How DUI-Related Car Accidents Affect You

Thurston Lopes • May 01, 2018

Most major cities have billboards warning against drunk driving. Every person has given them at least a quick glance. The message can be humorous or deadly serious. The impact of the message means the difference between calling for a ride or calling for an attorney. Billboards aren't just designed for advertising. Often paying attention to them saves lives, reputations, and wallets. If you're one of the metro-Atlanta and Marietta drivers who missed the message of caution displayed on one of country's many billboards, you may need a DUI defense attorney. Read further to learn how a DUI-related car accident might affect you.


PENALTIES FOR DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE

Each state determines its own penalties for driving under the influence. According to the Governor's Office of Highway Safety in Georgia, first time offenders may “spend up to one year in jail, be required to pay a fine, and face suspension of their driver's license for up to one year.” A first DUI offense may also require you to perform up to 40 hours of community service and then pay a license reinstatement fee. These are penalties for first time offenders. If you are charged with subsequent DUI offenses, the penalties are more serious. If you're involved in a car accident, consequences are even more severe.


MISDEMEANOR DUI OF FELONY DUI?

Whether you face a less serious misdemeanor DUI or a felony DUI depends on several factors. Was property damaged as a result of the offense? Were you involved in an accident where bodily harm or death occurred? Was it a first offense? These are just a few questions to consider when looking at different DUI charges. Even the least serious requires the assistance of a DUI attorney in metro-Atlanta or Marietta because fighting the legal system alone is complicated. Your future ability to be issued a driver's license, drive a car, and, in some cases, get a job may be impacted.


A VIEW FROM THE OTHER SIDE

Consider this 2016 statistic provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration: “Every day, almost 29 people in the United States die in alcohol-impaired vehicle crashes—that's one person every 50 minutes.” Car accidents caused by drunk driving result in over $37 billion in damages each year. DUI accidents impact both victims and drivers emotionally and financially. No one thinks that they'll just have a few drinks and then get in a car hoping to cause an accident. Certainly, no person intends to cause injury or death to another person because they made a bad decision to drive under the influence. A driver's remorse, however, comes too late for a victim who has lost property, health, or, even worse, a loved one.


DON'T FIGHT YOUR CASE ALONE

You might be tempted to fight your DUI case on your own. Maybe you caused an accident but there was no physical injury or serious property damage. Even so, it's critical to hire a DUI defense attorney to represent you. Don't try to navigate the system alone. Let an experienced attorney who cares about your best outcome help. Call The Lopes Law Firm at (404) 589-9000 or request a consultation.

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Driving under the influence (DUI) is a serious offense that can have lasting consequences on your life. If you have been charged with a DUI in Georgia, it is crucial to hire an experienced DUI attorney to help navigate the legal process and protect your rights. In this blog post, we will discuss the importance of hiring a DUI attorney in Georgia and how they can assist you in achieving the best possible outcome for your case.  Expertise and Experience: A DUI attorney specializes in defending individuals charged with DUI offenses and has extensive experience handling these types of cases. They are familiar with the laws and procedures specific to Georgia, which can help them build a strong defense strategy on your behalf. An experienced attorney will know how to challenge evidence, negotiate with prosecutors, and advocate for reduced charges or penalties. Protection of Rights: When facing a DUI charge, it is imperative to have someone who will protect your rights throughout the legal process. A DUI attorney will ensure that law enforcement officials followed proper protocol during your arrest and that any evidence against you was obtained legally. They will also advise you on what to say (and not say) to avoid self-incrimination during questioning. Minimization of Penalties: A DUI conviction can result in significant penalties such as fines, license suspension, mandatory ignition interlock device installation, community service, or even jail time. By hiring a DUI attorney, you increase your chances of minimizing these penalties or potentially having the charges dismissed altogether. Your attorney may be able to negotiate for a plea deal or alternative sentencing options that could lessen the impact on your life. Courtroom Representation: Navigating the courtroom can be overwhelming, especially if you are unfamiliar with legal proceedings. A DUI attorney will represent you in court hearings and trials, presenting evidence and arguments on your behalf. They have experience dealing with judges and prosecutors and know how to effectively communicate your case to achieve the best possible outcome. Peace of Mind: Dealing with a DUI charge can be stressful and emotionally draining. By hiring a skilled DUI attorney, you can rest assured knowing that someone is fighting for your rights and working towards resolving your case favorably. Your attorney will handle all aspects of your defense, allowing you to focus on moving forward from this difficult chapter in your life. Hiring a DUI attorney in Georgia is crucial if you want to protect your rights and secure the best possible outcome for your case. From expertise and experience to protection of rights and minimization of penalties, an experienced attorney can provide invaluable support every step of the way. Don't face a DUI charge alone – reach out to a reputable DUI attorney today for guidance and representation.
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White collar crimes are non-violent offenses that usually involve financial fraud, embezzlement, or other forms of deception. These crimes can be committed by individuals or corporations and can have serious legal consequences. If you or someone you know has been accused of a white collar crime in Georgia, it is important to seek the help of an experienced white collar crimes attorney. In this blog post, we will discuss the importance of hiring a white collar crimes attorney in Georgia and how they can help you navigate the legal system. 1) Understanding the Charges: White collar crimes are complex and often involve technical details that require specialized knowledge to understand. A good white collar crimes attorney will be able to explain the charges against you in clear terms and help you understand your legal options. They will also be able to identify any weaknesses in the prosecution's case and develop a strategy for defending your rights. 2) Expertise in Financial Investigations: White collar crimes often involve financial transactions that require detailed analysis. An experienced white collar crimes attorney will have the expertise necessary to examine financial documents, trace money flows, and uncover evidence that can be used in your defense. They may also have connections with forensic accountants who can provide additional support. 3) Negotiating Plea Bargains: In some cases, it may be advantageous to negotiate a plea bargain with prosecutors instead of going to trial. A skilled white collar crimes attorney will be able to assess whether this is a viable option for you and negotiate on your behalf. They may also be able to reduce your sentence or fines associated with your charges. 4) Courtroom Experience: If your case goes to trial, it is essential to have an attorney with significant courtroom experience who understands how to present evidence effectively and cross-examine witnesses. A seasoned white collar crimes attorney will know how judges tend to rule on such cases and can create a strong defense strategy with that in mind. 5) Reputation and Connections: A well-respected white collar crimes attorney will have established relationships with key players in the legal system, including judges, prosecutors, and law enforcement officials. These connections can be invaluable when building your case and negotiating plea bargains. White collar crimes are serious offenses that require the expertise of an experienced attorney. If you or someone you know has been accused of a white collar crime in Georgia, it is essential to seek the help of a qualified attorney who understands the complexities of these charges. With their knowledge of financial investigations, negotiating skills, courtroom experience, and connections within the legal system, a white collar crimes attorney can help you navigate this challenging time and work towards a favorable outcome.
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