St. Marys DUI Lawyer

Protecting Your Rights and Your Future

Being convicted of a DUI can seriously impact your reputation, job, and family. It is something that has a long-lasting effect beyond just the legal consequences. It can hinder your housing and finances in the future. If you have been charged with a DUI, a St. Marys DUI lawyer can help.

A DUI arrest can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone. Our law firm understands what you’re going through and is here to protect your rights. With decades of experience in DUI defense, we know how to build a strong defense strategy tailored to your specific situation.

Why Choose Us?

A DUI attorney has the knowledge and experience to fight your charges with a detailed plan of action and support. The law offices of Jarrett Maillet J.D., P.C., can defend you if you’ve been charged with a DUI. With extensive experience handling DUI cases, our firm is equipped to handle your case, no matter how complex it may be.

We can stand by you throughout the court process to defend you against a driver’s license suspension and other penalties. We take the time to explain DUI charges to our clients. Together, we can develop a defense strategy aimed at achieving the greatest possible outcome.

Our legal team has a proven track record of successful outcomes in Camden County and throughout Georgia. We focus on criminal defense and have helped many clients facing DUI charges achieve favorable results. From your initial arrest through your court date, our law office provides comprehensive legal representation every step of the way.

DUI Laws in Georgia

Georgia prohibits drivers from operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 percent or above, which is standard throughout the United States. If a person is found operating a vehicle at this BAC or above, they can be charged with a DUI (driving under the influence).

There are lower BAC limits for drivers under 21 and commercial drivers. In Georgia, drivers are also prohibited from having an open alcoholic beverage container inside a moving vehicle.

Understanding Georgia’s DUI laws is the first step in building your defense. The criminal justice system can be confusing, especially if this is your first arrest. Our criminal defense attorney takes time to explain how the law applies to your specific circumstances and what options are available to you.

Penalties for DUI Convictions in Georgia

The penalties for a DUI conviction in Georgia depend on how many offenses you have:

• First DUI Conviction: Penalties include a possible jail sentence of up to one year, fines from $300 to $1,000, a one-year license suspension, and 40 hours of mandatory community service. A $210 reinstatement fee is required to reinstate your license.
• Second DUI Conviction: This carries a mandatory minimum of 48 hours in jail, fines from $600 to $1,000, a three-year license suspension, and 30 days of community service.
• Third DUI Conviction: A third DUI results in a mandatory 15 days in jail, fines from $1,000 to $5,000, five-year license revocation, 30 days of community service, and public notification of the conviction.

These penalties can affect your life in ways that extend far beyond the courtroom. A DUI conviction appears on your driving record and can impact employment opportunities, professional licenses, and your ability to support your family. Our DUI defense team works to minimize these consequences and protect your future.

How DUI Convictions Affect Your Life

The impact of a DUI conviction goes beyond fines and jail time. Your driving record will show the conviction for years, which means higher insurance rates and potential job loss if you need a clean driving record for employment.

Professional licenses in fields like healthcare, education, and transportation can be suspended or revoked after a DUI conviction. Our law firm helps clients understand these collateral consequences and works to prevent or minimize them. In some cases, we can negotiate outcomes that protect your professional standing and keep your life on track.

Family relationships also suffer when someone faces DUI charges. The stress of court dates, legal fees, and potential jail time affects everyone in your household. Our legal team treats every client with respect and works efficiently to resolve cases in a timely manner.

DUI Less Safe Charges

Driving with any amount of alcohol or drugs (prescription or illegal) in your system can expose you to criminal liability under Georgia’s “DUI Less Safe” laws. A DUI Less Safe charge is as serious as a regular DUI, with similar criminal penalties. After being charged, you have 10 days to request an administrative license hearing, or your license will be suspended for a year. The state can prove impairment based on the police officer’s observations without a breath or blood test.

Many people don’t realize they can be charged with DUI even when their BAC is below the legal limit. If an officer believes your driving was impaired by any substance, you can face DUI Less Safe charges. This makes it even more important to have an experienced criminal defense attorney who understands how to challenge these subjective observations.

