Switch to ADA Accessible Theme
Close Menu
Marietta Criminal Defense Lawyer / Norcross DUI Defense Lawyer

Norcross DUI Defense Lawyer

Facing a DUI charge in Georgia can have serious consequences that affect your driving privileges, career, and personal life. At Arca Law, we understand how overwhelming a DUI arrest can be and are committed to providing the strongest defense for our clients. Our experienced DUI defense attorney will carefully examine the details of your case and work to mitigate the potential penalties, striving for the best possible outcome. Contact an experienced Norcross DUI defense lawyer at Arca Law to put yourself in the best position for a positive result.

Georgia DUI Laws and Penalties

In Georgia, driving under the influence (DUI) is a serious offense that is prosecuted aggressively. The state’s laws set a legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit of 0.08% for drivers aged 21 and over. For commercial drivers, the limit is lower at 0.04%, and for drivers under 21, any BAC above 0.02% can result in a DUI charge. Penalties for DUI in Georgia increase with each subsequent conviction, and the severity of the penalties depends on whether it is a first, second, third, or fourth offense.

Potential penalties for a DUI conviction in Georgia may include:

  • Combined Fines and fees ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars
  • Jail time or probation
  • Community service hours
  • Mandatory DUI School
  • Drug and Alcohol evaluation
  • Installation of an ignition interlock device
  • Suspension or revocation of your driver’s license

The severity of the punishment also depends on aggravating factors such as high BAC levels, accidents, or if there were minors in the vehicle.

Defending Against DUI Charges in Norcross

At Arca Law, we take a comprehensive approach to DUI defense. We begin by examining all aspects of your arrest, including:

  • Legality of the Traffic Stop: Did the police have reasonable suspicion or probable cause to stop your vehicle?
  • Field Sobriety Tests: Were the field sobriety tests administered properly? These tests can often be unreliable, and improper administration can lead to inaccurate results.
  • Breathalyzer or Blood Test Results: Were the tests conducted and calibrated correctly? Challenging the accuracy of BAC test results can be a critical part of your defense.
  • Police Conduct: Did law enforcement follow proper procedures during your arrest? Any violation of your rights can lead to key evidence being suppressed.

When the evidence against you is strong, we also explore alternative sentencing options, such as diversion programs or reduced charges, that may allow you to avoid jail time or a permanent criminal record. Our goal is to minimize the impact a DUI charge has on your life and to fight for your rights every step of the way.

DUI and License Suspension

One of the immediate consequences of a DUI arrest in Georgia is the potential suspension of your driver’s license. After a DUI arrest, you have only 30 days to request an Administrative License Suspension (ALS) hearing to challenge the suspension. If you fail to act within this period, your license could be automatically suspended for as long as a year on just a first offense.

Our DUI defense attorney will work quickly to protect your driving privileges by helping you request an ALS hearing or by negotiating for a shorter suspension or a limited driving permit, which allows you to maintain essential activities like going to work or school. We are prepared to guide you through every aspect of the DUI process, from the criminal proceedings to administrative license hearings.

Repeat DUI Offenders

For those facing multiple DUI charges, the stakes are even higher. Georgia law imposes increasingly harsh penalties for repeat offenders, including longer license suspensions, higher fines, and extended jail time. Attorney Alejandro Arca has more DUI training than most defense lawyers (and even many law enforcement officers) you are likely to encounter. Our firm has the experience and knowledge necessary to defend against repeat DUI charges and will work diligently to reduce or dismiss the charges against you whenever possible.

Norcross DUI FAQs

Facing a DUI charge can be a frightening and confusing situation. Georgia’s DUI laws are complex, and penalties can be severe. To help you navigate your situation, we’ve compiled answers to some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about DUI charges that our Norcross DUI defense attorney hears most often. If you have specific questions about your case, contact Arca Law for a free consultation.

What Constitutes DUI in Georgia?

In Georgia, you can be charged with Driving Under the Influence (DUI) if your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.08% or higher for drivers over 21. For commercial drivers, the legal limit is 0.04%, and for drivers under 21, the threshold is 0.02%. Even if your BAC is below the legal limit, you can still be charged if law enforcement believes your ability to drive is impaired by alcohol or drugs. The legal standard in Georgia is that you are under the influence of drugs or alcohol to the extent it is less safe to drive.

What Are the Penalties for a DUI Conviction?

The penalties for a DUI in Georgia depend on various factors, including whether it’s your first offense, your BAC level, and if any aggravating circumstances (such as an accident or minor in the vehicle) were present. Common penalties include:

  • First Offense: Up to 12 months of probation, fines of up to $1,000, community service, DUI school, and anywhere from 10 days to 12 months in jail, with a minimum of 24 hours in jail.
  • Second Offense: Harsher penalties including longer jail time, higher fines, license suspension, and the possibility of an ignition interlock device.

Will My Driver’s License Be Suspended?

Yes, a DUI arrest in Georgia often leads to an automatic license suspension. After your arrest, you have 30 days to request an Administrative License Suspension (ALS) hearing or apply for an ignition interlock device to maintain driving privileges. Failing to take action within this period could result in a one-year license suspension. Our attorneys can help guide you through the process and represent you at your ALS hearing.

Can I Refuse a Breathalyzer Test?

Under Georgia’s implied consent law, when you obtain a driver’s license, you agree to submit to chemical tests if law enforcement suspects you of DUI. Refusing a breathalyzer or blood test can lead to immediate penalties, including a one-year license suspension. Additionally, refusal can be used against you in court as evidence of guilt.

What Happens if I’m Arrested for DUI With Drugs?

DUI charges aren’t limited to alcohol. You can be charged with DUI for driving under the influence of prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, or illegal substances. You could be arrested for driving under the influence of any drug to the extent it is less safe to drive, but Georgia law doesn’t require that illegal drugs impair your driving; having any amount of an illegal substance in your system can result in a DUI conviction. Our defense team is specially trained and highly skilled at challenging drug-related DUI charges, whether the substance was prescribed or illegal.

Can I Get a DUI Charge Reduced or Dismissed?

While each case is unique, it is possible to have a DUI charge reduced or dismissed. Some common defenses include:

  • Lack of probable cause for the traffic stop
  • Improper administration of field sobriety tests
  • Inaccurate or unreliable BAC testing equipment
  • Violation of your rights during the arrest process

At Arca Law, we analyze every detail of your Norcross DUI case to identify potential defenses and seek to minimize or eliminate penalties.

Do I Need an Attorney for a DUI Charge?

Hiring an experienced DUI attorney is critical if you want to protect your rights and challenge the charges against you. A DUI conviction can result in long-term consequences, including a criminal record, increased insurance premiums, and limitations on future employment opportunities. Our team at Arca Law will provide you with personalized legal representation to help you achieve the best possible outcome. Without legal representation, you are at the mercy of the court and subject to receiving the harshest punishments.

Contact Arca Law for Strong Norcross DUI Defense

If you or a loved one has been charged with DUI in Norcross, Arca Law is here to help. We understand the complexities of Georgia’s DUI laws and are dedicated to protecting your rights and freedom. Contact us today at 770-800-8100 for a free consultation and learn how we can fight for you.