Georgia Criminal Defense Lawyer Blog
By: Atlanta DUI Lawyer and Cory Yager, a former Cobb County police officer. His partner, Larry Kohn, is a top-rated Smyrna DUI lawyer and an AVVO attorney with nearly 600 5-star client ratings. All our legal warriors are law book co-authors of more than one nationally published legal book on DUI laws in Georgia
Understanding the legal process in the Smyrna traffic court is important. Being advised about what consequences to expect (if convicted) helps you know the consequences of a DUI conviction, and will let you know how to fight your case at the Smyrna Police Dept traffic violations bureau.
Gaining this Smyrna court knowledge is the first step in making smart choices about your defense. Whether the City of Smyrna traffic ticket is your first offence DUI, or a repeat DUI offense, the stakes can be very high. But DO NOT MOVE your case out of the Smyrna city court until you have taken advantage of your FREE lawyer consultation with our Firm’s criminal defense attorneys. Dial 404-567-5515 24 hours a day.
The outcome of the City of Smyrna Municipal Court can impact on many areas of your life, like your driving rights and your criminal record. Do not underestimate the damage that a DUI conviction can wreak on your future, by putting a DUI on your record.
This guide will help you navigate these tricky situations. It will ensure you have the knowledge needed to face your charge directly, because Georgia DUI laws are among the Nation’s toughest.
Driving under the influence is a serious crime in Georgia, especially in Cobb County. This is where the Smyrna Municipal Court is located. For those facing their 1st offence DUI, the fees quoted will be more affordable than if you are a repeat DUI offender.
More Information About GA DUI Laws
A DUI charge can come from alcohol, drugs, or inhaling harmful vapors. The legal consequences are serious, so it is important to understand them. The municipal court of Smyrna is a non-jury court, but don’t let that information make you think that you should just request a “bind over” to a jury trial court in Marietta.
This knowledge is the first step in making smart choices about your defense. Knowing the DUI laws in Georgia can help you understand the charges against you and the defenses you can use.
- Influence of Alcohol: In Georgia, drivers aged 21 and above must adhere to a legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit of 0.08%. Exceeding this limit can result in a DUI charge. It’s important to note that drivers under 21 are subject to a stricter BAC limit of 0.02%, reflecting a zero-tolerance policy for underage drinking and driving. Additionally, commercial drivers are required to comply with an even more stringent limit of 0.04%, emphasizing the importance of safety in professional driving settings.
- Controlled Substances: Operating a vehicle while impaired by drugs can result in a DUI charge. This applies to both prescribed and illicit drugs. Prescription medications that impair your driving capabilities are as significant as illegal substances. Understanding the impact of any medication you consume is crucial. Law enforcement officers might administer a field sobriety test or request a blood test. These assessments help ascertain the presence of drugs in your system, potentially complicating your legal situation.
- Noxious Vapors or Inhaled Fumes: Breathing in substances such as huffing glue or paint thinner can negatively impact your driving abilities and result in a DUI charge. The use of such inhalants can significantly impair you, and law enforcement is increasingly vigilant for drivers under the influence of these substances. Understanding how various impairing substances can impact and affect your driving is crucial to prevent an unexpected DUI charge.
How A DUI Conviction Can Change Your Life
A DUI conviction can lead to many consequences. Knowing this fact can reveal why top-ranked legal help is important. A DUI conviction can affect many parts of your personal and work life, not just the legal penalties.
- Jail Time: For a first offense, jail time can be from 24 hours to 12 months, even on a 1st DUI offense. This depends on the details of the case and the client’s prior criminal history.
- Factor Affecting possible Punishments, if Convicted. The punishment often reflects the situation, possibly from an extremely high BAC level, having minors in the car, or being in an accident. A good attorney can help reduce jail time or find other sentencing options.
- Driver’s License Suspension: A DUI conviction can lead to losing your driver’s license for up to 120 days. Losing your driving privileges can greatly affect your daily life. It can make it hard to work, go to school, or meet personal responsibilities. It is important to understand how to get your license back and investigate options for a temporary permit.
- Fines: In Georgia, fines for a first DUI offense can be between $300 and $1,000. Surcharges and court costs and other fees are added to these fines. Paying fines on time can help you avoid extra penalties.
- Community Service: Offenders may need to complete at least 40 hours of community service. This serves as a punishment and a chance to show you want to make things right. It is important to finish community service on time and keep track of your hours.
- Clinical Evaluation: A court may require a clinical evaluation to check for substance abuse issues. This evaluation can find problems that led to the DUI offense and suggest treatment options. Finishing any recommended treatment programs can help your case and show your commitment to dealing with substance abuse.
- DUI School: Going to a DUI risk reduction program is often part of the penalty. These programs teach offenders about the dangers of impaired driving and offer ways to avoid future offenses. Completing DUI school can be an important step in meeting court requirements and getting your driving privileges back.
Trusting Your Fate to Skilled, Experienced Litigation Attorneys
Choosing a good DUI lawyer near me can greatly affect your case’s outcome. They have local knowledge and special skills.
For those of you who did not know your legal rights when pulled over by police, watch this important LEGAL RIGHTS video by our senior law partner William C. Head. A local lawyer understands the laws and court procedures in the area. They also know important people in the justice system. This knowledge allows them to offer insights and strategies that lawyers from out of town might not have.
- Familiarity with Local Courts: Smyrna attorneys know the local court system well. This knowledge can help in planning your defense. They understand what local judges prefer, which can guide your legal strategy. This can also make court proceedings smoother, saving you time and stress.
- Reputation and Relationships: Good relationships with local judges and prosecutors can help with negotiations. A respected attorney can use these connections to get reduced charges or different sentencing options. A strong defense needs legal skills and the ability to handle the social aspects of the courtroom.
Facing a DUI charge in Smyrna means you need to think carefully about hiring a lawyer and the costs involved. By knowing what affects lawyer fees and the possible outcomes of a conviction, you can make smart choices to protect your future. Hiring a top-ranked DUI attorney is important.
It’s not just about the cost. It’s about getting the best defense in a difficult situation.
In conclusion, hiring a DUI attorney for a first offense in Smyrna may seem costly. However, the benefits of having expert legal help can be worth the investment. Protect your rights and future by choosing a qualified attorney to help you through the legal process.
With the right support, you can handle the complexities of DUI charges. This can help you find a solution that reduces the impact on your life.