Ludowici DUI Lawyer

Ludowici DUI Attorney

Being arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) in Georgia is serious and can have a lasting impact on your life. Depending on the specifics of the incident, you could be facing misdemeanor or felony charges.

This could result in jail time, hefty fines, and more. Fortunately, you don’t have to navigate a DUI case on your own. A Ludowici DUI lawyer can guide you through the process and represent your case to help you get a more favorable outcome.

While you can handle a DUI case on your own, it’s wise to work with a skilled defense attorney who understands the laws surrounding drinking and driving. The skilled legal team at the offices of Jarrett Maillet J.D., P.C., may be able to get your charges dismissed. Otherwise, they can at least work to reduce your sentence.

What Does a Ludowici DUI Lawyer Do?

Georgia handles DUIs in a strict manner, but there are still avenues to explore to have your charges reduced or even dismissed. A Ludowici DUI lawyer can help you explore these options so you have the optimal chance at a fair outcome for your case.

According to data from the Georgia Trauma Registry, 26 percent of all injuries treated by trauma centers in 2021 were due to motor vehicle accident-related incidents. DUIs are one of the leading causes of vehicle accidents across the state, and the laws surrounding them exist to keep communities safer on the roads.

That said, these laws are not perfect. That’s why it’s beneficial to work with an attorney even if you’re arrested for DUI and know you are not under the influence. Blood and breath tests are known to produce false positives, and you still can get into trouble.

Plus, navigating the legal process after being charged with a DUI in Georgia can be confusing and time-consuming, even when everything is going right. It’s a DUI attorney’s job to understand the legal processes surrounding a DUI charge, which means you can count on them to handle the more nuanced aspects of your case.

In 2023, there were 246 crashes in Long County. Georgia’s DUI laws help to maintain a level of safety on the roads for everyone to prevent accidents from happening in the future. However, even those laws aren’t perfect. If you’ve been arrested for DUI and feel that your rights were violated in the process, a Ludowici DUI lawyer can fight your case and work toward getting your charges dismissed.

How Are DUIs Handled in Ludowici, GA?

DUIs are typically treated as misdemeanors in Ludowici, Georgia, but they can turn into felony offenses depending on the severity of the situation. Penalties for a first-time DUI conviction are likely to include community service, probation, a one-year license suspension, and participation in some form of drug or alcohol risk reduction program.

Penalties only get more serious from there for second and third offenses within 10 years, although you can typically expect those to be handled as misdemeanors as well, barring any aggravating factors. You may have to install an ignition interlock device (IID), and you’re more likely to spend time in jail, too.

If you receive four or more DUI convictions within a 10-year period, the charge becomes a felony. Felonies have even harsher penalties and can have longer-lasting effects on your future.

According to recent drug abuse statistics, about 15.1 percent of Georgia adults binge drink at least once per month. Binge drinking officially means having four or more drinks for women or five or more drinks for men in a day.

When people are under the influence of drugs or alcohol, their decision-making skills are hampered, which can lead to them getting behind the wheel. If you find yourself in this situation, a Ludowici DUI lawyer can explain your options to you and help build a defense on your behalf.

FAQs

Q: Can I Get a DUI Dropped in Ludowici?

A: Georgia takes DUI seriously, so it can be challenging to get your charges dismissed. That said, it’s not impossible. The key to getting a DUI charge dropped is to present evidence that shows your arrest was unlawful in some way. Common issues with DUI arrests can include some form of officer misconduct or could be as simple as a faulty breathalyzer or unreliable field sobriety test.

Q: When Does a Charge Become a Felony DUI in Ludowici?

A: DUIs are typically charged as misdemeanors in Georgia, but they can turn into felony charges if they involve any aggravating factors. You can expect a DUI charge to become a felony if you were driving under the influence and caused an injury or death, damaged property, had a high enough BAC, or were transporting a minor. You can also get a felony DUI if it’s your fourth DUI violation within a 10-year period.

Q: How Likely Is Jail Time for My First DUI in Ludowici?

A: It’s unlikely for you to go to jail for a first DUI offense unless the case involved any aggravating factors. This includes situations where a drunk driver causes an accident, damages property, harms themselves or others, or is transporting a minor at the time of the incident. Georgia law mandates a minimum of 24 hours in jail for a first-time DUI if your BAC is 0.08 percent or higher.

Q: How Long Does a DUI Stay on Your Record in Ludowici?

A: If you get a DUI in Georgia, it stays on your record permanently. You’re unable to expunge a DUI from your record in Georgia, but there is a 10-year look-back period. A look-back period is a period of time during which previous DUIs can impact your sentencing for a current charge. After those 10 years, the first offense is technically “washed off” their record. However, there are certain cases where a court may consider lifetime DUIs instead.

Discuss Your Situation in More Detail With a Ludowici DUI Lawyer Today

Understanding Georgia’s DUI laws is critical for staying safe and out of harm’s way on the road. If you’re facing a DUI charge in Ludowici, a skilled attorney from the offices of Jarrett Maillet J.D., P.C. can help. Call us to set up an appointment with our team today.