While it is indisputable that any criminal charge is likely to wreck your New Year, the fact is that the most common crimes at this time of the year are linked to alcohol – because ironically this is a time of celebration!
Crimes that are often linked to alcohol include traffic violations and driving under the influence (DUI), assault, and domestic violence. Additionally, crimes committed by children in your care will also wreck your new year, including a minor who is found to be in possession of alcohol.
Our Peachtree City criminal defense attorneys recognize that alcohol-related behavior isn’t necessarily normal, but that it can get our clients into terrible trouble. If charged with any sort of crime it is essential to contact an experienced trial attorney quickly. The case might not go to trial, but if it does you will want to be prepared, otherwise your entire year – and maybe more – could be ruined.
How a Peachtree City Criminal Defense Attorney Can Help
The first thing to realize is that whatever crime you or a member of your family has been charged with doesn’t necessarily imply guilt. Nobody can be declared guilty until guilt has been proven in a court of law. This is why our team of highly experienced attorneys is passionate about ensuring that our clients’ legal and constitutional rights are protected every step of the way.
We know how humiliating it is to be arrested, but that’s no reason to admit your guilt. A good example, which happens often, is when people are arrested for DUI and then pressurized by the arresting officer to plead guilty so they will receive a lighter sentence. Apart from the fact that the officer cannot guarantee what the judge will decide, pleading guilty will ensure that the case goes to court. Yet our Peachtree City defense attorneys have frequently had DUI cases thrown out of court.
Be aware that if a DUI conviction sticks, you’ll be stuck with it on your driving record for the rest of your life.
Penalties for under-age DUI drivers are particularly stiff because the State of Georgia has zero tolerance if anyone under the age of 21 years operates a motor vehicle with as little as 0.02% alcohol in their system. In this event, it’s vital to get to a criminal defense attorney as quickly as possible to check that the arrest was done strictly to the letter of the law. For instance, an experienced attorney will be able to assess whether the driver was stopped legally and whether there could have been a violation of his or her rights.
The Peachtree City criminal defense attorneys at Slepian, Schwartz & Landgaard will gather the facts relating to each individual case to ensure that they can deliver the best possible defense.
While most of our clients are from the Atlanta metropolitan area, we do represent defendants throughout Georgia. So wherever you are, if you’re convicted of a crime that is likely to wreck your New Year, call us right away to discuss your case.