Former Georgia Police Officer Accused of DUI and Open Container

According to reports out of Snellville, a former DeKalb County deputy has been arrested for allegedly driving under the influence in Georgia.

Officers responded to an accident that had been reported early Monday morning. Authorities who arrived at the scene determined that the former deputy was at fault for the accident. He was accused of:

• DUI in Georgia
• Failure to Maintain Lane in Georgia
• Open Container in Georgia

As a Georgia DUI Lawyer, I will outline the law behind the offense of open container in the state of Georgia as it is frequently misunderstood.

Open Container in Georgia

Open Container in Georgia is defined by the Georgia Code as:

The consumption or possession of open alcoholic beverages in the passenger area of any vehicle while on a public highway or shoulder of a public highway is prohibited.

If you are convicted of possessing an open container, two points will be added to your Georgia driver's license.

Moreover, if you have been charged with DUI, an open container violation may bring enhanced charges and harsher penalties. If you are stopped for a traffic violation and the police officer notices an open container in the vehicle, he will be on heightened alert for any other clues that you might be an impaired driver. 

An open container charge actually strengthens the case against you because an open container is further evidence that you had, in fact, been drinking as well as shows a disregard for the law and irresponsible behavior.

Practice Note

If you or a loved one has been arrested for an offense related to DUI, call our offices today. One of our attorneys can help you now.