Our DUI lawyer examines the officer’s testimony and the evidence carefully. We look for inconsistencies in police reports and question whether the officer had probable cause to make the traffic stop. These details can make the difference between a conviction and having your case dismissed.

Felony DUI

In Georgia, many DUIs are considered misdemeanors, but there are cases where it can be considered a felony. Multiple DUI offenses, causing serious bodily injury or death, or inflicting property damage, can result in felony DUI charges. Penalties include:

• Required 90 days in prison
• One-to-five-year prison sentence
• Fines up to $5,000
• Alcohol or drug education program completion
• Clinical evaluation
• Community service for 60 days
• Probation up to five years

A felony DUI conviction can have long-lasting impacts, making it difficult to find a job, housing, or maintain certain rights.

Felony DUI charges represent the most serious drunk driving offenses in Georgia. These cases often involve accidents with injuries or multiple prior convictions. Our law office has experience handling complex felony DUI cases and knows how to build a strong defense even in challenging situations.

Understanding the Criminal Justice System

Going through the criminal justice system after a DUI arrest can be confusing and stressful. Understanding what to expect at each stage helps you prepare and make informed decisions about your defense.

After arrest, you’ll be booked and may spend time in jail before posting bond. Your first court appearance, often called an arraignment, is where you’ll enter a plea. Our criminal defense attorney can appear with you at these hearings and handle communications with the prosecutor on your behalf.

In Camden County and throughout Georgia, DUI cases often involve both criminal court and administrative hearings with the Georgia Department of Driver Services. These are separate proceedings, and you need legal representation for both. Our law firm handles all aspects of your case so you don’t have to worry about missing important deadlines or procedures.

DUI Drugs (DUID) in Georgia

Driving under the influence of drugs (prescription or illegal) is treated similarly to alcohol-based DUIs in St. Marys and throughout all of Georgia. Penalties include:

• First and Second Offenses: These are misdemeanors, with penalties of up to one year in jail, fines of up to $1,000, and other penalties, including community service and license suspension.
• Third and Subsequent Offenses: These are felonies, with fines of up to $5,000, up to five years in prison, and alcohol education classes.

Under Georgia’s “implied consent” laws, refusing a blood or breath test can result in an immediate license suspension. However, it’s usually in your interest to agree to the test to avoid severe consequences.

Drug-related DUI charges require specialized defense strategies. Unlike alcohol cases where BAC provides a clear measurement, drug impairment can be more subjective. Our DUI defense team knows how to challenge drug recognition expert testimony and question the validity of blood test results.

Building Your DUI Defense Strategy

Every DUI case is unique, and cookie-cutter defense strategies don’t work. Our law office takes time to review all the evidence in your case, including police reports, video footage, and witness statements.

We look for violations of your rights during the traffic stop and arrest. If the officer lacked probable cause to pull you over, any evidence gathered afterward may be inadmissible in court. Constitutional violations can lead to evidence being suppressed, which often results in charges being dismissed or reduced.

Field sobriety tests are notoriously unreliable. Medical conditions, uneven road surfaces, and officer error can all affect test results. Our criminal defense attorney knows how to challenge these tests and present alternative explanations for your performance. We also examine the calibration records and maintenance history of breathalyzer devices used in your case.

Working With St. Marys Municipal Court

Cases in St. Marys municipal court follow specific procedures and local practices. Our law firm has extensive experience in this court and knows the judges, prosecutors, and court staff. This familiarity helps us provide more effective representation and better predict how your case may proceed.

We handle all court appearances and filing deadlines so you can focus on your life and family. In many cases, we can appear on your behalf so you don’t have to miss work or other important commitments. Our goal is to minimize the disruption to your life while aggressively defending your rights.

FAQs

Q: How Much Does a DUI Cost in Georgia?

