What to Do When Pulled Over for DUI or Faced With DUI Arrest

Knowing what to do when you’re pulled over and suspected of drunk driving could help you avoid a DUI arrest. Here are 7 dos and don’ts to keep in mind when you see those red lights flashing behind you.

If you were pulled over and charged with a DUI, an experienced Valdosta defense attorney can help you avoid the harshest criminal penalties. Call The George McCranie Law Firm today to find out how we can help you fight your DUI charges.

1. Don’t Give the Officer Reason to Suspect You’re Driving Drunk

The first thing you should remember to do when pulled over is that anything you say or do will be recorded by the officer in their police report. The report will carry a lot of weight in a criminal trial for DUI, as well as hearings on the revocation or suspension of your driver’s license. So, remember these 3 tips so you don’t validate the officer’s suspicion that you are drunk.

  • Pull over in a safe place. Be sure that you signal and drive cautiously as you make your way to the side of the road. Don’t swerve or make any sudden movements. And pull over to a safe location.
  • Don’t make sudden movements. Just as you don’t want to make any sudden movements with your car, you also don’t want to make any sudden or suspicious movements with your body. Avoid turning around to watch the officer approach and don’t hide in embarrassment. Instead, stay in your car and keep your hands at 10 and 2 o’clock on your steering wheel until the officer reaches your window and asks for your ID.
  • Be polite. If you are disrespectful or aggressive, the officer is more likely to arrest you for DUI and write an incriminating police report. Instead, be sure to be as respectful and cooperative as you can be without coming off as sarcastic or insincere.

2. Don’t Give Any Answers That Could Incriminate You

You will have to provide your name, license, registration, and insurance information to the officer when they request it. But, if the officer asks you if you have been drinking or how much, tell them that you have been advised not to answer any questions. This way, you don’t risk incriminating yourself for a crime you might not have committed.

While you don’t need to answer any potentially incriminating questions, you shouldn’t lie, either. If the officer suspects that you are lying, this can be used against you in court.

3. Refuse Field Sobriety Tests

You don’t have to agree to all requests the officer makes, including a request to take a field sobriety test. You have the right to refuse the horizontal gaze nystagmus, one-leg stand, or walk-and-turn test. These tests are subjective tools the officer uses to collect evidence against you. They are in no way a reliable, scientific indicator of intoxication.

4. Think Twice Before Refusing Breathalyzer or Chemical Tests

When you drive on Georgia roads, you have consented to take a breathalyzer test or any other test of body chemicals such as blood, urine, or saliva that could indicate whether you have alcohol or drugs in you. Refusing a breathalyzer or chemical test results in an automatic one-year suspension of your driver’s license. Your refusal could also be used against you at your DUI trial to show that you were uncooperative and had something to hide.

If you’re asked to take a breathalyzer test, you have the right to request an independent test at your own expense performed by qualified personnel you choose. If your request for an independent test isn’t adequately accommodated by the officer, your attorney can challenge the results of the officer’s breathalyzer test.

5. Write Everything Down

You should write down everything you can remember about your arrest. Do this while it is fresh in your memory to help your attorney fight the charges against you. For example, note the following:

  • what you were doing and where you were before you drove,
  • what you were wearing,
  • how much you had to drink,
  • how long after you were drinking before you were pulled over or tested,
  • what the officer said or did,
  • what you said, and
  • whether you were read your Miranda rights.

Learn More About What to Do When Pulled Over for DUI

The most important thing you can do for yourself if you’ve been pulled over for drunk driving is to find a qualified, experienced attorney who can guide you through the legal process. If you were pulled over and faced with DUI arrest, an experienced Valdosta defense attorney can help you avoid the harshest criminal penalties. Call The George McCranie Law Firm today to find out how we can help you with a DUI or DWI.

DUI Arrest in GA, GA DUI Lawyer - Douglas GA Valdosta GA

What discovery of gravitational waves can tell you about how to win a DUI/Criminal case in Georgia?

Physicists just announced the discovery of Gravitational waves confirming Einstein’s prediction made over 1 million years ago.

