Canton, GA DUI Law Firms & Lawyers

Usually 4 to 6 months, but you may be eligible for a restricted license (to and from school and/or work). If your blood alcohol level is above .20 then there is a 10 month restriction. Fines from $390 to $1,000 plus penalty assessments. Your car may be impounded for up to 6 months. Up to 3 year optional ignition interlock device installed on your car. 96 hours to 6 months jail sentence, at least 48 hours of which must be continuance. If you have had a prior DUI within the preceding 10 years, it could be charged as felony with between 1 year and 3 year jail sentence. Depending on the County where the arrest occurred, generally a 1st time DUI offender will not do any jail time. However, the defendant will need to jump through some hoops and will be on informal probation from 3 to 5 years. The courts usually order that the defendant pay a fine and penalty assessments which amounts to approximately $1,800.00 plus various other court costs and fees, and either community service or community labor. In addition the defendant must enroll and complete a DUI program. Some courts also require that the defendant participate in a HAM (Hospital and Morgue) Program, MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) Program and have their license suspended. Some courts also require an interlocking device be placed on the Defendant's car, although they can, and sometimes do, defer this to DMV.

In Georgia, cops can rely on circumstantial evidence to show you were driving, and of course your admissions.  Things like witnesses, the warmth of the car engine and your proximity to the vehicle can all be investigated to try to show you were DUI.  If you were in custody when you made the statements to the cop, he would have needed to read you Miranda before questioning you.  However, just because you are pulled over does not mean you are in custody.  It is a case-by-case determination.