Newnan DUI Attorney
It may have started as just a fun night out having a few drinks with friends and the thought never occurring to you that you needed a designated driver. A few hours later, you find yourself stooped alongside the road trying to explain yourself to a police officer. If this sounds all too familiar, then you need to speak with an experienced Newnan DUI attorney immediately. A DUI conviction has serious implications that can affect the rest of your life. The attorneys of Kam, Ebersbach & Lewis, P.C. can help you when you are facing the repercussions of a possible conviction. Our attorneys can advise you about the right course of action you can take to protect your rights and possibly minimize or eliminate your DUI charge.
What to do if you’re facing a DUI charge
First and foremost, know that you are entitled to consult with a Newnan DUI lawyer from the moment of an arrest. You do not have to answer any incriminating questions before you consult with your lawyer. It is important to remember that many other events with legal repercussions take place at the scene, which you may not notice. Be mindful of your actions if you find yourself in a scenario similar to the following:
- The officer may give you an Alcosensor or Breathalyzer® test to determine your blood alcohol level. While many believe that compliance with the officer’s request to take a roadside breath test is obligatory, it is in fact voluntary.
- The officer may also administer other tests, such as asking you to walk in a straight line.
- The officer may arrest you and take you to the station.
- At the station, you are administered the mandatory breath test.
- If you are in a police station, immediately ask to speak with a criminal defense lawyer. It is illegal for officers to continue their custodial interrogation once you have requested legal representation.
While your refusal to take the roadside breath test does not carry legal repercussions, your refusal to take one at the station is treated very seriously and results in an immediate license suspension. You only have 10 days following this suspension to contest it through an administrative hearing. Our DUI attorneys can advise you regarding the optimal course of action in this crucial initial period at the time of your stop or arrest. We help you minimize the potential impact of any DUI consequences.
Beyond your DUI arrest
Following an arrest and a determination that you have a blood alcohol level above the legal limit, you are taken into the police station, registered, fingerprinted and photographed. Over the course of a few days, you are notified of the charges against you and given an opportunity to enter a plea and proceed to trial, if necessary. Each leg of this process entails pitfalls and opportunities that can dramatically affect your chances of a DUI conviction. You should seek an experienced Newnan DUI attorney to advise you of your options and provide skilled representation throughout the process. We have helped countless DUI clients over our many years of legal practice by negotiating with prosecutors to minimize charges, thoroughly investigating the circumstances of the arrest and picking holes in the prosecution’s version of events.
The effects of a DUI charge
In Georgia, a DUI conviction can result in a lengthy jail sentence, depending on your record, and loss of your driving privileges. The consequences of a DUI can follow you for the rest of your life, impeding your ability to take advantage of future personal and professional opportunities. You can trust our Coweta County drunk driving attorneys to protect your freedom and your future.
Difference Between DUI and DWI in Georgia
In Georgia, the term DWI does not exist, instead the state uses DUI to describe a driver who is under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. Some states will distinguish between a DUI (Driving Under the Influence) and a DWI (Driving While Intoxicated or Impaired). Depending on the state a DUI can refer to a person driving under the influence of alcohol, while a DWI will be used for a driver who is impaired (either by drugs, alcohol, or another substance).
Let our Newnan DUI lawyers protect you from a serious drunk driving charge
Our Coweta County DUI attorneys can safeguard your future against the damaging impact of a DUI charge and conviction. Contact us online or call (770) 251-7100, for a free consultation to discuss your legal options. We are a respected firm in Newnan and serve clients all over Coweta County and Georgia.
Client Testimonial
Brian was an excellent attorney. He was very detailed and always returned my calls. I highly recommend him.
– J. Zamora