DUI Defense Lawyer in Carrollton, GA

Carrollton, GA

If you’re facing charges related to drunk driving, our DUI defense lawyer in Carrollton, GA is here to support you.

After an arrest is a stressful time filled with uncertainty about your future, but you don't have to face this challenge alone. At The Law Office of Julie C. Moore, we've been helping people just like you defend against DUI charges for years.

Our DUI Defense Lawyer knows the ins and outs of Georgia's legal system, and we're ready to fight for your rights and work towards the best possible outcome for your case.

Don't let a DUI charge define your future. Take the first step towards protecting your rights and your freedom. Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation.

Call 770-456-4333 or fill out our online form to schedule your appointment.

Understanding DUI Laws In Georgia

Georgia takes DUI offenses very seriously, and the laws are strict.

A DUI, or Driving Under the Influence charge, means that a driver is operating a vehicle while impaired by alcohol, drugs, or other substances. The state has clear guidelines on what constitutes a DUI and the penalties that follow, which can be severe.

Understanding how DUI laws work can help you know what you’re up against and how a DUI Defense Lawyer can help defend you.

DUI Thresholds

In order to be charged with a DUI, a driver must have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) above a certain threshold. In Georgia, the legal limits for BAC are:

• 0.08% if you're 21 or older
• 0.04% if you’re a commercial driver
• 0.02% if you're under 21 (Georgia takes a zero-tolerance approach for young drivers)

If you’re found to have a BAC above these limits, you can be charged with a DUI.

Types Of DUI Offenses

Georgia doesn't just have one type of DUI. There are actually several our DUI Defense Lawyer wants you to know about:

1. DUI Per Se: This is when your blood alcohol concentration is at or above the legal limit.
2. DUI Less Safe: This applies if you're driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs to the point where it's not safe for you to be behind the wheel.
3. DUI Drugs: This covers driving while under the influence of illegal drugs, prescription meds, or even over-the-counter drugs that affect your ability to drive safely.
4. Underage DUI: If you're under 21, any detectable amount of alcohol in your system can lead to a DUI charge.

Penalties For DUI Convictions

The penalties for a DUI conviction in Georgia can be severe even for your first offense, but increase in severity with subsequent offenses.

For a first-time DUI, penalties can include:

• Fines between $300 and $1,000
• Jail time ranging from 10 days to 12 months
• Having your license suspended for up to a year
• Mandatory completion of a DUI Alcohol or Drug Use Risk Reduction Program
• 40 hours of community service

If it's not your first offense, penalties are often harsher. You could face higher fines, more jail time, and longer license suspensions. No matter your history, our DUI defense lawyer is here to help you understand what your charges might entail for you.

Aggravated DUI Charges

In some instances, you might face what's called "aggravated DUI charges." You might be looking at aggravated charges if:

• Your blood alcohol concentration was 0.15% or higher
• You refused to take a chemical test
• You caused an accident that resulted in injury or death
• You had a child under 14 in the car when you were arrested
• You were driving on a suspended or revoked license

The penalties for aggravated DUI can have serious consequences for your life, so it’s important to have a Carrollton DUI defense lawyer on your side if you’re facing these charges.

How A Carrollton DUI Defense Lawyer Can Help You

Facing a DUI charge can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to go through it alone.

DUI defense lawyer Julie C. Moore has helped many clients navigate DUI cases, and her team is here to fight for the best possible outcome for you. Here’s how we can help:

#1 Challenging the Traffic Stop

One of the first things we look at is whether the traffic stop that led to your arrest was legal. Law enforcement needs to have a good reason to pull you over.

If a DUI defense lawyer can show that the stop wasn't lawful, you could potentially get your charges dropped.

#2 Reviewing BAC Test Results

If you were given a breathalyzer or blood / urine test, we’ll carefully review the results. These tests aren't always accurate - there could be issues with how they were administered, problems with the equipment, or even physiological factors that affected the results.

#3 Field Sobriety Tests

Field sobriety tests can be pretty subjective, and lots of things can affect your performance that have nothing to do with alcohol - like physical limitations, being nervous, or even the conditions where the test was done.

Our DUI defense attorney carefully examines how these tests were conducted and interpreted, looking for any inconsistencies or errors that could weaken the prosecution's case.

#4 Negotiating Reduced Charges or Dismissals

Depending upon the circumstances, we might be able to negotiate with the prosecution to reduce the charges or even get them dismissed.

This could involve working out a plea deal for a lesser offense or showing weaknesses in the prosecution's case that make them more willing to offer a better deal.

#5 Representing You In Court

If your case goes to trial, our DUI defense lawyer will be there to provide strong representation.

We'll present a compelling defense, cross-examine witnesses, and challenge the prosecution's evidence to create reasonable doubt and protect your rights.

