Georgia DUI Process

Although practically everyone has gotten a ticket for speeding or a similar traffic offense, most Georgia residents manage to avoid any other brushes with the law. Unfortunately, the same can’t be said for the thousands of motorists who are charged with driving under the influence (DUI) each year. Along with the terror of an arrest, drivers accused of drunk driving face numerous legal proceedings, not to mention severe criminal penalties, as they navigate through the Georgia DUI process.

If you have ever been pulled over, then you’re probably familiar with the routine: you hand the officer your license, proof of insurance, and vehicle registration, then the officer hands you a citation and—poof!—you’re back on the road. Not too scary, right? Well, it’s a bit different when the officer thinks you may be under the influence of alcohol.

Before issuing a citation, the officer who stops your vehicle will take a close look at your appearance and demeanor. If he or she notices any of the classic signs of alcohol use—such as slurred speech, bloodshot eyes, or the smell of alcohol on your breath, for example—the officer may then administer one or more field sobriety tests.

Depending on your field sobriety test results, the officer may then perform a portable breath test to determine your blood alcohol content (BAC). If these results indicate you are driving with an illegal amount of alcohol in your system, you will be arrested and transported to the police station for an official breathalyzer, blood, or urine test.

After being booked and fingerprinted, your arraignment will be scheduled. At this hearing, a judge will notify you of the charges against you and ask how you plea. If you plead guilty or no contest, you may be sentenced on the spot.

If you plead not guilty, you have a chance to challenge the evidence against you at the next proceeding—the preliminary motion hearing. It is important to have legal representation here, as an experienced DUI defense attorney will protect your rights and ensure the evidence was obtained legally.

If all goes well during the preliminary motions, your case could be dismissed or the prosecution may offer you a plea bargain (allowing you to plead guilty to a non-DUI offense with less severe penalties). Otherwise, a criminal trial will be scheduled, and a judge and/or jury will determine whether you are guilty of driving under the influence.

After winning thousands of DUI cases across the state, attorney Greg Willis knows the ins and outs of the Georgia DUI process. Since 1996, Mr. Willis and his staff have helped countless drivers just like you get their charges reduced or dropped—add your name to the list. Contact the Law Offices of Greg Willis today for a free evaluation of your case.  Should you choose to retain Mr. Willis’s services, he and his team will even prepare a free license appeal letter to help you restore your driving privileges.

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