Being charged with driving under the influence in Duluth carries serious consequences. Before you even appear in court, you could be stuck in a holding cell for days if you can’t afford bail, which could result in you losing your job as well as other issues. If you are convicted of a DUI, you may face jail time, fines, and more, not to mention you could lose your job and right to drive.
What’s more, Georgia law forbids the expungement of DUIs from a person’s criminal record. That means it will stay on your record for the rest of your life. A DUI could seriously inhibit your ability to find meaningful employment and good housing, and your reputation could be tarnished for a long time.
Because of the potential consequences, it’s crucial to hire an experienced Duluth DUI defense lawyer as soon as possible after you’re arrested. At Andersen, Tate & Carr, our legal team has decades of experience defending people who have been charged with driving under the influence. We have the extensive knowledge and experience needed to defend your rights.
To speak with an experienced DUI lawyer in Duluth, call our legal team at 770-822-0900 or contact us online for a free, no-obligation consultation today.
How We Defend DUIs in Duluth
When you hire us to represent your DUI case, we start creating a defense immediately. First, we make sure you know what happens next and all the different proponents of a DUI case. For instance, we’ll make sure you know you have the right to plead guilty, when your court case is, what to expect in court, and more. We’ll also make sure you know your rights about driving while your case is pending.
We’ll also discuss the various levels of DUI, and the penalties you may face for your specific situation. In Gwinnett County, a first-time DUI in which a person has a blood alcohol content of 0.08% will likely face lesser penalties than a third-time offender with a BAC of 0.15%. But the penalties you face may also depend on the judge and the prosecutor. We know the local court system and know what to expect.
Just because you refused to take a breathalyzer test or had a BAC over the legal limit, doesn’t mean you’ll automatically be convicted. Our Duluth DUI defense lawyers have experience helping members of our community fight even the toughest charges.
Common Defenses for DUIs in Duluth
There are quite a few different defenses we may use on your behalf. One of the most common is proving that the arresting officer didn’t follow procedure. For example, officers need probable cause to pull you over. They could pull you over for swerving or for a traffic infraction. If they don’t have probable cause for pulling you over, all evidence gathered afterward may be inadmissible.
Our attorneys may also claim that other evidence may have been gathered improperly or is otherwise inadmissible in court. The breathalyzer machine may not have been properly calibrated, or the chain of custody for any evidence gathered may have been disrupted. In some cases, field sobriety tests may be considered inadmissible.
Our experienced attorneys have deep experience with these and other defenses, and we know how to employ the proper defense for your case. We also have great working relationships with some of the most well-respected experts in Gwinnett County who can provide testimony on your behalf.
Other Driving Offenses We Defend
While DUIs are considered one of the most serious offenses on the road, they certainly aren’t the only ones. The experienced lawyers at Andersen, Tate & Carr can represent you if you are charged with a criminal traffic violation.
Georgia law lists a variety of traffic violations that can carry criminal charges. Being convicted of one of these offenses could mean jail time, fines, community service and more. That’s why it’s so important to have a qualified lawyer by your side if you are facing these kinds of charges.
Common traffic violations that may carry criminal charges include:
- Speeding
- Failure to maintain a lane
- Following too closely
- Insurance violations, such as driving without a license
- Driving with a suspended license
- Hit and run, serious injury by vehicle or vehicular homicide
- Leaving the scene of an accident
- Drag racing
- Habitual violator
- Aggressive or reckless driving
- Failure to observe traffic signal
Speak to an Experienced Duluth DUI Defense Lawyer Today
Without an experienced attorney, you may face jail time, fines and other severe penalties for a DUI or other criminal traffic violation in Duluth. At Andersen, Tate & Carr, our lawyers have extensive knowledge and experience with state and local laws and court systems. With our knowledge and experience, we know what it takes to successfully defend your case both in and out of court.
To speak with an experienced Duluth DUI defense lawyer, call us at 770-822-0900 or fill out our online form below for a free, no-obligation consultation today.