Happy Holidays! Let the party begin. But try to celebrate responsibly. That is the advice that a reputable Peachtree City criminal defense attorney will give you.
The reality is that every year thousands of people in Georgia are arrested for driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. And because of all the celebrations that happen during the holiday season, the odds of anybody who drinks and drives being arrested are substantially increased.
Being arrested for DUI is humiliating and can have serious consequences that can affect you in many different ways, financially and personally. While we urge you not to drink and drive, our Peachtree City criminal defense attorneys can help if you are arrested for holiday DUI.
So what do you do if you are arrested for DUI these holidays?
First and foremost you need to consult with a good criminal defense attorney immediately. And you need to know your rights.
Field Sobriety Tests
Often the first thing a police officer will request (or even demand) after stopping a driver for suspected DUI is a field sobriety test. These have suspects standing on one leg, walking along a line, and similar exercises, all of which were originally validated in the 1970s by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). You have no obligation, legal or otherwise, to agree to these. In fact, there is evidence that they are less than accurate 70 percent of the time, so in terms of stress factors, it’s probably better not to agree to them.
Breath and Blood Tests
However, if you refuse to have a breath or blood test when arrested for DUI, the cops might confiscate your license. They have every right to do so, but that doesn’t mean you will necessarily lose your license.
Nevertheless, the first challenge you will face after being arrested for DUI will be to avoid losing your driver’s license or having it endorsed. Anyone who is arrested for DUI in Georgia has 10 business days in which to save their license. So the vital factor is that a hearing must be requested otherwise your license may be automatically suspended. A Peachtree City criminal defense attorney will be able to request the hearing for you.
An important factor to remember is that just because you failed a breath or blood test after being arrested for DUI doesn’t mean that you will lose your license. A good DUI attorney can challenge its validity and possibly have the evidence thrown out because it wasn’t done strictly to the letter of the law. For instance, the stop may have been illegal, or there might have been a violation of your rights.
Pleading Guilty for DUI
Another thing to remember is that however guilty you are, you should never be pressured into pleading guilty on the promise of a light sentence. Rather consult with a good criminal defense attorney first. You never know, your DUI case could even be dismissed!
Slepian Schwartz Landgaard Attorneys at Law have the experience and in-depth knowledge to help you if you get arrested for holiday DUI. Well known Peachtree City criminal defense attorneys that operate throughout Atlanta, the firm has had considerable success reducing DUI fines and having cases dismissed. So if you get arrested for DUI, be sure to call us right away.