Patience is a virtue.

We’ve all heard our mother say this in since we were kids. It took the team of scientist that discovered the gravitational wave decades to succeed. Some DUI/Criminal cases can take not decades but sometimes years to resolve. Usually the longer a DUI/Criminal case is pending the better for the defendant. In some cases when the case is inactive evidence can be lost, key witness for the state could quite their job or move out of the state. If any of these occur in a criminal case it is often very difficult for the state to proceed and win at trial.

Attention to detail is key.

The scientist needed extremely precise instruments to measure deviation millions of time smaller than the width of a proton. DUI/Criminal defense attorneys also pay extremely close attention to the details of a case. I was recently able to have a DUI/Criminal charge dismissed because after close review I found that my client was tested eleven minutes before the roadblock was authorized to begin. Without spending the time necessary to do a detailed review of the client’s case the results would surely have been different!

Some things in life are worth fighting for:

The discovery of gravitational waves will usher in a new era of astronomy. After being predicted by Einstein our modern day scientist are ready to begin an Era of Astronomy unlike any mankind individual has ever imagined. Likewise a victory in your DUI/Criminal case will usher in a new Era of your life. I have seen many clients whose lives have taken flight after the successful resolution of their DUI/Criminal case. Many have been promoted, gotten into completely new and exciting fields or even open their own businesses after having the weight of pending criminal charges taken off their shoulders.

If you, a family member, or friends have been charged with a DUI or Criminal charge make the smart choice and hire an attorney that concentrates their practice on DUI/Criminal defense. Hire an attorney that has the experience, training and knowledge to focus on your case and do the detailed work necessary to get the best result possible!

-GFMIV

Are Sharks Circling You and Your Family?

Are Sharks circling you and your family?

Sharks are circling!

Are sharks circling you?

I was recently in Las Vegas for a DUI defense training seminar. We had our 4 year old daughter with us and decided to take her to the aquarium. While we were there we got these pictures made. It made me start thinking about “Sharks in the water” and how it affects my clients. Most people that get a “minor” criminal charge such as a misdemeanor marijuana possession or a DUI – don’t really understand how serious and life altering the “minor” charge can be. For those that don’t defend themselves the embarrassment and pain of the initial DUI conviction will go away after the jail time is served, fine paid, community service completed, DUI School behind them and 12 months of probation are finally over.

Unfortunately, those harsh punishments are just the beginning of the problem headed their way. After the conviction the sharks start circling not only them but their family as well. How many of us could keep our job if we didn’t have a Driver’s license? No way to drive to work, for work, or at work! How many of us have jobs that require us having no DUI or drug convictions? Professional Commercial Drivers and their families are really in trouble if they lose their commercial drivers license!

If you are in the unfortunate circumstances of facing criminal charges or DUI arrest, the best way to protect yourself and your family is to hire an experienced and qualified DUI Criminal Attorney to defend you! If law enforcement has made a mistake or cut corners and did not follow their training – only an experienced DUI/Criminal Defense Attorney will help!

No Tolerance for Underage Drinking and Driving

The legal minimum drinking age in every state has been 21 since 1988. Many states had lowered the drinking age in the late 1960s and early 1970s to age 18. The results were disturbing, as the number of alcohol-related traffic fatalities rose precipitously.

For those under age 21 who drink and drive, it’s not about driving under the influence – it’s about any drinking and driving, period. Every state has a “zero tolerance” statute of some kind. Most states have a blood –alcohol cutoff of 0.02; any reading equal to or higher than that is a violation of the law – as opposed to the 0.08 cutoff in most states for drivers age 21 and over. Some states have a true zero-tolerance policy; any reading above 0.00 spells trouble for the young driver. To provide some context, a blood-alcohol level of 0.02 can be achieved with one beer.

