Lawrenceville DUI Defense Lawyers

Over 50 Years of Combined Experience

If you or a loved one has been arrested for DUI, it is crucial to have a seasoned Lawrenceville DUI attorney by your side. At Crawford and Boyle, LLC, we understand the complexities and implications of DUI charges. Our team of experienced DUI defense attorneys in Lawrenceville is dedicated to providing comprehensive legal representation for our clients.

We prioritize personalized attention for each case, keeping you well-informed and supporting you throughout the legal process. By entrusting us with your case, we can conduct a thorough investigation, strategize effectively, and work diligently to pursue the best possible outcome for you.

Call our team today to learn more about how our DUI lawyers in Lawrenceville, GA, can assist you. Dial (678) 730-0073 or send us a message online.

Why Do You Need a Gwinnett County Criminal Defense Attorney If You’re Facing DUI Charges?

When you have the full weight and power of the government against you, you can level the playing field with the help of a criminal defense law firm.  An experienced DUI defense lawyer can help by:

• Explaining your legal rights: An experienced attorney can explain the criminal laws that apply to your case, as well as your legal options, so that you can make informed decisions about your case.

• Investigating your case: A criminal defense lawyer can conduct a thorough investigation into your case, not just a narrow one aimed at proving your guilt. This includes researching law enforcement training to determine if field sobriety evaluations were properly performed or if your blood alcohol level was affected by a medical condition that caused a higher reading at the time of arrest versus at the time you were driving. 

• Challenging evidence: If police did not have probable cause to arrest you, they conducted an illegal search, or urine tests are unreliable, criminal defense attorneys can file legal motions to suppress this evidence and/or to seek dismissal of criminal charges.
• Negotiating with prosecutors: Criminal defense lawyers can fight for the best possible outcome in your case, whether that means a dismissal or reduction of the criminal charges against you, a reduction of penalties, or alternative sentencing. 
• Participating in an ALS hearing: A Georgia Administrative License Suspension hearing is a civil proceeding concerned with the status of the defendant’s driver’s license. You must challenge your driver’s license suspension to avoid an automatic suspension of your driver’s license after a DUI arrest. This case is separate and has a different burden of proof and objective than the criminal case.
• Devising a legal strategy: A knowledgeable lawyer can build a defense that is tailored to the particular circumstances of the case. This could involve challenging BAC results, the underlying stop, or other aspects of the criminal case.
• Representing you during legal proceedings: An experienced attorney serves as your legal advocate at each stage of the criminal process. We represent you during police encounters so that you do not say or do anything that harms your case. We also represent you in court proceedings, including a trial, if you choose this route.

An experienced attorney can help you through every stage of the criminal process.

What Is Considered a DUI in Georgia?

In Georgia, a DUI (driving under the influence) refers to operating a vehicle while impaired by alcohol, drugs, or other intoxicating substances. Georgia sets the legal limit for blood alcohol concentration (BAC) at 0.08%. If you are lawfully arrested for driving under the influence, you are required to undergo chemical testing.

Following this situation, it is crucial to reach out to Crawford and Boyle, LLC promptly to initiate the process of constructing a robust DUI defense strategy tailored to your specific circumstances. Your legal representation at this stage can significantly impact the outcome of your case. Don’t hesitate to contact our firm.

DUI Penalties in Georgia

DUI convictions carry significant penalties, making it crucial to seek assistance from a legal professional. Our criminal defense attorneys in Lawrenceville provide exceptional defense services for individuals facing DUI charges. Whether it’s a subsequent violation, felony DUI, underage DUI, or DUI drugs, we’ve got your back. Additionally, we can handle complex DUI cases such as vehicular homicide and serious injuries resulting from vehicle accidents.

