If you've been arrested for a DUI, it's important to call a Gwinnett County, Georgia DUI attorney right away. Brett Willis is here to help you. With over 15 years of experience handling DUI cases, he can help you build a strong case to get the best outcome. Contact us today for a free consultation.
What Is a DUI in Gwinnett County?
A DUI stands for “driving under the influence.” This basically means an officer catches you exhibiting driver behaviors that are less safe than usual and pulls you over. If they notice you seem to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol, they will arrest you for a DUI. There are two types of DUIs an officer can charge you with: less safe and per se DUI. A per se DUI is what you're charged with when test results show you're at or above the legal BAC limit of 0.08%. Meanwhile, a less safe DUI means there are no test results against you conclusively showing you were at or above the BAC limit. This can happen if you refuse the test.
The Importance of Getting the Right Gwinnett County, Georgia DUI Attorney
What should you do if you get charged with a DUI in Gwinnett County? First reach out to a knowledgeable lawyer that focuses and specializes in DUI defense, who's familiar with the players in the Gwinnett County system, and who knows how to navigate the court system. Gwinnett is considered somewhat of an “Atlanta outpost,” so it has a giant court system. Many cases are going to go through the Gwinnett Recorder's Court first, before they eventually go to the Gwinnett State court. You need somebody who knows how to navigate those waters. So you're looking for someone who knows how to do that.
If you don't get a Gwinnett County DUI lawyer, you may get someone who doesn't know how to navigate the waters of Gwinnett. They don't know the players, they don't know the judges, and they don't know the lawyers. That could cost you and your case, which is what you don't want. What you're looking for is a good result. You don't want a DUI conviction, so you're looking for somebody who can give you the best possible chance to not be convicted of a DUI. It all starts with getting an experienced lawyer familiar with Gwinnett County like Brett Willis. Contact us today.
What to Look for in a Gwinnett County, Georgia DUI Attorney
The best Gwinnett County DUI lawyers are people who have been doing this for a long while. They should have experience dealing with DUI cases day in and day out for 10-15+ years. They should also be staying up to date with the current changes and trends in DUI law and defense. DUI law is constantly changing. The courts are issuing opinions every day, and if your lawyer is not up to date on that material, they're not up to date on the changes in the law.
If you need an expert lawyer who keeps up to date with the latest of legal developments, contact Brett Willis today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if the Arresting Officer Didn't Read My Miranda Rights?
Your Miranda rights include the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney. An officer is supposed to read you these rights and ensure you understand them before interrogating you. Interrogation is the only requirement here, not an arrest — if you're arrested for a DUI and have not faced police questioning for it, then you don't need to be read your Miranda rights. However, if you did face an interrogation without these rights being read, this is considered a violation of your rights that could lead the case to getting dismissed. Make sure to let your attorney know what happened if you think your right to hear the Miranda warning was violated.
Is It Possible to Get My License Back After a DUI Arrest in Gwinnett County?
Yes, you can get your license back after DUI arrest. This is a time-sensitive issue, though — you only have 30 days from the date of your arrest to contact a lawyer. They will send an appeal letter to the Department of Driver Services (DDS), which will conduct a hearing. If they determine you should get your license back, then you'll be able to drive again. If you pass this 30-day window, though, you will lose your license for 12 months without the opportunity for a work permit.
How Will a DUI Conviction Impact My Ability to Rent a Car in Gwinnett County?
Car rental companies have the right to refuse service to customers convicted with a DUI. Refusals are especially likely after you first get your conviction. However, over time the effect of your DUI conviction will lessen since some companies place limits on how far they look back through your criminal record.
How Do DUIs Affect Commercial Drivers Licenses?
Getting arrested for a DUI will cause you to lose your commercial driver's license (CDL) for a year. Since you won't be able to drive commercially anymore, this could cost your job if driving is part of the requirements (such as being a delivery driver).
Do DUIs Count as Felonies or Misdemeanors?
DUI convictions can count as both felonies and misdemeanors, it just depends on the situation. Most first through third DUI charges in the course of five years count as misdemeanors. From that point, fourth and subsequent DUIs count as felonies. There are some exceptions to this rule, though. For example, DUIs involving vehicular homicide count as felonies.
How Long Does a DUI Conviction Stay On Your Record in Gwinnett County?
In Gwinnett County and throughout Georgia, a DUI conviction will stay on your record permanently. There is no way to get it expunged or pardoned, and you can't have your records restricted.