Kingsland DUI Lawyer

Kingsland DUI Attorney

Driving under the influence (DUI) is a serious crime in Georgia, and a conviction can have a lasting impact on your life. If you’ve been arrested for DUI, it’s important to stay calm and understand your rights to remain silent and to contact an attorney. A Kingsland DUI lawyer can help you understand your charges and can work to build a case that secures you a more favorable outcome in court.

It’s not a requirement to work with a lawyer when you’re charged with a DUI in Georgia, but it can be highly beneficial to your case. At the offices of Jarrett Maillet J.D., P.C., we have experience handling all types of DUI cases, ranging from first-time misdemeanors to repeat felonies. We gather evidence to form a solid defense with the goal of getting your charges dismissed when possible and reduced when not.

Georgia’s DUI Laws at a Glance

Georgia treats driving under the influence as a serious crime, which is why it’s important to understand your rights when it comes to navigating DUI laws. In Georgia, it’s illegal for an adult to operate a motor vehicle if their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.08 percent or higher.

Drunk driving is a leading cause of accidents in Georgia. In 2021, there were 387,444 total crashes reported in Georgia, and in 2023, there were 1,011 crashes in Camden County alone. By deterring drinkers from getting behind the wheel, law enforcement can keep communities safer on the road.

First, second, and third-offense DUIs are typically treated as misdemeanors in Georgia. Penalties for misdemeanor DUIs can vary case by case, but possible punishments typically include:

• Community service
• Completion of alcohol/drug risk reduction program
• Fines
• License suspension of up to one year
• Possible jail time
• Probation

Penalties for DUI convictions get more and more severe if you obtain more than one DUI within a 10-year period. If you receive four or more DUIs within those 10 years, your charge turns into a felony. This means harsher sentencing and a longer-lasting impact on your life.

Statistics show that Georgia has a higher rate of underage drinkers than many other states. In fact, 3.67 percent of people in Georgia who die from excessive alcohol use are under the age of 21. That said, it stands to reason that underage drinkers can be behind the wheel, too.

Georgia has zero-tolerance laws for underage drinkers, which means that they can be charged with DUI if their BAC is 0.02 percent or above. Minors convicted of a DUI can expect to have their license suspended for six months. If your BAC is over 0.08 percent, your license is likely to be suspended for 12 months.

Aggravating Factors for a DUI in Kingsland

Most DUI charges are treated as misdemeanors in Kingsland, Georgia, but it is possible to be charged with a felony DUI. For example, a drunk driver who is pulled over for speeding down an empty road is likely to end up with much lighter penalties than a drunk driver who crashes into another car and injures someone.

Aggravating factors for DUI charges in Georgia include:

• Damaging property or roadways
• Having a very high BAC
• Injuring a pedestrian or another driver
• Obtaining four or more DUI charges within a 10-year period

It’s wise to consult with an attorney even if you feel like you don’t have any type of defense. An experienced professional can leverage evidence and facts to fight for a lower sentence when it’s not feasible to have your charges dismissed completely.

FAQs

Q: How Much Does a DUI Lawyer Cost in Kingsland?

A: The cost of working with a Kingsland DUI lawyer can vary depending on a handful of different factors, including the severity of your case and any aggravating factors involved, such as property damage or injuries to bystanders. Your attorney’s reputation and level of experience can also affect how much they charge for their services. You can typically expect them to charge a flat rate, an hourly rate, or a retainer.

Q: What Happens if You Get More Than One DUI in Kingsland?

A: Getting multiple DUI convictions can have increasingly more serious effects on your life, especially if the offenses occur within a short enough time period. The penalties and fines for a DUI increase with each additional conviction. If you receive four or more DUIs within a 10-year period, you can expect it to be treated as a felony DUI.

Q: Should I Work With a Kingsland DUI Lawyer for a First-Time DUI Charge in Georgia?

A: While you’re not required to work with an attorney on a DUI case, it’s recommended that you do, even for a first-time offense. Georgia’s DUI laws are imperfect, and it’s possible to be taken advantage of if you don’t understand the proper procedures. A Kingsland DUI lawyer can evaluate your case, develop a strategy, and represent you through every part of the process.

Q: What Is the Open Container Law in Kingsland?

A: Georgia has an open container law, which prohibits having any open alcoholic beverage containers in a motor vehicle on a public highway. This includes both the driver of the vehicle and all passengers. Some exceptions may be made for individuals who live in motor homes or trailers or for passengers in specific situations.

Reach Out to a Kingsland DUI Lawyer to Discuss Your Case in Depth

Handling a DUI charge can feel hopeless and overwhelming, which is why it can be helpful to work with a Kingsland DUI lawyer. A DUI conviction can have a lasting impact on your life, so it’s important to take these types of charges seriously.

Our attorneys at the offices of Jarrett Maillet J.D., P.C. understand what it takes to defend against DUI charges in Georgia, and we’re ready to develop a strategy that’s unique to your situation. Our goal is to get your charges dismissed when possible and your sentencing reduced otherwise. Reach out to our office to set up an appointment and discuss your case in more depth today.