It is well known that during the summer months, people have more opportunities to drink. This includes going out with friends and family members as you enjoy pool days or barbeque evenings all around town. The 4th of July is the peak of summer. We’ve seen it happen before, an independence day party goes late and the next thing you know you have to head home. Even when you’ve only had a drink or two cops will be on the lookout and you might be charged with a DUI.
If you are stopped at a DUI checkpoint or pulled over for erratic driving, the police officer will most likely ask you to step out of the car and perform a series of sobriety tests (FST). If you fail these tests, or if the officer believes you are under the influence, you will be arrested and brought to jail. You will be asked to take a breathalyzer test, and if the results of this test show that your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is above the 0.08 legal limit, you will be charged with DUI per se. Even if your BAC is below 0.08, you can be charged with DUI less safe.
The penalties for DUI are severe and can include jail time, loss of driving privileges, and high fines, and they cannot be expunged off of your record. If you are facing DUI charges, it is important to contact an experienced DUI lawyer who can help you fight the charges and protect your rights.
What to do at a DUI Checkpoint
DUI checkpoints are often set up in areas where there have been previous DUI arrests or accidents. If you see a checkpoint ahead, the best thing to do is to avoid it if possible. However, if you are already at the checkpoint when the police stop you, remain calm. Do not try to talk your way out of the situation or argue with the officer.
If you are stopped by the police, do not offer any information other than your name and identification. You have the right to remain silent, and anything you say can be used against you in court. If the officer asks you questions about where you were coming from or where you are going, simply state that you do not wish to answer any questions and if asked, you do not wish to perform FSTs or take any chemical tests (e.g. blood, breath or urine).
The best thing you can do if charged with DUI is to contact a lawyer as soon as possible. An experienced DUI lawyer will know how to challenge the evidence against you and help you navigate the legal process. With an experienced DUI lawyer on your side, you have a much better chance of avoiding the severe penalties associated with this charge.
The Arora Law Firm – Atlanta Criminal Defense Lawyers
If you’ve been charged with DUI in Georgia, don’t try to go it alone. The laws are complicated and ever-changing, and a good defense attorney can make all the difference. Contact Arora Law today for a free initial consultation—we’re here to put your rights and your future first. Call us today at (404) 609-4664.