First offense DUI penalties can include:

• Maximum of 12 months in jail
• 12 months of probation
• Maximum fine of $1,000
• One-year license suspension
• Alcohol evaluation and treatment
• Ignition interlock device
• 40 hours of community service

Second offense DUI penalties can include:

• Maximum of 12 months in jail
• 12 months of probation
• Maximum fine of $1,000
• Three-year license suspension
• Alcohol evaluation and treatment
• Ignition interlock device
• 240 hours of community service

Third offense DUI penalties can include:

• Maximum of 12 months in jail
• 12 months of probation
• Maximum fine of $5,000
• Five-year license revocation
• Alcohol evaluation and treatment
• Ignition interlock device
• 40 hours of community service

Fourth offense DUI penalties can include:

• Prison time ranging from one to five years
• Fine of $5,000
• Felony charges

Our criminal defense attorneys will work hard to protect you from these harsh penalties. 

Do I Have to Submit to a Test If I Am Pulled Over?

Many people have heard of the implied consent law, which stands for the notion that you agree to a sobriety test if you are pulled over as a condition of being licensed in the state. However, there are different types of tests that you may be asked to take, some of which you’re not required to take. It’s important to understand your legal rights when confronting these tests, including:

Field Sobriety Tests

Field sobriety tests are roadside tests that law enforcement officers conduct. The sole reason for these tests is to find proof that you are impaired so that they can arrest you. These tests evaluate physical control and divided attention, identifying indications of a BAC of 0.08 percent or greater. 

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) developed Standardized Field Sobriety Tests as part of the Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement course, which is a validated three-test battery of the following:

• Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN): During the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus test, a law enforcement officer checks for involuntary eye movements as they follow an object, such as a pen. These movements become more pronounced when the test subject is impaired by alcohol. 
• Walk-and-Turn: This is a divided attention test that requires the driver to take steps heel to toe along a straight line, turn, and return, while they listen to the law enforcement officer’s instructions. 
• One-Leg Stand: This is another divided attention test that requires the subject to stand on one leg about six inches off the ground and count aloud. 

Roadside Preliminary Breath Test

Sometimes, law enforcement will ask a suspect to take a preliminary breath test (PBT) on the roadside. Police use a hand-held device to conduct this type of test. However, it is not as reliable as other types of devices and is used to establish probable cause to support an arrest. You have the right to refuse this type of test. 

Chemical Test

The chemical breath test is the test that you are required to take under the implied consent law, but this applies only after a formal arrest for DUI. If you refuse to take this test, you are subject to a driver’s license suspension for at least one year. Additionally, the refusal can be used against you in criminal proceedings. If suspects refuse these tests, police can seek search warrants to force blood draws.

Understanding these laws can prevent you from taking actions that could work against your legal interests. 

Types of DUI Defense Strategies

In Georgia, individuals facing DUI charges have several defenses at their disposal to challenge the allegations.

Potential defenses that could be used include:

• Lack of Probable Cause: If law enforcement lacks a valid reason to stop you or make an arrest, your DUI charge could be dismissed.
• Rising BAC: If your BAC was below the legal limit when you were arrested but tested above the limit at the police station, it could be argued that your BAC was increasing at the time of arrest, indicating you were not intoxicated while driving.
• Inaccurate Breathalyzer Test: If the breathalyzer used to measure your BAC was not properly calibrated or used incorrectly, the results may be unreliable. Our attorneys can use this factor to construct a robust defense.
• Field Sobriety Tests: Field sobriety tests can be subjective and susceptible to various influences, such as fatigue or nerves. If you failed a field sobriety test, our team could challenge its accuracy and argue for the suppression of the results.

Given your situation, our attorneys can create a personalized defense strategy for you. If you or a family member is facing charges, reach out to our Lawrenceville DUI attorney at Crawford and Boyle, LLC without delay. We can help you understand your legal options and build a strong defense on your behalf.

Call Our DUI Attorneys in Lawrenceville

Whether you find yourself in the situation of a first DUI offense, facing vehicular homicide charges, or handling your child’s underage DUI allegations, remember that you are not alone. Our dedicated team of DUI lawyers in Lawrenceville can provide you with compassionate support and seasoned legal guidance.

Drawing from over 50 years of combined experience and our background as former prosecutors, we at Crawford and Boyle, LLC are committed to delivering top-notch, personalized legal services tailored to your needs. Trust in our wealth of experience to navigate through these challenging times with you.

Get in touch with our team online or call (678) 730-0073 to get started.