A: The cost of a DUI in Georgia will vary based on a number of factors. Generally, the more complex or serious a DUI is, the higher it will cost. Also, the higher the offense, the higher the cost. For example, a third-time DUI will typically cost more than a first-time DUI. Factors that contribute to the cost include attorney fees, fines, license reinstatement fees, probation fees, fees for any required educational classes, and increased insurance costs. Beyond the immediate financial costs, a DUI conviction affects your future earning potential and can result in job loss. Our law firm provides transparent pricing during your confidential consultation so you understand all costs upfront.

Q: How Much Does a Lawyer Cost for a DUI in Georgia?

A: The cost of a lawyer for a DUI in Georgia will range based on a number of factors. Typically, if a case is more complex or requires additional time for court appearances, gathering evidence, and interviewing witnesses, the higher the cost will be. In some situations, a case can be settled out of court. If the case goes to court, it will typically cost more than one settled out of court. You will also have to factor in the method by which the attorney charges their fees. Our law office offers flexible payment options to make quality legal representation accessible. We believe everyone deserves a strong defense regardless of their financial situation. Contact us to discuss your case and learn about our fee structure.

Q: Do I Need a Lawyer for a DUI in Georgia?

A: You do not need a lawyer for a DUI in Georgia, as it is not a requirement. However, it is highly recommended that you acquire legal counsel from an attorney if you are charged with a DUI. They understand complex and ever-changing DUI laws, so they know how to advocate for reduced charges and lighter sentences. Additionally, an attorney can represent you at the DMV, and they can build a strong defense strategy by identifying weaknesses in the prosecution’s case. The consequences of a DUI conviction are too serious to face alone. An experienced DUI attorney increases your chances of a favorable outcome significantly. Many clients who initially considered representing themselves later realize they needed professional help to protect their rights and future.

Q: Can a DUI Be Dismissed in Georgia?

A: A DUI can be dismissed in Georgia, depending on the circumstances. Some common reasons for dismissal include:

• The officer had a lack of probable cause to stop the vehicle.
• Sobriety or breathalyzer tests were not administered properly.
• The defendant’s rights were violated.
• There is not enough evidence to prove that the defendant was driving under the influence.

Our DUI defense team has successfully had numerous cases dismissed by identifying these types of errors. We thoroughly investigate every aspect of your arrest and challenge any violations of proper procedure. Even if complete dismissal isn’t possible, we often negotiate reduced charges that avoid DUI convictions appearing on your record.

Q: What Happens at a DUI Arraignment in Camden County, GA?

A: An arraignment is your first court appearance after a DUI arrest. At this hearing, the judge will read the charges against you and ask how you plead. You’ll enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest. This is also when bail conditions may be set or modified. Having a DUI lawyer present at your arraignment is important because it sets the tone for your entire case. Your attorney can negotiate with the prosecutor and begin building your defense strategy immediately. In Camden County, these hearings move quickly, so being prepared with legal representation ensures your rights are protected from the start. Never plead guilty at an arraignment without first consulting with a criminal defense attorney about your options.

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

A: In Georgia, a DUI conviction remains on your criminal record permanently unless you take legal action to have it expunged or sealed. However, not all DUI convictions are eligible for expungement. For insurance and driver’s license purposes, a DUI typically affects your driving record for at least five years. This history can result in significantly higher insurance premiums and may affect employment opportunities that require background checks. Our law office can discuss whether your circumstances might qualify for record restriction and help you understand the long-term implications of a conviction. This is another reason why fighting your DUI charge with an experienced attorney is so important. Avoiding a conviction in the first place is always better than trying to remove it from your record later.

Contact Jarrett Maillet J.D., P.C., Today

If you have been arrested for a DUI, you still have rights. Being arrested does not mean that you are automatically guilty. By hiring a St. Marys DUI attorney, you can ensure that all the details of your case are thoroughly examined, confirming that everything was done legally and that your rights were upheld. If they were not, our attorneys can fight for you during your legal process. We can analyze your case and implement an effective defense strategy. Contact the team at Jarrett Maillet J.D., P.C., today for more information at 912-713-3426.