Posted by duijim in on August 22, 2023
An Atlanta DUI can have dire repercussions, including jail time and fines that exceed $1,000; probation; counseling/rehabilitation programs and driver’s license suspension or cancellation; as well as potential work life and career implications of being arrested. Many individuals also fear how an arrest will negatively impact their professional lives and careers.
This article will address how DUI can have serious repercussions for employment.
Fleeing the Scene of a DUI Accident
When involved in a DUI accident in Atlanta, they should not attempt to flee from the scene of that crash. Georgia laws take pedestrian injuries or driving under the influence very seriously – and fleeing will compound these legal ramifications further.
An initial hit-and-run offense in Georgia carries more severe penalties than a standard DUI charge and is considered a high and aggravated misdemeanor under state laws. A convicted individual will likely face fines as well as their license being suspended or revoked depending on its severity, in addition to being required to attend rehabilitation programs and install an ignition interlock device when having their driving privileges reinstated.
If a hit-and-run offense involves fatalities, serious felony charges could be levied against that individual. As soon as they can, it is critical that they reach out to a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney in Atlanta with regard to hit-and-run laws for advice.
An attorney can assist clients in understanding the charges against them, including potential jail time or community service requirements. A good defense attorney will work to negotiate with the prosecution and build a solid case in their defense; additionally they can advise if informing an insurance provider is wise in these circumstances.
Criminal Charges
Any individual accused of criminal charges in Georgia has the right to have legal representation to defend them. A criminal defense lawyer can help navigate through Georgia’s complex legal system with an objective overview that disregards emotion while remaining focused on facts. Furthermore, they can help identify any errors during trial as well as assess if there are grounds for an appeal against that ruling.
Criminal conviction can have severe repercussions. Depending on the crime you’ve been charged with, fines and prison time could result from conviction. Furthermore, convictions could affect your voting eligibility as well as pass background checks for employment or housing applications. Therefore, to effectively defend yourself against charges it is vital that you hire an Atlanta criminal defense attorney as soon as possible.
Your attorney can request discovery from the state to learn what evidence the prosecution has and identify potential defenses. If you are charged with a felony offense, it is imperative that all hearings take place in person as failure to do so may result in an arrest warrant being issued for you. Your lawyer may attend hearings for you if necessary or can attend on your behalf if valid reasons exist.
An experienced attorney can protect the presumption of innocence and your right to a trial by jury, while protecting you from harsh and unusual punishment. While many cases end in guilty pleas, entering into any plea deal with the prosecution could have serious repercussions for years.
Driver’s License Issues
Every state handles DUIs differently, with Atlanta having stringent laws regarding alcohol and drug abuse. Anyone found engaging in DUI-related accidents could face both criminal prosecution from the state as well as civil actions from their victims, along with license suspension and other related driver-licensing issues.
Under Georgia law, anyone arrested for driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs with chemical test results showing their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) exceeded the legal limit will face an administrative driver’s license suspension case. The length of suspension depends upon various factors including whether this is their first or second DUI offense and whether they refused the state-administered breath, blood or urine test as well as their age and BAC level.
Dependent upon the circumstances surrounding your arrest for DUI in Georgia and prior arrests, you may be eligible to request an administrative hearing within 30 days from receiving a license suspension order. Alternatively, petition for judicial review or appeal with the Department of Driver Services could also be filed within this timeframe.
As long as your license allows for it, unless you reside out-of-state you should qualify for a limited driving permit during your suspension period. An experienced DUI lawyer can help determine whether this permit is available and file the necessary paperwork and fees with the Department of Driver Services.