Atlanta Drunk Driving

DUI lawyers in Atlanta, Georgia

In 2008, Georgia roads saw 415 deaths in accidents where at least one driver had a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.8 percent—the legal limit.  An additional 73 deaths occurred when a driver's BAC fell below the legal limit.  All too often, individuals drive believing they are not impaired by alcohol or drugs.  A single drink with a meal in a restaurant or taking over-the-counter or prescription medication can impair driving.

The law takes DUI seriously, imposing severe penalties upon conviction.  Anyone arrested on DUI charges in the Atlanta metropolitan area needs the immediate help of Atlanta criminal law firms to protect their rights.

Your rights during a traffic stop

The time between traffic stop and arrest is often confusing.  You may know you do not yet have Miranda rights, but you do not know what police are legally permitted to do—or how to act—prior to an arrest.  The following guidelines can help ensure your Altanta DUI lawyers do not deal with any undue surprises during the legal process:

• BAC tests:  Refusing to take a chemical test ensures the loss of your license for a year.  It is best to submit to the test—but pay close attention to how well that test is handled. If the officer appears unskilled in any way, mention this to your DUI lawyers at the first opportunity.
• Field sobriety tests:  Tests of your coordination—such as walking a straight line or standing on one foot—are notoriously inaccurate.  You may be naturally uncoordinated or simply too nervous to perform well.  You are not required to take these tests.  Even if you expect to pass, it is typically best to refuse field sobriety tests.
• Questioning:  Without the Miranda right to remain silent, police have the right to question you.  Be courteous—but say as little as possible, and do not offer any information not asked of you.

You have the right to a DUI lawyer at the time of arrest in Atlanta and throughout Georgia

Georgia law permits police to arrest individuals with lower BAC levels when they observe signs of suspicious driving—even if there is a simple explanation for the driving behavior.  Once you are arrested, your rights to remain silent and to have an attorney are critical to avoiding self-incrimination  You can choose an Atlanta DUI attorney from any of the available Atlanta criminal law firms, or you can request to have an attorney appointed if you cannot afford one.

A 2010 U.S. Supreme Court decision determined that simply remaining silent is not enough to guarantee your right to silence.  It is critical that you implicitly state that you choose to remain silent—and that you want an attorney to represent you.  An Atlanta DUI lawyer from the Ibrahim Law Firm LLC can help ensure that all your rights are protected throughout the criminal process.

Contact our Atlanta DUI Lawyers when you are accused of a DUI crime

Whether you are charged with an Atlanta DUI, a drug crime, or need an expungement or post conviction attorney, contact our Atlanta DUI lawyers at the Ibrahim Law Firm LLC for guidance and dedicated representation in criminal defense matters.