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Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
The term DUI does not just apply to alcohol but also to any other controlled
substance. You can be charged with a DUI if you are under the influence of both
illegal and legal substances. They carry the same weight in the eyes of the
law, except it adds on the illegal drug charge.
In Georgia, there are two forms of DUI, the traditional DUI and alcohol level
over legal limit. In a traditional DUI case, the prosecution must prove that
the driver was less safe under the influence of alcohol. In these cases, they
do not have to have concrete proof they were intoxicated. In cases dealing with
alcohol levels over the legal limit, an individual must undergo a blood, urine,
or breath test to determine their alcohol level. The prosecution does not need
to prove they were less safe, only that their alcohol level was over the legal
limit of .02 for people under 21 years old or .08 for people over 21 years old.
The punishment for a DUI is immediate confiscation of your license and the possibility
of losing your driving privileges for 4 or more months. The punishment does
not end here; you could face jail time, huge fines, mandatory alcohol awareness
classes, and/or points on your driving record. Some far reaching consequences
exist where auto insurance and even your job are concerned. Some auto insurance
providers will either increase your rate or drop you as a client after receiving
a DUI. Your employer could even fire you for receiving a DUI, especially if
you do some form of driving for a living.
Without a lawyer, you could face serious jail time and outrageous fees. The
Law Offices of Geerdes and Kim, LLC, can help you avoid severe sentences. Call
us now for a free consultation.
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