DUI Attorney in Athens, GA
There are few experiences more overwhelming than being pulled over for suspected drunk or drugged driving. Whether you were stopped on U.S. Route 129 or driving home from a party in Westchester, a DUI charge can have negative impacts on your life, beyond just the legal penalties. For these reasons and many more, it is wise to hire an Athens DUI lawyer who can work to defend your rights.
When you are facing criminal charges in Georgia, it is important to not try taking on the Georgia justice system by yourself. While it might not seem like a big deal, a DUI can have a serious impact on your record.
That is why you need the Law Offices of Adam M. Cain, LLC, to help protect your rights and make sure that you do not become just another statistic in the justice system. Get attorney Adam M. Cain on your side to defend you today, and let him help you by working to ensure that you are treated fairly and working with the system to reach your goals.
You Need Serious Representation When Fighting Driving Offenses
At the Law Offices of Adam M. Cain, LLC, attorney Cain has over 20 years of experience in defending clients before the criminal justice system, and DUI defense is just as important for his Athens-based firm.
He knows how to work with the judges and prosecutors to your benefit and can present you with a legal strategy that will give you an honest and realistic assessment of your case and offer a solution that is achievable. He knows what the consequences of a DUI conviction can be, so he will work hard to help you.
Defining DUI Charges in Athens
Every year, nearly 1.5 million people are arrested in the United States for driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. This is a serious offense, and it can come with severe penalties if you are successfully convicted. In Georgia, an individual can be charged with a DUI in one of two ways, so it is important to be aware of the difference between the two types of DUI charges. They include:
- DUI “Less Safe.” This is typically the more common of the two DUI charges in Athens. In these cases, the prosecution does not usually need to prove that your blood alcohol content, or BAC, level was above a specific percentage. Instead, all they need to prove is that you were acting in a less safe manner while driving due to the consumption of alcohol, drugs, or even certain toxic chemicals, like paint vapors or glue.
- DUI “Per Se.” This is typically the most straightforward of the two charges. If you are pulled over under the suspicion of drunk or drugged driving, you may be required to take a chemical breath or blood test to determine your BAC. If your BAC is 0.08% or higher for normal adult drivers, i.e., over the age of 21, then you can be charged with a DUI, regardless of how safely you were trying to drive.
At the Law Offices of Adam M. Cain, LLC, we are familiar with the nuances of each charge, so we can use that familiarity to your benefit in your case. Let us tailor your legal strategy to fight against these charges and mount the strongest defense available.
Penalties After a DUI Conviction
In Georgia, there are different DUI penalties for each type of DUI conviction you can face. Your Athens DUI attorney can fight against each of the penalties involved in your case. The types of penalties you face will also govern your entire defense strategy. Penalties for DUI convictions in Athens can include:
- First DUI offense: If this is your first DUI charge, you could face a wide range of penalties, such as anywhere from 24 hours to a full year of jail time, DUI school, a minimum of 40 hours of community service, having your driver’s license suspended for up to one year, and fines of between $300 and $1,000.
- Second DUI offense: If this is your second DUI offense within five years of your first offense, the penalties will increase in severity should you be convicted. These can include spending three days to one year in jail, a fine totaling between $600 and $1,000, a minimum of 240 hours of community service, and the possible requirement for an ignition interlock device to be installed in your vehicle.
- Third DUI offense: If this is your third DUI charge within a five-year period, the stakes are very high. Nationwide, nearly 30% of DUI offenders are repeat offenders. For this charge, you can face 15 days to one year in jail, $1,000 to $5,000 in legal fines (plus surcharges), up to five years’ suspension of your driver’s license, and the mandatory installation of an ignition interlock device.
If you are arrested for a DUI, including a Student DUI, whether this is your first, second, or third time, it is vital to be aware of the extremely negative penalties you could encounter if convicted. Beyond these, you might lose your job, be locked out of new employment opportunities, and find it difficult to secure new housing. If you are a student, you could find it hard to maintain financial aid or scholarships as well. For these reasons and many more, it is important to reach out to the Law Offices of Adam M. Cain, LLC, today.