Gwinnett County DUI First Offense Lawyer
DUI is a serious crime in Georgia, and anyone picked up for driving while impaired can face serious penalties which make it impossible to continue with work or school. Contact The Spizman Firm for assistance. We have handled many DUI cases for first offenders, so we know how the process plays out. A proactive stance is your best bet. Instead of hoping the prosecution takes it easy for what was a simple mistake, hire a seasoned Gwinnett County DUI first offense lawyer with our firm to protect your rights.
The Many Challenges with a First Time DUI
Anyone caught operating a vehicle while impaired by drugs or alcohol can face DUI charges. An adult with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) over 0.08 is guilty of DUI even if they can still drive safely. Drivers under 21 can face charges if their BAC is 0.02 or higher.
The penalties for even a first-time offender include:
- Up to 12 months in jail
- Probation
- Fines up to $1,000
- Court costs and surcharges
- Community service
- License suspension up to 12 months
- Drug or alcohol education classes
Other first-time offenders might need to install an ignition interlock device if they had a high BAC. And, of course, all drivers with a DUI conviction will face increased premiums if they hope to drive legally in the state.
Administrative License Suspension
Even worse, most DUI defendants face an automatic administrative license suspension. Georgia does not even require that you be convicted of DUI before they take your license away. Helpfully, you have 30 days from the day of arrest to request a hearing, and you should hire an experienced law firm to represent you. We can argue the officer lacked any legal justification for stopping you, but it is an uphill climb to win.
Contact our office today. Losing a license, even briefly, can devastate a family’s finances, and we will do everything in our power to help keep you legally behind the wheel of a car. Some drivers might qualify for a limited driving permit which lets them get to work and back home. Remember that driving on a suspended license is also a crime, so don’t risk getting picked up for another criminal offense.
Fighting Back Against the Charges
A DUI arrest is embarrassing, and many defendants are afraid they could end up in jail for months. In most cases, you will see little time behind bars, provided you have a clean criminal history. Nonetheless, hiring a lawyer is a critical first step. Your defense begins from the very moment you are stopped by the police. Our firm has the experience necessary to comb through the state’s evidence against you and see if we can fight the charges.
The defense lawyers at The Spizman Firm know that the criminal justice system is scary to many. You need professional legal guidance to obtain a favorable result when arrested for DUI. We have the skills and experience you need. Contact our office to speak with a Gwinnett County DUI first offense lawyer in a consultation.