Why Choose Julie C. Moore for Your DUI Defense in Carrollton, GA?

When you're facing DUI charges, choosing the right attorney can make all the difference.

Here's why The Law Office of Julie C. Moore stands out:

Proven Track Record

Julie C. Moore has a proven track record of successfully defending clients against DUI charges. Her experience, combined with her knowledge of Georgia DUI laws, allows her to provide strong and effective defense strategies.

Over the years, she’s helped many clients avoid harsh penalties or get their charges reduced.

A Better Experience

At The Law Office of Julie C. Moore, we aim to make the legal process as stress-free as possible. Julie understands how overwhelming a DUI charge can be, and she takes the time to explain each step of the process clearly.

She’s not just focused on winning cases—she’s focused on making sure you feel supported and informed throughout the process.

We Are Locals

Julie C. Moore and her team are based right here in Carrollton, GA. We understand the local court system, and we've built strong relationships with local prosecutors, judges, and court personnel, which can be invaluable in defending your DUI case effectively.

How Much Does a Carrollton DUI Defense Lawyer Cost?

We understand that cost is a big concern for many of our clients.

While we can't give you an exact figure without knowing the details of your case, we strive to offer transparent and fair pricing for our services.

The cost of hiring a DUI defense lawyer in Carrollton depends on the complexity of your case, whether it’s a first-time offense or involves additional charges, and whether the case goes to trial.

During your initial consultation, we'll discuss your legal situation in detail and provide a clear breakdown of potential costs.

Common Mistakes To Avoid After A DUI Arrest

Knowing what not to do after a DUI arrest is just as important as knowing what to do. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

Talking To Police Without A Lawyer

After a DUI arrest, it’s crucial to remember your right to remain silent. Speaking to the police without legal representation can lead to self-incrimination.

If you’re wondering if you need a criminal defense lawyer, consider that we always recommend you wait until you’ve spoken to an attorney before answering any questions.

Ignoring Court Dates Or Legal Obligations

Missing a court date or failing to comply with conditions of your release is a big mistake and can result in additional charges or penalties.

Make sure you understand and fulfill all your legal obligations.

Assuming A Conviction Is Inevitable

Many people believe that if they were arrested for DUI, a conviction is certain, but there are many ways to challenge or reduce charges and even dismiss the case.

DUI Consequences Beyond The Courtroom

The consequences of a DUI conviction go beyond fines and jail time. You could face:

• Higher auto insurance premiums
• Difficulty finding or keeping a job, especially if driving is part of the job
• Challenges in renting housing or getting loans
• Strain on personal relationships
• Travel restrictions, including difficulty entering some countries

Julie C. Moore understands these far-reaching consequences and will work to minimize the impact on your life.

FAQs About DUI Defense in Carrollton, GA

Here are some of the most common questions residents in Carrollton ask us:

What Should I Do if I’m Pulled Over For a Suspected DUI?

If you're pulled over, try to stay calm and be polite. Provide your license, registration, and insurance information if asked. However, remember that you have the right to decline field sobriety tests and to remain silent.

It's best to politely tell the officer that you won't be answering questions or taking tests without an attorney present.

What Are the Penalties for Refusing a Breathalyzer Test in Georgia?

Georgia has what's called an "implied consent" law. This means that by driving on Georgia roads, you've agreed to chemical testing if you're suspected of DUI.

If you refuse a breathalyzer test, you could face an automatic one-year license suspension for a first offense. However, refusing the test doesn't guarantee a conviction.

Can I Still Be Charged With DUI If I Wasn’t Over The Legal Limit?

Yes, you can. In Georgia, you can be charged with "DUI Less Safe" even if your blood alcohol concentration is below the legal limit. If law enforcement believes that alcohol or drugs have made you less safe to drive, you can be charged regardless of your BAC level.

How Long Does a DUI Stay on My Record in Georgia?

In Georgia, a DUI conviction stays on your driving record for the rest of your life.

However, for sentencing purposes, there's a 10-year "lookback" period. This means that DUI convictions older than 10 years may not be considered when determining penalties for a new DUI offense.

Can I Get My DUI Charge Expunged?

Unfortunately, DUI convictions cannot be expunged from your record in Georgia.

But if your DUI charge was dismissed or you were found not guilty, you may be eligible to have the arrest record restricted (which is similar to expungement).

Contact a DUI Defense Lawyer in Carrollton, GA

If you're facing DUI charges in Carrollton, GA, don't wait. The sooner you contact a dedicated DUI defense lawyer, the better your chances of achieving a favorable outcome.

The Law Office of Julie C. Moore is committed to providing aggressive defense, and guiding clients through every step of the process.

Don't let a DUI charge derail your future. Give us a call today at 770-456-4333 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation.

Let's Talk About Your Case