I got arrested for DUI. Now what?
When faced with your first DUI, you can be left confused, forlorn, and feel like giving up. However, Bray Law will guide you through the process and fight for you. You need to understand your need for an experience attorney. Time is limited and it is important you take action as soon as possible. Even a first conviction has harsh penalties. Bray Law can guide you through the unfamiliar court proceedings and will lead you through the legal technicalities.
The officer gave me a temporary license. How do I keep my license?
After your arrest, you only have thirty days to request an ALS hearing or take alternative actions. If you don't, you will automatically have a suspended license in addition to a possible conviction on your record. Bray Law can file for the ALS hearing and also fight for the dismissal or reduction of your DUI criminal case.
Sentencing/Penalties for First DUI
In every DUI case, you could face criminal and administrative penalties. Administrative penalties deal with your license and are dealt with by Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS). The criminal penalties are dealt with by the Georgia court systems in the county of the offense.
Penalties you could be facing:
- 1st DUI for drivers 21 years of age and older
- administrative
- 12 month suspension
- AFTER 120 days, can request early reinstatement of license by completing: $210 reinstatement fee and Risk Reduction Program (OCGA § 40-5-63(a)(1))
- Depending on history, could be eligible for limited permit
- criminal
- up to 12 months in jail - minimum of 24 hours in jail, remainder could be probated
- $300-$1000 fine plus fees and surcharges
- at least 40 hours community service
- Risk Reduction (DUI school)
- MADD Impact Panel
- administrative
- 1st DUI for drivers under 21 years of age
- administrative
- .08% or higher
- 12 month suspension
- $210 reinstatement fee
- Risk Reduction Program
- under .08% BAC
- 6 month suspension
- $210 reinstatement fee
- Risk Reduction Program
- .08% or higher
- criminal
- up to 12 months in jail - minimum of 24 hours in jail, remainder could be probated
- $300-$1000 fine plus fees and surcharges
- at least 40 hours community service
- Risk Reduction (DUI school)
- MADD Impact Panel
- administrative
Why should I hire Bray Law?
We can help save your license. But you must act quickly. You only have 30 days from arrest to challenge the ALS suspension.
As for your criminal case, there are many defenses to a first time DUI. With the lack of prior DUIs, it places the first time offender in a favorable and unique bargaining position that Bray Law can use to negotiate a reduction or dismissal. On top of that, Bray Law can examine the evidence and file motions to limit the admission of evidence. We can also challenge the stop, the arrest, and the breath or blood tests. This could leave to resolving your case with a very favorable result. And if it comes to making a decision between taking a plea deal or taking your case to trial, we can discuss those options with you. Attorney Bridgett Bray has the experience and knowledge you need to get your case reduced, dismissed, or get an acquittal. We keep you informed and listen to you and your needs throughout the whole process. Our goal is to leave you with no criminal record and no license suspension. Contact Bray Law today for a Free Consultation.