In some states, the penalties incurred might be administrative only, such as an automatic suspension of license. However, the punishment may be stiffer in others. In Georgia underage driver’s face a license suspension for either 6 months (under 0.08 blood alcohol level) or 12 months (0.08 or higher) and no limited permit is allowed; a fine of no less than $300.00 and no more than $1000.00 plus any statutory surcharges; 10 days to 12 months, all except for 24 hours may be suspended, stayed or probated; and at least 20 hours of community service. Underage drinking drivers may be subject to a DUI charge or related crime. They’ll also likely be cited for consumption of and/or possession of alcohol by a minor. Repeated offenses will be met with more severe punishment.

Underage drinking and driving statistics are alarming. Nearly a third of all deaths of 15-20 year olds are the result of motor vehicle crashes, and approximately 35 percent of those involve alcohol. Alcohol as a factor in auto accidents is twice as high percentage-wise for underage drivers as it is for those ages 21 and over.

Some progress has been made over the last decade or so, but far too many lives continue to be taken or irreparably harmed by this often tragic combination of activities.

Georgia-Cracks Down on B.U.I. – Boating Under the Influence!

Summer after summer thousands of Georgia residents take to the lakes and rivers in boats. And every summer there are numerous boating accidents, often the accidents involve boats or jet-skis in which someone is drinking alcohol, sometimes at night, injuring or killing the people involved. B.U.I can be a hazard on any of Georgia’s lakes, ponds, or waterways.

Tragic Example

July 2012, Lake Lanier, a sport-fishing boat smashed into a pontoon boat at night and caused the death of two brothers.

This incident, along with others has helped persuade the Georgia Legislature to pass legislation earlier this year to lower the blood alcohol limit for boat operations to 0.08 B.A.C., the same limit for drivers on Georgia roads. With the support of Governor Nathan Deal, who is from Gainesville on Lake Lanier, the legislation was signed in law proving Georgia’s determination to reduce B.U.I. on the state’s waterways.

In 2012 the U.S. Coast Guard reported 4515 recreational boating accidents with 651 deaths and 3000 injuries that occurred in America. The Center for Disease Control in Atlanta says excessive consumption of alcohol can affect judgment, balance, vision and concentration. About 1/3 of all recreational boating fatalities involve some use of alcohol. B.U.I. is just as dangerous as driving under the influence on the road.

Boaters in Georgia should study the Georgia Boating Safety Rules, take a boating safety course and pay particular attention to other boats when on the water.

Unfortunately, the Georgia Legislature did not update the state rules and require insurance as a requirement to getting a boat license. Maybe this protection for those injured in boating accidents will be addressed by the legislature next year. However, smart boat owners carry liability insurance for their boats to protect themselves, their families and other boaters!

How likely is jail time after first DUI arrest with no criminal record?

Question:

How likely is jail time after first DUI with no criminal record?
Let’s say things may not be in my favor due to evidence (Just for instance). I May not be sure of my sobriety test results, as well as blood test. The sobriety test may have made me look silly because of nervousness. Is there still a chance?

Answer:

I understand that you are unsure of any defenses that you may have and believe that you have a very difficult case to win. This is your first time being charged with a crime and it may seem like the world is caving in on you. My advice would be to set up a meeting with the best DUI defense attorney that is available to you and go over your case in detail. I have had many cases where the Client thought that they were facing a “no win” situation. However, after investigating their cases I either had the charge reduced from a DUI or even dismissed because of a fatal flaw in the states case. You don’t have any experience or training in Defending a DUI charge, talk to an experienced DUI defense attorney that does!!! Don’t just roll over and be convicted of a DUI – it will be on your Criminal History for the REST OF YOUR LIFE! I am attaching my video about 5 questions to ask an attorney before you hire them to represent you on a DUI charge. I hope it helps in your search for the best attorney for you.

Good Luck!!!

