DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE

A Driving Under the Influence arrest can happen to anyone. Did you know a Georgia DUI conviction remains on your record for life, and cannot be removed? Not to mention, your car insurance will increase drastically or you will be dropped altogether. This doesn't even include the possibility of jail times and fines you could face if you were convicted.

When you are arrested for a DUI in ____________ you may ask yourself, "Why me? I only had a few drinks." Or you may experience emotions ranging from embarrassment and confusion to frustration and anger. It's likely that you may never have been in trouble with the law before. Well, maybe a ticket or two but usually not a misdemeanor crime. The attorneys at Bell & Washington understand this we want to help you during your time of need.

Once the officer has taken your driving license you have only 10 business days to appeal an administrative license suspension. If you do not appeal in a timely manner, your Georgia Drivers License (or your right to drive in the State for out of state drivers) will be suspended automatically for one year. The administrative license suspension is separate from the criminal DUI hearing and you must be successful at both stages to avoid losing your license. Let the trained attorneys at Bell & Washington help you keep your license by filing your administrative appeal so that you can keep your license.

What is an Administrative License Suspension?

Under Georgia DUI Law, an Administrative Suspension occurs when a driver tests positive for alcohol in their blood while operating a motor vehicle on the roads of Georgia. In Georgia, you can get a DUI for driving "less safe" and having alcohol in your system or for testing higher than the "per se" blood alcohol level (BAC) of .08. If you refuse to take the chemical test (breath, blood or urine) when asked to do so by a police officer you can administratively lose your license for a year. In most of these cases, the officer will take away your driver's license and issue a 1205 DPS Form also known as a yellow permit. Under the Administrative License Suspension Law, the Georgia Department of Driver Services can move to suspend your driver's license even before your actual DUI trial.

By setting an ALR Administrative License Revocation hearing within 10 days of your arrest, it will greatly benefit you by potentially extending your driving privileges beyond the usual 30-day temporary license you may have received at the time of your arrest.

Whether this is your 1st, 2nd, 3rd, or more DUI offense, it is extremely important to hire an experienced law firm that understands legal strategies that will potentially result in dismissals or reduced charges.

Please feel free to call and meet for an initial Free Consultation in one of my offices listed above during which we can explore how best to defend and resolve your case. As you know, everyone's privilege to drive in the Atlanta area is essential. The possible suspension of your driving privileges due to a DUI can be devastating. If you have recently retained counsel, my best wishes are with you.

Our 24-hour toll-free telephone number is: 404-832-0546.