DUI, DWI, and Traffic Violations
in Georgia
DUI is an acronym for “driving under the influence.” DWI stands for “driving while intoxicated,” or in some cases, “driving while impaired.” The terms can have different meanings or they can refer to the same offense, depending on the state in which you were pulled over. Driving under the influence (DUI) is the crime or offense of driving, operating, or being in control of a motor vehicle while impaired by alcohol or other drugs (including recreational drugs and those prescribed by physicians), to a level that renders the driver incapable of operating a motor vehicle safely. In these cases, DUI and DWI both mean that a driver is being charged with a serious offense that endangered themselves and others. That applies to alcohol and other drugs (including recreational drugs and those prescribed by a physician) that impair your ability to drive. One is not worse than the other and both can have a big effect on your life. This is why you need a qualified attorney to help you defend your legal rights.
Aggressively defending your rights
In Georgia, anyone caught operating a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08 or above is considered legally drunk and can be arrested for DUI. However, according to the state’s strict DUI laws, you can also be charged with DUI if your BAC is .05 or above and the police and prosecution can prove that you were perilously operating a motor vehicle.
If you have been charged with DUI in Georgia, you need the assistance of an experienced DUI attorney. The state can take your driver’s license in a civil proceeding known as an administrative license suspension hearing if you do not file an appeal within ten days. This could leave you without the ability to drive while your case is pending.
A reputation for DUI defense
At The Law Offices of William F. Todd, Jr., P.C. in Conyers, I represent individuals in all aspects of DUI charges. I have in-depth knowledge of Georgia’s DUI laws, and I use my 12 years of experience as a Chief Assistant District Attorney and 12 years as a Georgia State Judge to my clients’ advantage. As a judge, I was nationally known for handling DUI cases. I lectured across the United States for Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), and developed a DUI treatment and sentencing program called the Todd Program which helps DUI offenders obtain treatment and prevent re-occurrences of DUIs. In addition to focusing on the cause of a client’s legal problems, pretrial diversions such as treatment programs often improve a client’s standing in court and help secure a lesser penalty. I know how to handle DUI charges from beginning to end, including administrative license suspension hearings.
Georgia traffic violations
Traffic violations, depending on the infraction, can be serious charges. Depending on the circumstances, you could face stiff penalties such as fines or loss of your driver’s license. If you attempt to handle the case yourself, you may be unable to have the case dismissed or be assigned to traffic school. It is best to consult a skilled Georgia defense attorney regarding your traffic violation, particularly involving speeding or reckless driving charges.
When I represent clients in traffic court, I assess the situation to determine what is necessary in order to reduce the possible consequences. Depending on the details of your case, I may be able to negotiate with the prosecution or convince the judge to dismiss the charges or sentence you to traffic school.
Contact me today
Everyone needs an attorney eventually. My law firm, The Law Offices of William F. Todd, Jr. P.C., stands ready to represent you in your criminal defense, DUI and traffic violation, or family law case. Call my office at 770-860-1996 or contact me online to discuss your legal issue and learn more about how I can assist you during this difficult time.
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(770) 860-1996
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