Baldwin GA DUI Lawyer

A DUI offense in Georgia can carry very significant consequences, Some of the penalties may include jail time, fines, license suspension, or the installation of an ignition interlock device to prevent you from driving if alcohol is detected on your breath.

Depending on the circumstances, your life could change forever in an instant. An experienced Baldwin DUI lawyer can uncover ways to lessen, or in some cases, eliminate the charges entirely, reducing the impact on your future. Call us now for a free no-obligation case evaluation.

Additional Consequences for a DUI Conviction in Georgia

In addition to the typical penalties that a court can impose in terms of fines or jail time, there are other consequences, which most people don't even consider at the time. Some of these consequences include:

Travel: Some countries, including Canada, will not allow people who have been convicted of a DUI to enter. This is a significant problem for those who travel to Canada for business because there is not a business exemption. However, you will not be allowed in for vacation. Canada is not the only country with this rule, so having a DUI conviction on your record can make travel difficult.

School: If you receive an underage DUI and are applying for college, most universities take a serious look at criminal records. You may be denied admission because of that charge. In other cases, scholarship or grant eligibility may be greatly diminished, and existing scholarships can be taken away for DUI convictions. If you were over 21 and are thinking of going back to school, a DUI conviction can still have an impact. It can make it difficult to be accepted or to obtain scholarships.

Employment: Even though DUI charges are relatively common, that does not mean employers have thoroughly accepted them. Most employers run background checks on employees and we have seen people lose their jobs because of a DUI conviction.

Ignition Interlock Device: You have the option to install an ignition interlock device on your vehicle to avoid the automatic suspension of your license. However, after a second DUI conviction, the ignition interlock device is mandatory. The device typically costs $150 upfront plus a $75.00 a month in addition to any maintenance expenses. It is important to weigh these costs when trying to decide between installing the device or filing for an ALS hearing.

Incidental Expenses: Other than the court fines and surcharges, there are additional expenses that can quickly add up. One example is if convicted of DUI, or participating in a diversion program, a judge may require that you participate in a drug and alcohol risk reduction course. These courts cost $355.00. If you receive probation, you will be required to pay a monthly monitoring fee and pay for random urine or blood tests. If your license is suspended, you will have to pay a reinstatement fee. There are numerous expenses other than court costs that can make a DUI expensive.

Car Rental: Most car rental companies run driver's license checks on prospective customers in an effort to minimize their losses. If you have a DUI or multiple traffic violations on your driving record, it can make it difficult to rent a vehicle.

Car Insurance: A DUI on your driving record could double or triple your insurance premiums. Some insurance companies will drop you as a customer and refused to insure you if you have a DUI or multiple other traffic violations. This will force your insurance to become very expensive but also force you to choose lesser insurance companies to insure you.

Is it Worth It to Hire a Baldwin DUI Lawyer?

Although it might seem like it would be too expensive to hire a DUI lawyer, considering all that could be at stake in your life, it could wind up being a very smart decision in the long run.

If you have been arrested for DUI, the immediate aftermath can be overwhelming and figuring out how to proceed can be complicated and confusing. An experienced DUI lawyer in Baldwin GA has extensive knowledge of the traffic court system and knows precisely what to do, in a timely manner, to minimize penalties or possibly eliminate all charges in your case. If there are any weaknesses in the circumstances of your arrest, your lawyer can try to spot those issues and use that information to your advantage.

Baldwin GA Municipal Court

If you were arrested for DUI within Baldwin city limits, your case would proceed in Baldwin Municipal Court. The Court is located at 155 Willingham Avenue, Baldwin, GA 30511, and can be reached at 706-778-6341 for more information.

Contact Our DUI Attorneys in Baldwin Today

If you have been arrested for DUI in Baldwin GA or anywhere else in Habersham County, contact our offices today. We have been defending DUI drivers for more than 25 years. Call now and see how we can help.