A DUI charge, even a first offense, is an offense that is often intensely prosecuted in Fulton County. Along with fines and the possibility of jail time, an individual will find that a DUI charge will bar them from certain privileges. Although a first-offense is not treated as severely as a second or third, it is important that an individual help to ensure they are properly defended in order to minimize any further consequences. If you have been charged with such a crime, it is important that you contact a Fulton County DUI lawyer immediately. An attorney familiar with first offense charges can build a strong defense in order to properly represent you in court.
EnforcementThe DUI task force in Fulton Couty often runs patrols. Typically, these patrols take place in Atlanta. The Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety provided funding to a group called the DUI Nighthawks, which is a unit of Georgia State Patrol. They are very active in patrolling Atlanta as are the local municipalities to pursue drivers under the influence. This is because DUI, in addition to causing potential great carnage on the road, can also bring in revenue to the city that results from the traffic stops and fines. DUIs can occur on any road, but usually, they happen on major two or four lane roads. Officers are generally not looking to charge a DUI in neighborhoods, but are searching predominantly on major thoroughfares.
Potential PenaltiesFor a first-time DUI, the penalties can be anywhere from 10 days up to one year in jail. Fines for a first time DUI vary from $300 to $1,000. Penalties may include community service, completion of a DUI alcohol or drug use risk reduction program, and probation. A person convicted of a first offense DUI can have their license suspended for up to one year. Even though the statute requires 24 hours in jail, some municipalities or judges may be willing to waive the 24 hours in jail and give the individual credit for time served or released on time served. Judges and prosecutors will look at an individual’s entire lifetime of driving to make an appropriate recommendation for their case. In addition, there is no such thing as a diversion program or probation for first-time DUI offenders.
Importance of an AttorneySimply put, a DUI in Fulton county is charged when an individual is found to be driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. If the charge lies anywhere in Fulton County, that is where it is prosecuted. An attorney can often develop an effective defense for a first-offense DUI case and have the charge reduced to a non-DUI disposition. A lawyer may find a weakness in the case and determine whether some evidence should be excluded at trial. DUI charges can be intimidating because they often involve the loss of license, jail time, and freedom.
There are many things a DUI lawyer can do to assist in defending their client. First, an attorney will figure out a way to get their client out of their charges. Secondly, the lawyer will attempt to amend the charge to something less serious. Finally, an experienced attorney will attempt to keep the individual driving and out of jail.