in mind that these are just some of the potential penalties one may encounter after being convicted of DUI in Atlanta. There could be others, depending on the individual circumstances of the arrest, like if there were children in the car.

They Have Experience with DUI Cases

Hiring an attorney who has a proven track record of success in handling DUI cases in Atlanta can make all the difference, from defending against your DUI charge to negotiating a reduced sentence or alternative sentencing arrangement.

An attorney will help you understand the charges against you, as well as explore possible alternatives or defenses that could result in reduced charges, or possibly even a dismissal of the case all together.

An Atlanta DUI lawyer will also:

• Check to make sure law enforcement officers followed the correct procedures for the arrest, interrogation, and gathering of evidence
• Ensure you receive impartial treatment from the prosecutor
• Represent you in court, if needed
• Ensure all pertinent facts are presented to the judge

They Have Access to Many Resources

An attorney has access to invaluable resources that can be used to help defend against the charges being brought against you.

Some of these resources include:

• Expert witnesses. These types of professionals, including forensic toxicologists or accident reconstructionists, have specialized knowledge in their field, and can provide testimony that may be beneficial to your case. Oftentimes, they will present evidence that could refute the prosecution’s claims and strengthen the arguments made by your defense team.
• Private investigators and legal research databases. Private investigators can be used to investigate facts related to your DUI case, while legal research databases provide quick access to relevant laws and court decisions that are similar in nature to the specifics of your case.

They Fully Understand Mitigating Consequences

An experienced attorney can help mitigate the negative consequences of a DUI conviction by negotiating with prosecutors and judges to reduce the charges from a full-fledged DUI to reckless driving. This could mean fewer fines and less jail time, if any at all. Additionally, an attorney may be able to negotiate alternative sentencing options such as house arrest or probation rather than incarceration.

Outside of this, attorneys who are well-versed in this type of case law know how to effectively present mitigating evidence that could help substantiate the request of a lesser charge. This may include citing extenuating circumstances like:

• Being pulled over without probable cause
• Being coerced into taking a field sobriety test by law enforcement officers after initially refusing to do so

They Will Fight to Protect Your Rights

Even when facing a DUI charge, you still have rights. For example, you have the right to remain silent and to refuse to answer questions from law enforcement without speaking to an attorney first.

You also have the right to

• Not be subjected to cruel and unusual punishment as part of any sentence handed down by a judge following a conviction on DUI charges in Atlanta.
• Appeal a conviction if errors were made during arrest, or there were violations of due process or improper jury instructions given during the trial

Can You Really Afford NOT to Hire an Atlanta DUI Lawyer?

Hiring an accomplished DUI attorney in Atlanta can help to ensure that your rights are safeguarded and that the negative consequences surrounding the DUI charges against you are kept to a minimum.

The attorneys at Hines Law Firm understand the complexities of DUI law and are here to provide expert guidance on your case. Our attorneys are well-versed in the legal nuances and complexities associated with DUI’s, and possess a wealth of knowledge to draw upon. Our specialized resources, coupled with the expertise our attorneys have cultivated through years of experience with DUI cases, give us the ability to develop effective defense strategies that will result in the most favorable outcome given the circumstances of your case.

Don’t let a DUI charge ruin your future – contact us today so we can help protect your freedom and your rights.

Learn More → DUI defense lawyer