I got my first DUI arrest after adding a new sleeping medication to my other prescriptions

Question:

I got my first DUI after adding a new sleeping medication to my other prescriptions. Does intent have any bearing in my defense? I have severe spinal arthritis and am on several prescription medications (Percocet, flexeril, Xanax, Cymbalta). The first night after adding trazodone (sleeping pill) I was arrested for DUI. Having NO RECOLLECTION until sometime the next day this is what I was told happened. Sometime after my husband and I went to bed for the night I apparently got up and drove to a stranger’s house, knocked on the door wanting to buy honey. They don’t sell hone. I asked to use the bathroom where I proceeded to completely undress and refuse to leave. After telling me they were calling 911, I dressed and left only to get stuck in the ditch across the street. The police called my husband, I was less than a mile from home, but arrested me anyway because I was (so out of it). Do I have any defense at all?

Answer:

You do have a potential defense based on the information you have given in your question. Your situation is similar to other cases where the prescription sleep medication Ambien apparently caused similar unusual behaviour. I would recommend that you contact a qualified and competent DUI attorney in your area.

What are my chances of getting a DUI dropped?

Question:

What are my chances of getting a DUI dropped if I enter into a plea of Reckless Driving? I’m on Felony Probation.  I have to fight it.  I was charged with DUI Drugs in the city of Atlanta by Atlanta PD.  I was charged with a DUI at 4 p.m. on a Friday.  I hit a pole no farther than a foot from one of the Atlanta streets and the officer suspected I was under the influence of drugs.  The officer did 2 field sobriety tests on me and then proceeded to take me to the hospital to do a chemical test.  I hit my head during the accident but turned down the ambulance ride thinking I was okay at first.  When I arrived at Grady Hospital I had an intense headache and asked for medical attention.  But before they would help me they asked me to take a chemical test.  I replied, “not right now my head hurts”.  Immediately after I said “not right now” the officer said that is a denial and that he’s charging me with DUI Drugs. What is my next step here?

Answer:   

You have several issues that need to be addressed.  First, you will need to file a request for a hearing to protect your driver’s license from an Administrative License Suspension.  You can do this yourself, but having an experienced DUI Defense Attorney representing you and filing the paperwork is a better idea.  Second, the DUI charge and even a reduced charge of Reckless Driving is still grounds for a revocation of your probation.  Because you are on felony probation you are in a bad position.  Being represented by an experienced DUI/Criminal Defense Attorney would be a wise investment in your situation.  In effect you are facing going to jail, not only on the DUI charge, but also the very real possibility of having your probation revoked! Third, there is little chance that a prosecutor will just offer you a Reckless without you being represented by an experienced attorney that can show the prosecutor the problems with the city’s case.  All of this leads up to your question, “What is my next step?”  You need to consult with and retain an experienced DUI/Criminal Defense Attorney – ASAP!  Meet with as many as you like and then pick the attorney that you feel will do the best job for you and that you feel comfortable with.  Price should not be the determining factor.  Like I always say, “Good is seldom cheap and cheap is seldom good!”  I hope this information is helpful to you.  Good Luck!!

Is it worth hiring a lawyer for a first time DUI in Statesboro, Georgia (Field BAC: .179, no accidents/damage caused)?

Question:

Is it worth hiring a lawyer for a first time DUI in Statesboro, Georgia (Field BAC: .179, no accidents/damage caused)?  I was trying to pick up a friend who was lost and distressed at 3 in the morning, after the town’s free DD service stops running.  I’d had a good bit to drink earlier, but had stopped drinking about 60-90 minutes prior to my arrest.  Anyway, at some point while using my turn signal, I accidentally flipped off my headlights, and did not notice right away due to the street being very lamp-lit.  I did flip them back on but a nearby officer was already compelled to pull me over and performed a field sobriety test, leading to my arrest.  I blew a .179 but I honestly question whether that was accurate.

