Georgia DUI Case Resulting in 19 Charges Starts with Distracted Driving Violation

I wrote about Marvin Arnold's case a few days ago when he was arrested in Gwinnett County. What was unknown at the time of the initial reports was why Arnold was initially pulled over.

According to the arresting officer, Arnold was driving with a “cellphone up to his face.” I frequently discuss offenses that can lead to DUI investigations. Now that distracted driving or also known as texting while driving in Georgia has become a more serious charge, officers are stopping more drivers for violating the offense.

Distracted Driving in Georgia

Distracted Driving in Georgia has been extended more as a result of the Hands Free Georgia Law passed last year. O.C.G.A. §40-6-241 outlines the prohibitions around drivers using wireless communications while driving.

The Hands Free Georgia Law added the following provisions to the statute:

• Drivers cannot have a phone in their hand.
• Drivers cannot use any part of their body to support their phone. 
• Drivers can only use their phones to make or receive phone calls by using speakerphone, earpiece, wireless headphone, phone is connected to vehicle or an electronic watch. 
• Drivers cannot send or read any text-based communication unless using voice-based communication that automatically converts message to a written text or is being used for navigation or GPS.
• Drivers cannot write, send or read any text messages, e-mails, social media or internet data content.
• Drivers cannot watch a video unless it is for navigation.

Practice Note

As a Georgia DUI Attorney, I wrote about Arnold's arrest earlier this week. He has been accused of numerous offenses including DUI in Georgia and Reckless Driving in Georgia.

Arnold's case is quite serious with nineteen charges in total. However, DUI cases involving solely one to two charges can be just as life-altering. If you or a loved one has been arrested for DUI in Georgia, contact a Georgia DUI Lawyer today.