Liberty County DUI Lawyer

There are also plenty of opportunities to enjoy time in the water, such as kayaking on the creeks or taking a boat ride for a day on St. Catherines Island. And while there is much to do in this charming community, some may go a little overboard on fun – which is when DUI’s happen.

The good news is that we have the best DUI attorneys serving Liberty County, GA, at Jarrett Maillet J.D., PC. You can count on us to help you if you’ve been charged with a DUI, whether it’s your first or second DUI. Experienced DUI attorneys know how to protect your rights during this challenging time.

If you or a loved one is dealing with substance abuse issues and has been charged with a drug offense, one of our criminal defense lawyers will do everything in their power to help you be granted a lighter sentencing by the judge.

DUI penalties are to be taken seriously. In the state of Georgia, you have a small window to try to evade having your driver’s license suspension take place, although most likely the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) began the suspension process immediately following your Liberty County DUI arrest.

Is It Worth Hiring a DUI Defense Attorney?

So you ask yourself, “What can a lawyer do for a DUI?” Based on a survey conducted by Martindale-Nolo Research, a lawyer can do more good than if you were to try to represent yourself. It is, of course, important to note that it would be best for you to choose a Liberty County DUI lawyer who is well-versed in the law and DUI process and has a reputation for winning more cases than most other DUI lawyers in the courtroom. Our law firm has a deep understanding of how local prosecutors handle DUI cases.

According to the survey by Martindale-Nolo Research, the end results for people who hired private DUI lawyers have been very favorable. In fact, although a majority of DUI defendants who hired private lawyers were convicted with some form of DUI, whether by a plea bargain or a conviction after trial, the percentage convicted, which was 65%, was the lowest for those who ended up hiring lawyers. Charges were either dismissed or never filed for another 12%, and 1% were not found guilty following their trial.

Also worth noting is that 22% of those who hired private lawyers were able to plea bargain for lesser, non-DUI-related offenses. These offenses included reckless driving and impaired driving. As a comparison, only 7% of public-defender clients and 0% of self-represented defendants ended up with those pleas attained by the private lawyers. Even though the benefits of having an attorney are about having a better chance of receiving a favorable plea bargain, the prosecution will sometimes offer a standard deal, whether the defendant has legal representation or not. A strong defense can help you avoid the most severe consequences.

Did You Get Charged With a DUI In Liberty County, GA? Contact Our DUI Defense Team. Call 912-713-3426 To Schedule an Appointment

We realize that you may have a lot of questions after being faced with DUI charges. Should you hire a lawyer? Do you try to use a public defender? Can you just represent yourself? How much would it cost me to hire a lawyer? These are all good questions. As we mentioned, hiring a competent lawyer can be the difference between a positive outcome and an unfavorable one. Not hiring an attorney can be a gamble, so you’d have to ask yourself if it’s worth your livelihood. When you are in custody after an arrest, the first thing you should think about is finding an experienced DUI attorney.

According to Martindale-Nolo Research, the average cost of a DUI lawyer for DUIs ranges from $4,000 to $6,000 and the process can last about 6 months. We know that’s not pocket change, but this doesn’t just include attorney fees and is different for each client. The best thing you can do is find out what that cost would look like for you during your free consultation with one of your DUI attorneys in Liberty County, GA.

Understanding First-Offense DUI Penalties

A first-offense DUI in Georgia is generally classified as a misdemeanor. Even so, the consequences are severe. You could face fines up to $1,000 and a mandatory minimum of 24 hours in jail. The law also requires you to finish at least 40 hours of community service.

In many DUI cases, the judge will also order probation for up to 12 months. You will likely have to attend DUI school and undergo an alcohol evaluation. If you want to protect your driving privileges, you must act quickly. Our firm will review the evidence to find the best possible outcome for your criminal case.

What Happens During a Liberty County Traffic Stop?

A DUI arrest often begins with a simple traffic stop. A police officer must have probable cause or at least reasonable suspicion to pull you over. They might say you were weaving or had a broken taillight. Once you are stopped, the officer will look for signs of alcohol use, like slurred speech or the smell of alcohol.

The officer may ask you to step out of the car. At this point, they usually ask you to perform field sobriety tests. These tests are meant to show if you are impaired. However, many factors can cause a failure, such as poor lighting, uneven pavement, or medical issues. A DUI defense lawyer will review the video of your arrest to see if the officer followed the law.

Challenging Field Sobriety Tests

Field sobriety tests are a common part of DUI cases. The most common ones include the one-leg stand, the walk and turn, and the eye test. These tests are not perfect. In fact, many sober people struggle with the one-leg stand due to balance problems or nerves.

Our DUI attorneys know how to fight the evidence from these tests. We look for specific circumstances that might have made you fail. If the officer did not explain the rules correctly, the results might not hold up in court. We want to create reasonable doubt about the prosecution’s claims.

License Suspension and the Georgia Department of Driver Services

One of the scariest parts of DUI charges is losing your driver’s license. After an arrest, the officer will likely take your physical license and give you a paper form. This form acts as a temporary permit, but it also warns you about license suspension.

