Driving Under the Influence

A Tough Defense Against DUI

Have you or a loved one recently been charged with a crime? If so, you probably have lots of questions and concerns. Do you face the possibility of jail or prison? Will a conviction affect your future employment opportunities? We have the experience to review your case and answer your specific questions. Pratt & Wall defends people accused of crimes in Suwanee, Gwinnett, Fulton, DeKalb, Forsyth, Cobb, Hall, Barrow, Walton, Jackson, and Henry counties.

What to Do After an Arrest

After an arrest on suspicion of driving under the influence, you need to speak with a DUI lawyer or DWI lawyer as soon as possible. Even a first-time conviction can carry a sentence of jail time, community service, loss of driving privileges, fines, a drug and alcohol evaluation, a treatment program and probation. Depending on your occupation, you could lose your job or struggle to find a position in the future. Insurance rates will also increase.

This area of the law is complex. An experienced attorney can identify all available defenses that could result in a dismissal or a reduction of the charges. To be effective, however, your attorney must be willing to take your case to trial if necessary.

Understanding Georgia DUI Laws

An officer must have probable cause to arrest and charge you with DUI. Driving under the influence does not refer to just the influence of alcohol (drunk driving), but could also include drugs. A person can be charged with DUI for driving with any amount of prescription medication, marijuana or other illegal drugs in his or her system.

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Georgia has three basic categories of DUI charges:

• DUI "less safe" is frequently used when a driver declines a breath, urine or blood test. This charge is also common after an accident if there is any evidence of alcohol use. This charge may also be applied if the person's blood alcohol content was below the legal limit.
• DUI "per se" generally means a driver over the age of 21 had physical control over a moving vehicle while his or her blood alcohol content was .08% or above.
• DUI drug charges can be applied when a driver is found to be operating a moving vehicle while under the influence of drugs, including lawfully prescribed prescription medications.