What to do If You've Been Pulled Over for DUI - 

Have you been pulled over for suspicion of a DUI in GA?

There are few things more terrifying than flashing blue lights in your rearview mirror, particularly if you've been drinking. It's important to remember that the only surefire way to avoid being convicted of a DUI is to AVOID DRINKING AND DRIVING. The legal limit for adults over 21 years of age in Georgia is a BAC of no more than .08%. If you're under 21, it's 0.0%. 

Risking a DUI is never, ever worth it. Not only are DUIs incredibly expensive, difficult to move past, and scary, you run the distinct possiblity of hurting yourself or others if you drive while intoxicated. A full 40% of all accident fatalities in the U.S. each year can be linked to drunk driving. Remember: buzzed driving is drunk driving. Just don't do it.

What to do When You See the Police

If you're driving under the influence, even if you've "just had a few," and see blue lights behind you, don't panic. Slow down, move to the right, and pull over if possible. There's always a chance you're not who the officer's targeting. If you're a female and are fearful of pulling over in a dark, isolated area, put on your flashers and drive slowly to the next well-lit or public area to pull over.

Once the officer starts to approach your vehicle, stay calm. Ask any passengers to be quiet and, of course, turn down any music. Roll down your window and have your license, registration, and other important documents ready when the officer approaches.

The next step is critical. If the officer asks you if you've been drinking, DUI attorneys advise answering, "I'd prefer not to answer that question," or "I have nothing to say, officer." While the exchange will be incredibly uncomfortable if you admit to drinking any alcohol at all (even one beer!) you're technically "testifying againste yourself" and those statements can be used in court to convict you of a Georgia DUI.

Georgia Sobriety Tests and DUI Tests

Remember, it's in your best interest to remain as polite but quiet as possible, and to answer no questions directly regarding your alcohol intake. This will likely mean the officer will ask you to undergo a series of field sobriety tests or blow into a breathalyzer to prove you aren't intoxicated. You have two options.

Option 1: Take the Tests
In the state of Georgia, the law of "implied consent" applies. That means if an officer has probably cause to arrest you for DUI, you're "required" to submit to a test of his choosing, be it sobriety testing, breathalyzer, blood, or urine sample. It's important to note that if you do take any sort of sobriety test and fail, whether or not you've been drinking, that information can be used to convict you of a DUI.

Option 2: Refuse to Take the Tests
In general, DUI attorneys advise anyone suspected of DUI to refuse to submit to sobriety testing. They argue that results are often unreliable and that most people have a better chance of avoiding the worst DUI penalties in court if there's no hard physical proof they were ever intoxicated. If you refuse the tests you'll likely have your license confiscated and be required to hire a DUI attorney and go to court in GA. Your license will most likely be suspended for one year,  but you could avoid more costly and long-term penalties of a DUI.

Going to DUI Court in Georgia

It isimperative that you hire a DUI attorney as soon as possible after you're pulled over. Whether it's from jail, from your home, or the next morning, a qualified attorney can give you advice based on the specifics of your situation. 

Once you go to court you may or may not be found guilty of a DUI. Whether you've submitted to testing or not, you'll probably be required to complete a DUI Risk Reduction program at a licensed traffic school and pay a small fine. If you're actually convicted of a Georgia DUI your fine could reach $1000 and your license may be suspended for up to one year. Your lawyer will advise you.

It's important to complete the court's requirements accurately and quickly to show a good faith effort. Attend all your DUI risk reduction classes, complete any and all community service, and pay off your fines quickly. Whether or not you agree with the rulings for or against you for suspicion of DUI, use the situation as a learning experience.

Never, ever drink and drive again and understant that penalities for DUI and suspicion of DUI multiply every additional time you're pulled over.
It's simply not worth it.