You only have 30 days to save your driving privileges. You must either request an administrative hearing or agree to install an ignition interlock device. If you do nothing, your license will be automatically suspended. Our lawyer can handle the paperwork for the Georgia Department of driver services to help you stay on the road.

Defending Commercial Drivers and Military Personnel

If you are a professional driver, a DUI conviction can end your career. Commercial drivers have much stricter rules. For them, a BAC of 0.04% is enough for a DUI arrest. A conviction usually leads to a one-year disqualification of their commercial license.

Similarly, people stationed at Fort Stewart face extra hurdles. They may face military penalties in addition to civilian court consequences. Our former prosecutor has experience representing soldiers and understands the high stakes. We work to achieve a positive outcome that keeps your record and your job intact.

The Role of Breath and Blood Tests

The state often relies on breath or blood tests to prove alcohol levels. Under Georgia’s implied consent law, you are expected to take these tests if you are arrested. If you refuse, your license will be suspended for one year with no permit available.

However, these tests are not always right. Breath machines must be calibrated and used by trained officers. Blood samples must be stored and handled perfectly. If there was a mistake in the process, we will fight to keep that evidence out of trial. Deep understanding of the science behind these tests is what sets our attorneys apart.

Repeat Offenses and Severe Penalties

If you are facing a first or second DUI, you might be looking at an aggravated misdemeanor. But a third DUI within ten years is much more severe. It can lead to longer jail time, higher fines, and being declared a habitual violator. You might lose your license for five years.

For repeat offenses, the court almost always requires an ignition interlock device. This is a machine you must blow into before your car will start. It is expensive and embarrassing. Legal representation is crucial to help you avoid these long-term penalties and get your life back on track.

Why You Need an Experienced DUI Attorney

The criminal justice system is hard to handle alone. Prosecutors in Liberty County are trained to get convictions. They will use every piece of evidence, from your breath test to the officer’s notes, against you. You need a lawyer who knows their tactics.

An experienced DUI attorney will look at every detail. Was there probable cause for the stop? Did the officer wait long enough before the breath test? By asking these questions, we find the weaknesses in their case. Our goal is to protect you and reach the best possible outcome for your future.

FAQ: Common Questions After a Liberty County DUI Arrest

How long will I spend in jail for a first-offense DUI?

In Liberty County, the law requires at least 24 hours in jail if your BAC was 0.08% or higher. However, with a strong defense, your lawyer might be able to negotiate for credit for time served. The maximum jail time for a misdemeanor is one year, but that is rare for a first offense.

What is an ignition interlock device?

An ignition interlock device is a small tool wired into your car’s ignition. You must provide a clean breath sample for the car to start. If it detects alcohol, the car won’t turn on. In Georgia, this is often required for a second offense or to avoid a total license suspension after a first arrest.

Can a DUI be reduced to reckless driving?

Yes, in some cases, a lawyer can negotiate to have DUI charges reduced to reckless driving. This is a great outcome because it avoids the mandatory jail and license suspension that comes with a DUI. Whether this is possible depends on your BAC, the evidence, and your prior record.

What is the 30-day rule for my driver’s license?

After a DUI arrest, you only have 30 calendar days to take action with the driver’s services department. You must either file for an appeal or apply for an ignition interlock device permit. If you miss this deadline, your driving privileges will be automatically suspended for up to a year.

Do I have to do the one-leg stand test?

In Georgia, you have the right to refuse field sobriety tests, including the one-leg stand. While the officer might still arrest you based on other signs, refusing these voluntary tests prevents the prosecution from using poor performance against you in court.

What if I am a soldier at Fort Stewart?

If you are on active duty at Fort Stewart, a DUI is very serious. You will likely face a civilian court and also military discipline. It is important to have a lawyer who can communicate with both systems to protect your military career and your freedom.

About Jarrett Maillet J.D., P.C.

Are you in need of the best DUI lawyers in Liberty County, GA? Well, you couldn’t have come to a better place. At Jarrett Maillet, J.D., PC, we have successfully represented hundreds of clients who can attest to the positive outcome they’ve received by choosing us to help them.

We review every criminal case with fresh eyes. Our former prosecutor background gives us a deep understanding of how the other side thinks. We use this to your advantage to fight for a dismissal or reduced charges. Our firm is committed to helping you through this challenging time.

We encourage you to check out our reviews and testimonials and call us soon so we may begin working on your case today. Don’t let one mistake define your future. Contact us for a free consultation by calling 912-713-3426 and let us protect your rights in Liberty County.

Court Offices In or Near Liberty County, Georgia

• Liberty County Magistrate Court
• Liberty County State Court
• Liberty County Magistrate
• Hinesville Municipal Court
• Midway Municipal Court
• Walthourville Municipal Court

Restaurants In or Near Liberty County, Georgia

• Sunbury Crab Co
• Baldinos Giant Jersey Subs

Things To Do In or Near Liberty County, Georgia

• Bryant Commons Park
• Fort Stewart Museum