Georgia DUI and DWI Legal Questions

In California, you are usually looking at a 4 to 6 months license suspension, but you may be eligible for a restricted license (to and from school and/or work). If your blood alcohol level is above .20 then there is a 10 month restriction, as well as other enhancements for excessive alcohol. Fines from $390 to $1,000 plus penalty assessments and court costs which beings to the total to about $2,000.00. Your car may be impounded for up to 6 months. Up to 3 year optional ignition interlock device installed on your car. 96 hours to 6 months jail sentence, at least 48 hours of which must be continuance. If you have had a prior DUI within the preceding 10 years, it could be charged as felony with between 1 year and 3 year jail sentence. Depending on the County where the arrest occurred, generally a 1st time DUI offender, with a good attorney, will do little, if any, jail time. However, the defendant will need to jump through some hoops and will be on informal probation from 3 to 5 years. The courts usually order that the defendant pay a fine and penalty assessments which amounts to approximately $1,800.00 plus various other court costs and fees, and either community service or community labor. In addition the defendant must enroll and complete a DUI program. Some courts also require that the defendant participate in a HAM (Hospital and Morgue) Program, MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) Program and have their license suspended. Some courts also require an interlocking device be placed on the Defendant's car, although they can, and sometimes do, defer this to DMV.... Read More

If you are not happy with your lawyer you should discuss the reasons for your unhappiness. You may also choose to fire him/her and retain new counsel. Just because you were not driving and didn't have the keys doesn't mean the DA will drop the case, especially with admissions to being the driver. Has the actual driver come forward and admitted to being the driver, explained why he was not caring for your when you were so intoxicated. There may be other circumstantial evidence that supports your story too, you should let your lawyer know you aren't happy with the representation.... Read More

If you have a copy of the document printed by the breath testing machine you should set up a meeting with a DUI attorney, they will be able to help you decipher the information contained on the document, as a general rule there is no difference between a "passing" and "failing" breath testing printout.... Read More

If this case is in California and this is his seventh within the past ten years he is looking at a very serious case, a felony. He can be prosecuted for DUI even if he was taking only his prescribed medications and at the dosages prescribed. He will need legal representation and the help of a forensic toxicologist and possibly a pharmacologist to avoid prison.... Read More