Spalding, Monroe and Henry County
Drunk Driving Defense Attorney
A conviction for driving under influence means a criminal record and possible jail time. Perhaps worse, it can result in a driver's license suspension for a year or more. The penalties for DUI are especially harsh for under-21 drivers, commercial CDL drivers and repeat offenders.
With an experienced DUI defense lawyer, you may be able to avoid these consequences or limit the damage. I am Josh W. Thacker, a criminal defense attorney and a former prosecutor. I have rescued many clients from the nightmare of a drunk driving conviction and helped many others soften the penalties and regain their driving privileges.
Take Action to Protect Your Driving Privileges!
Upon arrest for DUI in Georgia, the police will typically take your driver's license and give you a form (DDS-1205). That form serves as your driver's license until your case is resolved. It also serves as the official notice that your license shall be suspended within 10 days of arrest unless you request a hearing. Contact me now to set up a free consultation.
South Metro Atlanta and Central Georgia
DUI/DWI Defense by a Former Prosecutor
The penalties sting even for a first offense of driving drunk — 24 hours in jail, plus fines and community service. You can lose your license for up to 12 months unless you qualify for a work permit.
- For drivers under age 21, almost any amount of alcohol (BAC of .02) counts as a DUI, and a conviction carries a "hard suspension" of 6 months to 12 months with no possibility of a work permit to drive to school or work.
- If you have a commercial driver's license, your CDL can be suspended for 12 months for a BAC of .04 or greater, even if you were not driving a commercial vehicle at the time of arrest.
- A second DUI in five years is punishable by a three-year suspension, with 18 months of hard suspension before a work permit will even be considered. All repeat offenders are subject to mandatory jail time, an ignition interlock device, a special DUI license plate and/or other fines, fees and conditions.
- Aggravating factors (child on board, suspended license, BAC higher than .15) also increase the penalties.
Challenging Your DUI Arrest and Fighting for Your License
If you were pulled over, and failed the roadside tests and Breathalyzer, you may think it is "game over." Not true. There may be any number of flaws in the case against you. From my prosecutor experience, I know what questions to ask to get questionable evidence suppressed that can result in a dismissal, a favorable plea deal or viable defenses at trial.
A close analysis of the facts often reveals lack of probable cause for a traffic stop, or procedural errors by the officer in some phase of the sobriety tests and arrest. The prosecutor may negotiate a problematic DUI to a charge of reckless driving or failure to use due care. This is crucial for CDL drivers because a DUI conviction carries a one-year CDL suspension and a second offense can result in lifetime CDL disqualification.
A Griffin DUI Attorney Who Knows What's at Stake
I apply 10 years of experience in criminal law to help you avoid the harsh and long-lasting consequences of a DUI arrest. Call me at 678-619-4097 or contact me online to arrange a free initial consultation.
