DUI Sentencing And The Selection Of A DUI Attorney

Even though a DUI is commonly a misdemeanor offense, it is a very serious crime to be charged with. Unfortunate instances of innocent people being killed by drunk drivers has caused the general public and the media to sensationalize the crime of DUI. As a result, prosecutors and jurors have become much less tolerant with defendants charged with driving under the influence than they once were in the past. This being the case, it is absolutely essential to fight these charges with the best DUI attorney you can find. If you’re arrested in Georgia for driving under the influence, you need an Atlanta criminal attorney who can protect your rights and navigate you through the criminal justice system, since it is likely this will be a defendant’s first encounter with being arrested.

A first offense will derive the lightest sentence, but more and more states are passing new laws and becoming less tolerant of drunk drivers due to the great risk to human life and property by those that drive under the influence. A first conviction will typically consist of probation, community service, stiff fines, and a potential suspension of driving privileges. Often times sentencing will include a requirement to attend classes as well as AA (Alcoholics Anonymous) meetings that may be recommended by the court. The fines and court costs will be cumbersome, and hidden costs like much higher auto insurance premiums will surface soon after.

If you are facing your second DUI, or even worse your third, things have become much more serious. You can almost be certain you will be doing some jail time, and your drivers license could even be suspended for up to 5 years! Second and third convictions impose sentences of 90 days to 1 year in jail and 120 days to 1 year in jail respectfully. Alcohol treatment will be mandatory and license suspension are virtually guaranteed. If you find yourself in this position there is no choice but to do battle with the prosecution and fight to have the charges dropped.

When you find yourself forced to do battle with the legal system, the attorney you choose will have a great effect on the outcome of the case. When you are facing DUI charges, you are not in a position to trust your defense to just any criminal defense attorney. You need a lawyer that specializes in DUI defense, and someone who is very familiar with factors that are specific to a DUI defense. When you have a good criminal lawyer that specializes in DUI cases, you can feel confident that if any evidence was collected or obtained improperly the lawyer will argue to have your case dismissed.

DUI litigation can be very complex. An attorney who specializes in DUI defense will often command a higher fee than a general practitioner and they can do this for a reason. They possess specialized knowledge that you desperately need in your defense, and often times this can make all the difference. While it is often good to search out bargains at the grocery store or when we shop for clothes, you cannot afford to attempt to locate a bargain when you are shopping for an attorney to represent you in a DUI case.