No matter if it is your first DUI charge or third, the legal process can be frightening and intimidating. That is why it is vital that your defense be handled by an experienced Roswell DUI attorney with knowledge of how the law operates as well as negotiating skills necessary to reach a favorable deal on your behalf with prosecutors.
Jim Yeargan is an experienced Roswell DUI attorney ready to defend your future. Reach out today or anytime online 24/7 for a complimentary, compassionate, and informative consultation session.
Police officers typically look out for signs of intoxication or drug use during stops, which include slurred speech, difficulty staying awake, red eyes, the smell of alcohol on the breath and dilated pupils. A breath test will also likely be administered at the scene to establish whether your blood alcohol concentration exceeds legal threshold.
If an officer suspects you of being under the influence of drugs as well as alcohol, they may administer field sobriety tests. These will consist of various physical maneuvers which they ask you to complete; taking into account any time since your last drink, any medical conditions and whether children were present in your vehicle at that moment in time.
DUI offenses with children present are particularly grave offenses that often incur more severe consequences than standard DUI charges. Judges and juries will often harshly judge those accused of this type of DUI since it puts children’s lives in jeopardy.
If a fatal car accident happens and it appears the driver was under the influence of alcohol or drugs, they may face criminal charges of DUI Vehicular Homicide – an offense with potentially life-changing ramifications, including prison time and costly fines if found guilty.
In cases where there has been no fatal crash, those charged with DUI may be eligible to take part in what’s known as an Administrative License Suspension Hearing at Roswell Municipal Court. Most likely they’ll need to fulfill various requirements, such as paying a fee and attending random alcohol and drug screenings in the future, possible alcohol treatment programs and six months probationary periods before their hearing can proceed.
If the prosecutor cannot reach an agreement with you, your case will be scheduled for trial either before a judge or jury in Fulton County State Court in Atlanta. A successful trial can make a significant impactful difference on how your case plays out; you’re considered innocent until proven guilty; while an unsuccessful one could lead to conviction and permanent damage to your record. An experienced Roswell DUI lawyer can help present an excellent case of innocence on your behalf; conviction can damage your reputation, make job searches more challenging, and ultimately lead to loss of driver’s license.
