What to do after an Atlanta DUI Arrest

If you have been arrested for DUI in Atlanta GA, there are several steps you must take to protect your rights.  Whether an arrest by the Georgia State Patrol, Georgia Tech Police, or the Atlanta Police Department, your first step is having your DUI Attorney in Atlanta file your 30 day letter.

The 30 day letter is your request for your ALS Hearing.  To be very clear, unless this hearing is requested, your drivers license may be suspended for up to one year.  If the event of a refusal, your license will be suspended without a privilege to drive.  This is called a hard suspension.

After your DUI Lawyer in Atlanta files your 30 day letter, the next step is discovery and investigation.  Your Atlanta DUI Lawyer will file motions for discover and an open records request.  In addition, you Atlanta DUI Attorney will request the arresting officer's training history and his disciplinary records.  Having full information about your arresting officer can result in potential defenses in your case.

The next step is plea bargaining.  Even in contested cases, it is important to discuss with the Atlanta Prosecutor the potential of settling the case.  Without discussion, all cases would go to trial.  The trial option is important but should never be the first option. Through negotiation, many Atlanta DUI cases can be reduced to reckless driving.  Also, discussion can result in a greater knowledge of the merits of the State's case as well as potential defenses to the Atlanta DUI Case.

The final step, in the event negotiation fails, is the actual trial of the Atlanta DUI.  The choice is a bench trial (trial by judge only) in Atlanta Municipal Court or a jury trial in Fulton County State Court.  Only skilled Atlanta DUI Attorneys can help you decide between a bench or jury trial.  It is important to always seek the advice of Atlanta DUI Lawyers before you make the trial decision.

If you have been arrested for DUI in Atlanta Georgia, Contact the top-rated and most reviewed law office in Atlanta.  Call now to protect your rights and your freedom. Read our reviews on AVVO as well. Your fight is our fight.