A PBT is the preliminary breath test.  In Georgia, we use the alco-sensor, manufactured by Intoximeters.   Georgia law does not allow the numeric result of the PBT to be used in court.  The device does display a numeric result.  However, in court, a police officer may only say whether the readin...

Recently, I received a call that should be a strong reminder of the risks of being on probation.  I spoke to a young man on felony probation for a case that would not have been prosecuted had he been represented by competent counsel.  Instead, his public defender entered a guilty plea under the ...

In Georgia, the accused cannot decide what kind of test he or she will take in a DUI arrest. The arresting officer in a DUI case has the choice to request a breath, blood, urine, or other bodily substances to determine if someone is under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The Georgia implied co...

Whether you should tell your probation officer about a new arrest is something your Georgia DUI Lawyer cannot tell you.  Technically, as an officer of the court, I would be forced to inform you that you should tell your probation officer about a new DUI arrest or any other violation.  The first ...

In Georgia, DUI Penalties Vary Depending on the Jurisdiction: There are statutory minimum and maximum consequences for being convicted of a DUI in Georgia.  In most jurisdictions, the penalties will fall somewhere between the minimum and maximum. Georgia courts can sentence someone to time in j...

According to the State Bar of Georgia, most client complaints against their attorney boil down to one thing, poor customer service.  At our office, we strive to provide excellent customer service.  No office is perfect. Georgia DUI Attorneys are human beings.  We all make mistakes and have bad da...

Georgia does not have a zero-tolerance law for DUI.  However, when people fail to understand Georgia DUI Laws, they may end up arrested.  One of the biggest mistakes people make is their failure to understand that the consumption of alcohol or drugs will affect their judgment insofar as to wheth...

In Brookhaven Georgia, where I live, a Maserati recently crashed into a home at 3:00 a.m. The driver was involved in a high-speed chase.  He died, and the residents of the home were given the scare of their life.  It could have been much worse.  There is Almost no Reason for High-Speed Police Ch...

You can get a DUI after only have two drinks, depending on what you were drinking. The problem people get into is that what is served in a glass at a bar, restaurant, or a gathering is not necessarily a “drink” insofar as quantity and alcohol concentration is concerned.   The Math: When consid...

I took a call from a client today who had appeared to hit "rock bottom."  I felt terrible for him.  Our conversation, which I had intended to be about his case, turned into a discussion about his life and what had happened since his DUI Arrest. I cannot discuss the facts of my client's case or t...

Today is our office's annual holiday party.  This year we are all attending an Atlanta Hawks game.  I thought I would offer a few tips for a Safe and DUI Free Holiday Party to employers and employees. Holiday Party Advice for Employers: An office holiday party is a excellent time to get to know...

An untenable situation now exists in the United States insofar as marijuana is concerned.  The experiment with legalization in Colorado and Washington State has now expanded to several other states.  It is inevitable that one-day possession of marijuana will be legal everywhere in America.  What ...

Potential clients often ask me to tell them their mathematical chance at winning their case.  Many ask for my "record" or the "records" of my associates.  The question is entirely understandable, but its premise is based on a misunderstanding of the complexities of a legal problem.  I tell everyo...

Many teachers who call us assume that they are going to lose their job because of a DUI arrest.  This is not true.  A DUI arrest will affect your teaching job, but that does not mean you will be unemployed.   The confusion comes from the fact that most teachers believe they will lose their teach...

Many commercial drivers' license (hereafter CDL) holders make their livelihood using their CDL. Not only do CDL holder drive tractor trailers, but many heavy equipment operators are required to have a CDL. CDL holders can earn a substantial income, and when they are accused of a DUI, their liveli...

When the police arrest someone for a DUI, it starts both a criminal prosecution and a civil administrative action against the accused.  Most are familiar with a traditional criminal prosecution.  However, there is a second "civil prosecution" against the defendant in regards to their privilege to...

The age-old question about whether a person should answer police questions when pulled over does not have a simple answer.   All of us are required to provide a police officer our driver's license, proof of insurance, and registration.   However, we are not legally required to engage a police o...

Potentially, Yes.   With the transition of our military to a smaller fighting force, many people are already being let go from military jobs and discharged.  As in any job, when there are two equally qualified employees, the one without a DUI will usually win out.  Thus, a DUI will affect your m...

Many people are surprised we do not take every case.  There are several good reasons, and all of those reasons take into consideration the client's best interest.  The most important reason is that we specialize in Georgia DUI defense and the tickets related to DUI.  As a Georgia DUI Specialist,...

Be Candid with Your Lawyer and tell your lawyer everything, even if it makes you look bad: Even though we tell our clients that everything we discuss is confidential, many still are not candid with us.  When you are not honest with your Georgia DUI Lawyer, there are almost always negative conseq...

There is nothing worse than when a good time is ruined by a bad decision or a mistake.  No one plans to get a DUI, but if you have been arrested for a DUI after the Georgia vs. Georgia Tech game, inaction will result in additional problems. Do not compound one mistake with another.  Hire a qualif...

In Georgia, driving is considered a privilege rather than a right. Being arrested for a DUI in Georgia triggers both a criminal and civil process. In the civil process, the Georgia Department of Driver Services (“DDS”) will attempt to administratively suspend your driver's license. The document ...

In a recent trial, I used the deficiencies in the incident report to help secure an acquittal for my client.  Understanding how police officers think and are trained can make all the difference in a client's case. The first thing a Georgia DUI Lawyer needs to understand is that police officers r...

Our wish this holiday season is to take more time during the year to be thankful for others.  We should not wait until a holiday to give thanks to others or thanks to God.   We are all encouraged to exercise daily.  We set our fitness watches to remind us to walk 10,000 steps a day.  However, we...

The short answer is that all Georgia police officers are trained in DUI detection; however, not all training is equal or sufficient. When someone completes the police academy, he or she become P.O.S.T. certified.  (Peace Officers Standards and Training).  The basic mandate includes several hours...