Forsyth County DUI Related Charges
If you or a loved one has been charged with DUI, it is critical that you speak with an experienced DUI Defense Attorney in Forsyth County. A DUI conviction can have a significant impact on your life and your future. Our team is here to answer your questions and walk you through the entire process.
In most of our cases, a DUI arrest starts with a basic traffic violation. A police officer must have a reason for conducting a DUI investigation, and it usually starts with the driver failing to adhere to traffic laws. Some of the most common traffic offenses committed with a DUI include:
Failure to Maintain Lane
Failure to maintain lane is the most common reason a person is stopped and questioned about drinking and driving. O.C.G.A. § 40-6-48 states that whenever any roadway has been divided into two or more clearly marked lanes for traffic.. a vehicle shall be driven as nearly as practicable entirely within a single lane and shall not be moved from such lane until the driver has first ascertained that such movement can be made with safety.
There are many defenses to the underlying charge of failure to maintain lane. Because the law is vague as to what constitutes safety, your Dawson County DUI Lawyer can argue that you lawfully maintained your lane.
Speeding
Speeding is one of the most frequently charged traffic offenses in Georgia. Even though it is a minor charge, it could lead to a more serious crime, such as DUI. We have Georgia's Best DUI Lawyers that have extensive experience negotiating speeding tickets down and keeping it off a driver's record. In regards to a DUI case, if the solicitor is unable to prove that you were speeding, then there can be no basis for the traffic stop that resulted in the DUI arrest.
Failure to Adhere to Headlight Requirements
While it may sound trivial, a headlight violation can be the basis of the beginning of a DUI investigation. O.C.G.A. § 40-8-20 outlines that Georgia drivers must display their headlights from 30 minutes after sunset to thirty minutes before sunrise, while raining, or any other time when there is not sufficient visibility. If you were pulled over for violating Georgia's headlight rules and were subsequently charged with DUI, you need a DUI attorney in Forsyth County.
Following Too Closely
According to O.C.G.A. § 40-6-49, the driver of a motor vehicle shall not follow another vehicle more closely than is reasonable and prudent. Many vehicle accidents result from a driver following too closely and then proceed to be the basis for a DUI charge. The stakes are high if you have been charged with a DUI and following too closely. These cases are challenging to defend and require the attention of our experienced Forsyth County DUI lawyers.
Reckless Driving
If you've dealt with traffic tickets before, you've probably come to realize that reckless driving is more severe than other moving violations. A law enforcement officer can charge you with reckless driving if you're operating a vehicle and endangering the lives of other drivers, passengers, or pedestrians.
Examples of reckless driving may include:
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- Excessive speeding
- Passing illegally, such as driving down the shoulder of a highway
- Weaving
- Running stop signs or red lights
- Following a car too closely
With an experienced Forsyth County DUI lawyer, a DUI charge can be reduced to reckless driving. The first offense of reckless driving can lead to a misdemeanor criminal charge, $500.00 in fines, up to 6 months in jail, and between 3-18 months of a suspension of your driver's license. These penalties are delivered at the discretion of the courts and they will vary depending on the weight of your situation. To avoid the harsh punishments that are associated with DUI/reckless driving cases, contact a Forsyth County DUI lawyer for support.
Possession of Marijuana
Possession of marijuana is a common charge in Georgia but if combined with DUI, it can lead to serious repercussions. Some people are under the impression that DUI is only related to alcohol, but a person can be charged with DUI if use of drugs impairs their ability to drive. If you were charged with possession of marijuana with or without DUI charges, our Forsyth County DUI Lawyers are here to help.
Contact Us Today
Just because you have been charged with DUI or a related offense does not mean you have been convicted or that you will be convicted. Our Forsyth County DUI Lawyers are skilled in how to negotiate your case to receive alternative punishments. However, they are also experienced trial lawyers if it seems that going to trial is your best option. No matter what the specifics of your case are, rest assured that our DUI Attorneys in Forsyth County can help. With over 50 combined years of experience in DUI defense, trust us with your future. Call now.