CENTERVILLE GA DUI LAWYER - CENTERVILLE GA DUI ATTORNEY

If you have been charged with DUI in Centerville, you probably feel scared, confused, and a little overwhelmed. These are all normal feelings, especially since Georgia's DUI laws are stringent, and the punishments are severe. We understand that you are likely concerned with whether you will spend time in jail or lose your license. Our Centerville DUI Lawyers are dedicated to helping you through this difficult time.

30-Day Warning

You only have 30 days after your DUI arrest to protect your driver's license from being suspended. To prevent the suspension, you must either file a letter requesting an Administrative License Suspension (ALS) hearing or install an ignition interlock device on your vehicle. Both of these approaches should be discussed with a Centerville DUI Attorney before you make a decision. However, if you have been charged with refusing the blood, breath, or urine test, your license will be suspended for one year. To protect your Georgia' driver's license, call us now.

Frequently Asked Questions about DUI in Centerville GA

What is the difference between DUI Per Se or DUI Less Safe?

In Georgia, it is illegal for a person over 21 to have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher and to drive a vehicle. A person can be charged with DUI per se when their BAC is over that limit. The limit for those under 21 is .02, and those with a CDL license is .04. A DUI per se charge is usually supported by a breath test showing that they are over the legal limit.

A driver can be charged with DUI less safe even if their BAC is less than .08 grams. The DUI laws in Georgia criminalize driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol to the extent it is less safe for the person to do so. DUI less safe is not based on a chemical test, but instead, on an officer's observations during the DUI stop can be used to support the determination that the driver was impaired by alcohol. Factors such as an admission of drinking, slurred speech, odor of alcohol, bloodshot eyes, and fumbling are all clues that officers are looking for to support their case.

In either situation, the penalties are severe. Contact one of our Centerville DUI Attorneys if you have been charged with a DUI. 

Can my case be defended?

Absolutely! You have rights throughout the entire court process, and we will carefully analyze the particulars in your case to see if your rights were violated at any time. Sometimes the smallest details can help us reach the best outcome in your case. There are numerous DUI defenses that we will evaluate to see if they apply to your situation.

Are field sobriety tests mandatory?

No, you are not required to participate in the field sobriety tests. However, the officer is not required to tell you that the tests are voluntary. We recommend that you politely decline to participate in the tests.

However, the State-administered test of your blood, breath, or urine is a mandatory test. If you refuse this test, your license will be suspended for a year. This test will be requested after the reading of the implied consent notice.

Are breath tests accurate?

The Intoxilyzer 5000 is the device used to test breath samples in DUI cases in Georgia. However, the Intoxilyzer is flawed in the fact that items that do not contain alcohol may cause the machine to report the detection of alcohol. These include mints, listerine, smokeless tobacco, lip balm, and blood. These substances may cause a high reading even if you have not consumed alcohol. Additionally, some medical conditions cause the test to return false-positive readings.

In sum, there are ways to combat the results of an Intoxilyzer reading.

What is the 30-Day Letter?

The 30-day letter is an appeal of the suspension of your driver's license. You only have 30 days to send this letter in or your license will be automatically suspended. You must submit a $150 filing fee, or the letter will not be accepted.

If you fail to send this letter, your Georgia driver's license can be suspended from 30 days to one year, depending on whether you refused testing.

Can I represent myself in a Centerville DUI case?

You can, but you will be held to the same standards as a practicing lawyer. This means that you will be responsible for knowing all the rules of evidence, filing deadlines, courtroom procedures, and laws pertaining to your case.

By representing yourself and choosing to forego the knowledge of an experienced DUI lawyer, you are putting yourself at a disadvantage. To put yourself in the best position to protect your rights and your future, it is in your best interest to hire an experienced Centerville DUI Lawyer.

Penalties for a DUI in Centerville GA

One of the first questions we get asked from a client is what penalties are they facing. We will address what the consequences are for a first, second, and third DUI conviction in Centerville. However, remember this only apply if you are convicted. No one should simply plead guilty and accept these consequences. There are always Georgia DUI defenses we can use to support your case.

If convicted of DUI in Centerville, the penalties you face will vary depending on a number of circumstances. The facts of the case influence whether a judge orders a sentence closer to the maximum or minimum limits. In large part, the sentencing ranges depending on the number of prior DUI convictions.

First DUI penalty in Centerville:

• Up to one year in jail
• 12 months of probation
• Fine between $300-$100 plus court costs and surcharges
• At least 40 hours of community service
• DUI school
• Driver's license suspension, with a limited permit to drive
• MADD panel
• Substance abuse counseling

Second DUI penalty:

• Minimum three days in jail
• 12-36 months or probation
• Fines between $600-$1,000
• 240 hours of community service
• License suspension for at least 1 year
• Installation of an ignition interlock device
• Surrender or license plate
• 17 weeks of alcohol and drug counseling
• Publication of photo in the local newspaper
• DUI Court programs

Third DUI penalty in Centerville:

• 12-36 months of probation
• Fine between $1,000-$5,000
• Surrender of license plate
• 5-year license suspension with a limited permit available after two years of ignition interlock device
• 17 weeks of alcohol and drug counseling
• Publication of photo in the local newspaper
• Habitual violator status

Remember, these only come into play if you are convicted. Our Centerville DUI Lawyers have decades of experience getting DUI charges dismissed or reduced to a lesser charge. Let us help you avoid these consequences!

Centerville Municipal Court

If you were charged with a misdemeanor traffic violation, including DUI, in Centerville, then your case will proceed to Centerville Municipal Court. The court is located at 310 East Church Street, Centerville, GA 30128. The Honorable Jeff Grube presides over the Municipal Court. For information about your case or other court information, call (478) 953-4795.

Map to Centerville Municipal Court

Contact Us

Lawson and Berry is Georgia's premier DUI defense firm. We have over 50 combined years of experience defending DUI cases. Our knowledge is unmatched, and we are prepared to assist with your case now. Our office is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to take your call. Call now for a free case evaluation.