What You need to Know about DUI Arrests

Until recently, a DUI or DWI was considered more of a routine traffic violation (certainly not routine but also not taken as seriously as it is now), and treated accordingly. However, attitudes have changed along with the laws in many states. DUI or DWI is now routinely handled as any severe criminal offense. In most states, you may be convicted if your BAC or blood alcohol content is 0.08% or higher, or you fail a field sobriety test.

You do not need an Atlanta, GA DUI lawyer to figure this out but you will need one if you receive a DUI ticket.

When it comes to minors, most states like Georgia have zero tolerance laws while the limit for commercial drivers is usually .04%.

DUI and DWI

The terms DUI as well as DWI refer to the operation of a motor vehicle, while a person is impaired by alcohol or similar substances. DUI is the acronym for "driving under the influence," while DWI is that of "driving while intoxicated." In some states, these terms are used interchangeably, while in others these have different interpretations.

In the latter states, DWI is considered a serious offense, while DUI is a lesser one. A greater BAC can result in a driver being accused of a DWI, rather than a DUI. An Atlanta DUI attorney can explain this to you clearly.

It may be cold outside but with these charges your life just became colder. You can heat it up with an Atlanta DUI lawyer though. You may have to deal with some of the cold but not all of it. Go right here: http://dui-lawyers.usattorneys.com/georgia.

DUI/DWI penalties are serious!

A first-time DUI/DWI conviction invites severe penalties and none of them are attractive to someone who does not want to have to pay a bunch of money and go through all sorts of hoops and hurdles. If you thought your life was complicated before, it can become much more severe. This is much worse than just getting a C on a math test when you felt you should have received a B. Depending on how you are charged, you can be in for some/all of the penalties that are listed right here:

• Temporary confiscation of your motor vehicle
• Fines in the thousands of dollars
•  Installing an ignition lock that prevents you from starting your car
• Probable jail time
• Probation
• Revocation of driver's license
• Community service
• Completion of classes in substance, at your expense of course

The penalties increase in case you caused an accident or are a repeat offender. Your Atlanta, GA DUI lawyer cannot change that but they can possibly deflect some of these charges from sticking to you. In addition, you will be burdened with a criminal record which will possibly remain for the rest of your life. You can have it expunged but that is expensive and involves more of your time as well. Your lawyer can help you with this too.

 

Being charged with a felony

If you happen to have more than one prior conviction you are likely to be prosecuted for felony DUI/DWI, even if there was no accident. In the event of the accident causing death, you are liable to be charged with vehicular homicide or at least manslaughter, leading to imprisonment for years or sometimes even decades.

Having a criminal record erased

You can request a court to get your criminal record "expunged" or deleted from the public record as already mentioned. You can expunge DUI charges and arrests but not convictions. You and your lawyer can discuss this. Both of you will have plenty to speak about depending on the degree of charges. The more charges that are being applied to your case the more you will have to talk to your legal representative about. Sometimes the DA overreaches and your legal professional can block some of these charges from actually becoming official.