More About H.E.A.T.

Most states have programs implemented by the department of public safety for the purpose of cracking down on impaired and aggressive driving. In Georgia, that program is H.E.A.T. which stands for Highway Enforcement of Aggressive Traffic. "Aggressive Traffic" is a term that Georgia uses to describe not only aggressive driving such as speeding and tailgating, but impaired driving as well. By its own admission, this program is "a multi-jurisdictional task force specifically-designed to combat aggressive traffic across Georgia." Since the goal of H.E.A.T. is to significantly reduce the amount of impaired and aggressive driving throughout the state, the results are undoubtedly going to be an increase in the amount of DUI arrests and other moving violations.

Law enforcement throughout the state is encouraged to aggressively target this type of behavior and enforce Georgia laws. Ultimately, the Georgia Office of Highway Safety wants to see a ten percent decrease in the number of impaired driving crashes. With an increase in arrests as well as awareness, the office of highway safety hopes that this will set an example to other drivers and prevent impaired driving before it starts.

Some police departments throughout the state, such as the Marietta Police Department, have been awarded grants from GOHS in order to propel programs like H.E.A.T. Police departments across the state are actively going to be developing strategies to reduce crashes and impaired driving. Active enforcement of DUI laws may result in unlawful arrests, particularly in the Atlanta metropolitan area where these programs are more concentrated.

If you were arrested for drunk driving, a possible defense against your charges is that there was an unlawful arrest. If law enforcement did not have reasonable cause to stop your vehicle, then the evidence procured at your traffic stop may be thrown out and omitted from the case. An example of "reasonable cause" could include irregular driving patterns, having a broken taillight, expired registration or any other legitimate cause for stopping.

The crackdown on DUIs in Georgia, particularly in Atlanta, may have resulted in you being arrested. Even if this is your first drunk driving offense, you could face serious penalties such as a maximum $1,000 fine, one year license suspension, 40 hours of community service and a $210 license reinstatement fee. To fight the possibility of these penalties, please do not hesitate to get in touch with Atlanta DUI Lawyer Richard S. Lawson and his firm. The firm provides free case evaluations that come at no obligation to you. Don't let a DUI arrest ruin your future- call today!