DUI Defense Attorney Decatur GA
What Do I Do if I Encounter a DUI Checkpoint?
Have you ever been driving down the road and felt the pit of your stomach drop when you noticed that the flashing lights of a police car had become visible in your rearview mirror? Even if you have done absolutely nothing wrong and a police car with its lights on pass you by, your stomach still probably drops each time this occurs. This is the same feeling many Americans have when they encounter DUI/DWI checkpoints. Even if they have not been drinking, have not taken drugs (prescription, over-the-counter or illegal) and have otherwise been obeying the law, it can be disconcerting and disorienting to encounter a DUI/DWI checkpoint.
Thankfully, preparing for checkpoints by knowing your rights and understanding how to handle various checkpoint-related challenges can make this process considerably less stressful. In addition, speaking with an experienced Decatur, Georgia DUI defense attorney about any questions you may have (either in advance of encountering a checkpoint or after you have been stopped) can help you to feel empowered in the face of such obstacles, even if you have been drinking or taking a substance that has left you somewhat impaired. Everybody makes mistakes and an attorney can help if you have misstepped and are concerned about the potential consequences of your actions.
DUI Checkpoints – The Basics
Drivers who happen upon DUI/DWI checkpoints are stopped and evaluated for signs that they have been driving while intoxicated or otherwise impaired. It is important to proceed through a checkpoint instead of pulling a U-turn, as doing so may be illegal. It is also important to submit to requested testing, as failure to do so will likely be a violation of implied consent laws and will therefore result in automatic criminal penalties. Instead of panicking or resisting, comply respectfully and allow an experienced Decatur, GA DUI defense attorney to sort out any problems you may encounter later. Failure to comply respectfully could place you in danger, so it is generally a better idea to go through the motions now and contact an experienced Decatur, GA DUI defense attorney in order to mitigate any potential consequences if you are ultimately charged with wrongdoing.
With that said, please avoid volunteering information. Answer question directly and without embellishment. If you are asked if you have had anything to drink and the answer is “yes,” avoid saying things like “yes, I have had 4 beers, two shots of whiskey and half of my wife’s second glass of wine.” Anything you say at a checkpoint may be used against you later, even if you have not yet been read your rights.
Legal Guidance Is Available
If you have questions about DUI/DWI checkpoints, have recently been charged with drunk driving, drugged driving or are otherwise anxious about issues like these, please do not hesitate to schedule a consultation with an experienced Decatur, GA DUI defense attorney today. Consultations are confidential and will allow you to make informed decisions about your situation. If you have been criminally charged, The Lynch Law Group – Attorney at Law will be able to provide you with necessary guidance and support as you work together to defend your case.
If you have been arrested for driving under the influence, immediately contact a DUI defense attorney Decatur GA trusts. Having a DUI on your record can be problematic both personally and in your professional life. A Decatur DUI defense attorney can prepare your case for trial, defend you against allegations, and protect your rights. At The Lynch Law Group our legal team prepares every case as if it is going to trial. Doing so allows us to protect you in court, and very often leads to a plea bargain or dismissal of charges. Knowing all the facts allows us to prepare a defense that will be most helpful to you.
Defense Strategies
There are many different strategies a DUI defense attorney Decatur GA has to offer may use in a DUI case. We can choose a strategy based on the circumstances of your case and one which can best protect you from a DUI charge. You may want to tell your attorney specific details about what led up to being pulled over and what happened immediately afterwards. The information they request may include the following:
- Why you were pulled over.
- Whether or not the arresting officer read you your Miranda Rights.
- Whether or not the arresting officer read you your Implied Consent Notice.
- Any pertinent details about the police officer.
There must be probable cause that you are committing a crime in order for the police to pull you over. There must also be compelling reasons for them to ask you to exit your vehicle and make a DUI arrest. If upon your arrest you are not read your Miranda rights, your DUI defense attorney Decatur GA relies on from our firm may request the court to rule admissions of guilt that you made as inadmissible.
If you are breathalyzed or forced to provide a urine sample without being read your implied consent notice, that evidence can often be thrown out. Additionally, if the arresting officer has a history of abusing the law, your DUI Defense attorney Decatur GA is home to may be able to use this to strengthen your case. Your attorney may be able to help you find weaknesses in the arresting officer and their case against you long before it even goes to trial.
DUI Test Refusal
If you do not consent to a breathalyzer test or urine sample the arresting officer will likely try to revoke your driver’s license for up to a year. A DUI defense attorney in Decatur GA from The Lynch Law Group may be able to get your charges reduced.
Having a skilled attorney who can build a defense strategy specific to your circumstances is an important asset for someone who is facing jail time. As a respected and successful defense attorney, The Lynch Law Group has the necessary experience to protect your rights. If you have been charged with a DUI, contact a DUI defense attorney Decatur GA today at (404) 373-7735.