Answer:

I’m glad you asked this question.  It certainly is worth it to fight your DUI charge. Before you listen to any of your friends’ advice, go talk to a DUI Defense Attorney about your case.  There are numerous defenses that can be discovered by an experienced DUI defense attorney.  Your choice of an attorney is very important.  I always recommend that when faced with a criminal charge talk to an attorney that is focused on DUI/criminal defense.  Most general practitioners that handle divorces, child custody, car accidents, bankruptcy, business law and a little DUI defense on the side simply don’t have the time necessary to be current in the complex area of DUI defense.  Look at it this way, most DUI defense attorneys don’t even charge for the initial consultation.  A few final words of advice on choosing an attorney – a DUI conviction will haunt you for years to come so don’t just use a low price as your reason to choose an attorney.  I often say, “cheap is seldom good and good is seldom cheap”.  I think this advice works in everyday life and it often works when choosing professional services.  Finally, choose an attorney that YOU feel comfortable with.  If your initial interview is rushed and you are only given very general information about possible defenses, you are probably going to continue to be treated this way after you hire this attorney.  Look for an attorney that is willing to spend time with YOU explaining YOUR situation and giving you specific information about possible DUI defenses in YOUR case.  I hope this information has been helpful.  Good Luck!!

I was arrested for DUI this past weekend. Is there any chance of fighting this off?

Q:

I was arrested for DUI this past weekend. I have a prior offense in 2009. Is there any chance of fighting this off? I was pulled over for failure to maintain lane at 4:30 AM on my birthday( Friday, May 10th) after having waited a couple hours to leave my friend’s. I was certain I was ok to drive because I drank very little and much time had passes. I was questioned , and later agreed to take the breath test at the station believing cooperation would help in the long run. I was not told how I did on the FSTs. I blew a .087 (pretty low, yet high for the amount I drank) and booked at around 5AM. I stayed in jail all of that day and released on bond saturday afternoon 33+ hours later. Could there have been a mistake on the breathalyzer? I did vomit before I left because of food poisoning, and I was told that could have affected the reading.

A:

You do have a defensible case. One of the defenses would be the possibility of a contaminated breath sample due to “Residual Mouth Alcohol”- caused by your vomiting. This is one of the topics I discuss in my book, Protect and Defend. The officer should have checked to ensure that the breath samples you provided during the Intox 5000 breath test were uncontaminated. In order to do this you are supposed to be monitored for at least 20 minutes prior to taking the Intox 5000 to ensure that you haven’t burped, vomited or had acid reflux etc. The officer should have inquired if you had vomited and allowed you to rinse your mouth and restart the 20 minute waiting period. Additionally, you should make sure to keep a list of the witnesses that saw you when you were sick. They will be important in showing the possibility of a contaminated breath sample. Finally, your best defense to this charge will be to hire the best DUI Defense Attorney that is available to you ASAP! A qualified and experienced DUI Defesnse Attorney will be able to guide you through the complexities of a DUI case and provide you with the best means of a successful resolution in your case. I hope this information has been helpful. Good Luck!

Parked vehicle DUI charge

Question:      

Parked vehicle DUI charge …. Keys near ignition (passenger seat).  2nd DUI charge outside of five years. I was recently arrested for a DUI while parked with the vehicle off on a side road. I was using my phone to get a ride home when a police officer pulled up and walked past my car to an unattended vehicle, as he walked by he asked me if I knew who’s car it was and I said no and went back to using my phone.  The officer returned to my vehicle and said he smelled the presence of alcohol and asked me if I had been drinking and I said no sir then the officer asked if I would do a sobriety test.  I responded no sir and tried to explain that I was just using my phone nothing more.  Then the officer asked if I would submit to a breath test.  I declined but I said yes to a blood test so I wouldn’t lose my license.  He told me to exit the vehicle and he arrested me for DUI.  Did he even have probable cause?

Answer:       

You certainly have a good Probable Cause challenge at a Motion to Suppress hearing.  Just off of the top of my head – the officer observed NO BAD DRIVING on your part, No evidence (listed in your question) of how long your car had been parked, No Failed Field Sobriety Tests, No positive Preliminary Breath Test and Keys NOT in the ignition. I’m sure that there will be additional defenses available to you after a DETAILED interview and review of the Incident Report etc.  I have addressed these same issues in my book The Authority on DUI Defense, If you would like additional information on this topic please pick up a copy of the book from Amazon.com or contact my office.  You should retain the best DUI Defense Attorney that is available to you ASAP in order to defend yourself in this case.  I hope this information has been helpful.  Good Luck!!

