Being arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) in Atlanta can be a humiliating experience. You will need to make important decisions regarding how to proceed, without fully understanding the potential consequences of your choice. It is important to speak with an experienced Atlanta DUI lawyer who will aggressively defend your case in order to secure the best possible outcome.
The Atlanta DUI attorneys at The Lawrence Kohn Law Office have successfully defended clients with cases similar to yours for years. Attorney Larry Kohn has a proven track record of having his client’s charges minimized or even dropped altogether.
The legal blood alcohol content (BAC) in Georgia is .08%. For commercial drivers, the legal limit is .04%. You may think that just because you were over the legal limit, you will automatically be convicted of drunk driving; however, this isn’t always the case. Breathalyzers are far from perfect—if a breath-testing machine is not maintained or calibrated properly, the results of the test may be inaccurate. Medical conditions, dental ailments, and improper test administration may also yield inflated results.
Why fight an Atlanta DUI charge? Even for a first-time offense, you may be sentenced to jail time, fines ranging from $300-$1,000, community service, and DUI School. Your driving privileges may be suspended for up to one year, though you may be eligible for a limited driving permit after 120 days if you take a Risk Reduction course. If you have multiple DUIs on your record, you can expect increased jail time, heftier fines, and a longer driver’s license suspension.
Even if you are not convicted of DUI in criminal court, your license may still be suspended by the DMV. If you fail a breathalyzer test, or refuse to take a test altogether, you have ten days from the date of your arrest to request an administrative license hearing. Failure to request a hearing will lead to your license being suspended. Attorney Kohn can help you meet the request deadline and represent you during the administrative hearing.
In addition to the court-imposed penalties, your personal life may also be affected by a drunk-driving conviction. Your auto insurance company may cancel your coverage or raise your rates. Because your criminal record can be accessed by potential employers, you may have difficulties in landing a new job.
Are you ready to fight your drunk-driving charges? If so, contact the Atlanta DUI attorneys at The Lawrence Kohn Law Firm for a free case evaluation.
