Savannah Multiple DUI Lawyer

Choosing to drive drunk can have a terribly negative effect on the rest of your life. If you are pulled over, charged, and convicted, you could face severe legal penalties that you may not be prepared to deal with. A DUI can give you a criminal record, affecting your employment options, your housing situation, your social standing, and even your personal relationships. If you are facing multiple DUI charges, you should contact a Savannah multiple DUI lawyer. Criminal charges for DUI in Savannah are serious, and the consequences can be severe, so it is crucial to act quickly to protect your rights.

The legal team at Jarrett Maillet J.D., P.C. can assist you in defending yourself against multiple DUI offenses. When facing a DUI in Savannah, it is essential to have an experienced attorney on your side. Working with a law office that is dedicated to representing clients in DUI cases ensures you have the support and knowledge needed to navigate the local legal system. The penalties for a single DUI offense can be rough enough. Things can get even more difficult to deal with if you are facing multiple DUI charges, such as Under 21 DUI, or even an Out of State DUI. Felony DUI charges can lead to increased jail time, permanent license suspension, and more. It’s important that you go into this with a level head and the right people in your corner. It starts with hiring the right DUI lawyer Savannah—seek legal representation as soon as possible.

When you are pulled over on suspicion of drunk driving in Savannah, it doesn’t take much for police officers to realize your situation during a DUI stop. Georgia Code § 40-6-391 states that any driver who is pulled over and found to have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher will be considered over the legal limit and arrested for drunk driving.

Being arrested can make you feel defeated and like you have no options to defend yourself. That’s not true. Contact a lawyer as soon as you can.

When you are pulled over, it is important that you obey the police immediately. Pull over to the side of the road if you hear sirens behind you. Do not take off and lead the police on a chase. If asked to take a breathalyzer test or any other breath or blood test, you can refuse, but not without severe penalties. Your license will be suspended, and your refusal can be used as evidence against you in court. However, procedural errors or inaccuracies in the administration of a breath or blood test by police officers can be challenged in court and may be a key part of your defense.

When you are arrested, it is vital to your case that you say nothing to the police. Remember that you are always innocent until proven guilty, regardless of the crime you are being charged with. You are afforded a number of constitutional rights that cannot be infringed upon. Exercise these rights immediately, particularly your right to remain silent and your right to retain legal counsel. Once you contact your lawyer, they can help you devise a legal strategy.

Every DUI is taken seriously in Georgia, but repeat offenders often face significantly worse repercussions. If you are facing your DUI with injury or a second DUI within 10 years of the first, you could be looking at penalties such as a year in jail, up to $1,000 in fines, 12 months of probation, a three-year suspension of your license, an ignition interlock device installed in your car, and so much more. Repeat offenses can lead to even harsher penalties, and habitual violators face longer license suspensions and additional restrictions.

If you are facing your third DUI in 10 years, the penalties increase. The DUI penalties include a year in jail, $5,000 in fines, a five-year suspension of your license, the ignition interlock device, and mandatory alcohol treatment programs. A third DUI is classified as a high and aggravated misdemeanor under Georgia’s DUI laws, and a prior conviction can escalate charges and sentencing.

Upon your fourth DUI offense in 10 years, you may automatically be facing felony charges that could result in five years in jail alongside $5,000 in fines, a 10-year license suspension, and several other serious penalties. At this stage, you may be labeled a habitual violator, which can result in the loss of civil rights and further restrictions. Habitual violators are required to complete a DUI risk reduction program before they can qualify for reinstatement of driving privileges. DUI cases can also involve reckless driving or serious injury, which can further increase penalties and may result in felony charges.

In 2024, in Chatham County, there were a total of 137 license suspensions resulting from DUI arrests, 423 arrests of DUI first offenders, and 52 arrests of DUI second offenders. Savannah DUI cases often involve complex legal issues, including breath or blood test results and procedural errors. If you are looking at DUI charges, you may want to consider reaching out to your lawyer for additional assistance in finding a local program to help you resolve your situation.

In Savannah, Alcoholics Anonymous of Georgia meets at First Presbyterian Church and online, among other locations. Groups such as this often help individuals work through their issues and better themselves. Georgia’s DUI laws impose strict penalties on habitual violators, making legal guidance essential for those facing multiple DUI charges.