Can I Get Charged for a DUI and I Wasn’t Driving ?

Question:

Can I get charged for a dui and I wasn’t driving and the keys weren’t in the ignition. Do I have a case? I was at the bar for maybe 2 hrs, had two drinks and felt a little tipsy. Me and my friend went to the car to sit it out my friend had the keys so I wasn’t even holding my car keys. So I would like to know should I lawyer up and try to fight it because I feel it was unfair.

Answer:

Based on the information in your question you should ABSOLUTELY Lawyer up! You would have numerous defenses to a DUI charge based on the specific facts in your question. One of the big issues is that the prosecutor has to prove that you were in actual physical control of the vehicle. A non-moving vehicle, that isn’t even running sounds like it will be a hard sell for the prosecution to prove you were in actual physical control. You should hire the best DUI Defense Attorney that is available to you – ASAP. If you are CONVICTED of this DUI it will remain on your Georgia Criminal History for the REST OF YOUR LIFE. And finally, remember that you have 10 business days to request an ALS hearing & send a money order for $150 to the state of your license will be automatically administratively suspended!

I hope this information is helpful to you & Good Luck!
George McCranie IV – Offices in Valdosta & Douglas, GA

I Got a DUI and Was Scheduled to Have a Hearing…..

Question:

I got a DUI and was scheduled to have a hearing at the office of administrative hearing for the driver’s license. I missed that and my license was suspended. I finished with my DUI case and have disposition from the court. How to I submit that to the Administrative Hearings Office to remove my suspension? Thanks.

Answer:

It depends on what type of DUI you were charged with. If it was a “test” case and your license was suspended at the ALS hearing you can have it reinstated after 30 days. If the DUI was reduced or you were found not guilty, you will need certified copy of the disposition and your license will be reinstated. You will have to complete the DUI School and pay the reinstatement fee to the state. If it was a “refusal” case then the suspension is for 12 months. That suspension is a “hard suspension” which means that it cannot be lifted unless the DUI charge is reduced to a different charge or you are found not guilty of the DUI. Otherwise you license will be suspended for 12 months without any means of getting it reinstated or getting any type of driving permit. I would suggest that you consult with an experienced DUI defense attorney ASAP to discuss the specifics of you case.

Good Luck!
George McCranie – Offices in Valdosta & Douglas, GA

I have a felony Habitual DUI. Is their any way to hide my record for employment?

Question:

I have a felony Habitual DUI. Is their any way to hide my record for employment?

Answer:

If you were CONVICTED of the Felony charge – there is no way in Georgia to get the CONVICTION sealed or expunged (now called Restricted) from your criminal history. Georgia has some of the strictest laws concerning Criminal Histories in the United States. If you are convicted of a crime in Georgia the conviction will remain on your record for the REST OF YOUR LIFE! Rather than try to hide the conviction, you may want to try being up front with your potential employers and telling them about the conviction. Then tell them how your life has changed since you were convicted and all of the steps you have taken to get your life back in order. Many times you might be surprised at how a potential employer can react to a potential employee that is honest & upfront about their past. It’s possible that the employer has battled some of the same issues that you have faced and your stepping up to the plate and being honest about how you have worked out your issues could be a positive factor in getting the job.

Good Luck! George McCranie

Why is a DUI in My Criminal History if I was not Charged?

I plead guilty to a failure to maintain lane charge. I paid the fine and was not charge with DUI. Why does a DUI appear in my criminal history?

George’s Answer

These are the 2 most likely circumstances that would cause this issue:

1) If you were never charged with DUI and you entered a guilty plea to a Failure to Maintain Lane there should not be a DUI charge on your Criminal History. If this is the case you should contact the Clerk of Court that handled the Failure to Maintain Lane charge and have them correct the information. If the Clerk can’t correct the information, I would recommend that you contact a Criminal Defense Attorney in that area to resolve this issue.

