Atlanta, Georgia DUI Process


Atlanta, Georgia DUI Process
If you are like most Atlanta residents, you have never faced a driving under the influence (DUI) charge before. Unlike other traffic offenses where you just pay a fine and keep driving, you may face serious penalties if you are convicted of a DUI. If you have found yourself in this stressful situation, you should immediately contact a defense lawyer to help you navigate the Atlanta, Georgia DUI process.

The DUI process begins long before the officer actually pulls you over. During the traffic stop, the officer will look for signs of intoxication, such as bloodshot eyes, slurred speech, and the smell of alcohol. If any of these signs are present, you may be asked to perform a series of field sobriety tests. Failing these tests could result in a DUI arrest.

After being placed under arrest, the officer will bring you to the police station to take an evidentiary breathalyzer test. You will also be booked, fingerprinted, and placed in a holding cell until bail is posted.

The first court appearance in the Atlanta, Georgia DUI process is arraignment. During this hearing, the judge will read the charges you are facing and ask how you plea. You have three choices: guilty, not guilty, and no contest. If you plead guilty or no contest, the judge may sentence you right away.

If you enter a not guilty plea, however, your DUI lawyer has the opportunity to challenge the prosecution’s evidence against you at the preliminary motion hearing. Before this hearing, your lawyer will analyze the evidence against you to determine if it is accurate and make sure it was legally obtained. Depending on how this hearing goes, your charges could be dismissed or you may be offered a plea bargain. If they are not, your case will go to trial and a judge or jury will decide your verdict.

Thanks to his experience and training, Attorney Lee Webb is very familiar with the Atlanta, Georgia DUI process. Mr. Webb has helped countless drivers in Metro Atlanta successfully fight their drunk-driving charges. For a free evaluation of your DUI case, please schedule an appointment by completing our online contact form today.