2) If you were originally charged with a DUI and it was reduced to or you plead guilty to an associated Failure to Maintain Lane then the original DUI charge would still appear on your GA Criminal History. Because there was a negotiated plea and you did enter a guilty plea to an associated charge you would not be eligible for Record Restriction in GA. I hope this information is helpful to you. Good Luck!

Community Service after DUI

Question:

Community Service after DUI. I have been charged with a DUI and would like to start on my community service. Does the community service have to be executed in the County where I got the offense?

Answer:

You should check with your probation officer to determine what type of community service you are capable of performing and if the officer would approve community service completed outside of the county where you are on probation. You may also inquire if there are any special programs the probation officer has in place that would satisfy the community service requirements.

Can I use this info to help my DUI defense and can my friend be charged for underage drinking?

Question:

Can I use this info to help my DUI defense and can my friend be charged for underage drinking? My friend is on dialysis, she is 20. I never see her drink due to her condition and her age. I have no reason to believe she would. I went out and she was my DD. I was at a private party and we did not see each other until it was time to leave. At that point I had only two beers earlier and I assumed she was ok to drive and she drove fine until we reached about a mile and a half to her home. She pulled over in a McDonalds 1.3 miles and got her food and she begged me to drive her home immediately because she felt horrible. I didn’t plan on having money for a cab and I don’t think she could wait she was very sick. So I drove 1.3 miles and got a DUI at 0.95. She was tested to drive and blew .2. But they never saw her ID. If I tell the Court is she in trouble? Well she blew a 0.2 not 0.02. And I want to attempt to reduce my charges and I have proof she was sick so I had to do something because she stopped driving like a mile from her house. And I don’t know if telling the solicitor my situation would help me and if I do tell them could my friend get in trouble for being underage and admitting she did drink and drive earlier? I’m sorry mine was 0.095. I never intended to drive and I want to explain to the solicitor why I felt I had no choice because I did try to make sure if I drank anything I would not need to drive.

Answer:

I do not advise you to make any statement to the Court or to any prosecutor in your case. Any statement you make can hurt your case! I would advise you to retain a qualified and competent DUI attorney to represent you, who would be able to make the appropriate arguments in your defense. Don’t talk yourself into a DUI conviction!

How Should I Go About Representing Myself in DUI Court?

Question:
How should I go about representing myself in DUI court? My BAC was .136. I am 24 years old and I have never been in any trouble with the law. What should I do?

Answer:

First – DON’T DO IT!

Second – You will be facing not only the trained law enforcement officer but also the Prosecutor that has been trained to prosecute DUI cases. Depending on what type of official state test was used, you may even face a technician from the GBI Crime Lab etc..

Third – Even though you are not an attorney you will be held to all the rules of Georgia evidence and the rules of the court.

Fourth & Finally – The chances of you being successful in defending a DUI are very low. I would highly recommend that you HIRE an experienced DUI defense attorney to represent you – ASAP!!! If there is absolutely no way that you can afford your own attorney, at the very least apply for a Public Defender!!!!

I hope this information is helpful to you and that you decide to hire the Best DUI Defense Attorney that is available to you!!!

Good Luck!!!!
George McCranie – Offices in Valdosta & Douglas, GA

How Should I Go About Representing Myself in DUI Court?

Question:

How should I go about representing myself in DUI court?

BAC: .136

This is my first DUI offense and it is also my first offense ever I am 24.

Answer:

First – DON’T DO IT!

Second – You will be facing not only the trained law enforcement officer but also the Prosecutor that has been trained to prosecute DUI cases. Depending on what type of official state test was used, you may even face a technician from the GBI Crime Lab etc..

Third – Even though you are not an attorney you will be held to all the rules of Georgia evidence and the rules of the court.

Fourth & Finally – The chances of you being successful in defending a DUI are very low. I would highly recommend that you HIRE an experienced DUI defense attorney to represent you – ASAP!!! If there is absolutely no way that you can afford your own attorney, at the very least apply for a Public Defender!!!!

I hope this information is helpful to you and that you decide to hire the Best DUI Defense Attorney that is available to you!!! Good Luck!!!