Savannah DUI With Injury Lawyer

Savannah DUI With Injury Attorney

Dealing with the fallout of a DUI can be bad enough. When that DUI causes an injury, the stakes may be raised substantially for you. Driving under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance can result in penalties that you may feel for the rest of your life, particularly a criminal record that will affect your personal relationships, social standing, and employment opportunities. You should reach out to a Savannah DUI with injury lawyer as soon as you can.

The legal team at Jarrett Maillet J.D., P.C. can give you the tools you need to fight the charges against you. The last thing you want is to be unprepared to challenge a DUI with injury charge. The penalties for a DUI can be severe enough before including the penalties for the injury. If the injury is severe enough, you could face felony charges for causing the situation. This is especially true for offenses like Multiple DUIs, DUI Drugs, DUI Manslaughter, or other felony DUI charges. The smartest thing you can do is reach out to a criminal defense lawyer for help.

Getting Pulled Over

When you are pulled over on suspicion of drunk driving in Georgia, it is vital to your case that you follow instructions. It doesn’t take much for the police to realize you are over the legal limit. In Georgia, if your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is at 0.08% or higher, you will be arrested for drunk driving. An arrest can feel humiliating and defeating, but it’s only the beginning of what could be a long legal battle. Be sure to prepare yourself by hiring a DUI lawyer.

If you caused a serious injury or death because of your DUI, you are going to face potential felony charges, even if this is your first offense. If you are convicted of a DUI with injury in Savannah, you could face up to 15 years in prison per injured victim. When you are pulled over, comply with the police. You may be asked to take a breathalyzer test or perform a field sobriety test; however, you can refuse a field sobriety test without repercussions.

You can refuse to take the breathalyzer test, but not without penalties. Your license will be suspended immediately, and your refusal can be admitted as evidence against you. It may be considered an admission of your intoxication. You still have certain constitutional rights that cannot be infringed upon, including your right to remain silent and your right to legal counsel. Your lawyer can speak with law enforcement on your behalf.

Possible Defenses Against a DUI

When you are arrested for a DUI, it can feel like the end of the world. You may not know you have the option to fight the charges, and you may be resigned to simply accept your fate. Instead, you should contact a DUI defense lawyer and start working on a potential defense strategy.

Here are some of the defenses you can potentially use to poke holes in the prosecution’s case against you:

• Inaccurate Sobriety Test: When you are interviewed by police after an accident, and they believe you are drunk, you may be asked to perform field sobriety tests. These tests are largely subjective and prone to error, especially when administered by a police officer who has not been properly trained to administer them. Your lawyer can question the accuracy of the results.
• Medical Condition: Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, may lead to inaccurate findings on a breathalyzer test. Some medications may simulate drunken behavior like dizziness, which can confuse law enforcement officers even further. You may not have been drunk at all, but the police perceived you to be. If you can prove a pre-existing medical condition, that may help your case.

In Chatham County in 2024, nearly 140 driver’s licenses were suspended as a direct result of a DUI arrest. Additionally, there were over 420 DUI first-offender arrests and over 50 arrests of DUI second-offenders. If you find yourself facing a DUI with injury charge, you may want to look into a social program or support group that can help. Alcoholics Anonymous of Georgia meets at First Presbyterian Church and online in Savannah, among other places.

FAQs

Q: How Much Does a DUI Lawyer Cost in Georgia?

A: There is no telling how much a DUI lawyer might cost in Georgia. Every DUI case is different, with each case having its own contributing factors that directly lead to your lawyer’s fee. Ultimately, your lawyer’s fee for their services will depend on the complexity of your case and their level of skill and experience.

Q: What Is the Most Effective Defense Against Drunk Driving Charges?

A: There are many different potential defenses that could be effective against drunk driving charges, depending on your situation. One of the most effective defenses is challenging the legitimacy of the traffic stop itself. Police need probable cause to pull you over in the first place. If they don’t have that, it can hurt their case against you. Your lawyer can also challenge field sobriety test results.

Q: Why Do Lawyers Drag Out DUI Cases?

A: There are many different reasons why a lawyer might drag out a DUI case. They may be trying to create an opportunity for negotiation or buy time to find a weakness in the prosecution’s case against you. Prolonging a case can give your lawyer more time to find an effective way to help you.

Q: Can a DUI Be Dismissed in Georgia?

A: Yes, a DUI can be dismissed in Georgia; however, it’s not a reliable strategy, and it doesn’t happen often. A DUI can be dismissed in Georgia due to a flaw in the prosecution’s case, a lack of tangible evidence, or even incomplete maintenance records for the breathalyzer machine. Ultimately, your case can be dismissed if the prosecution doesn’t have enough for a conviction.

Contact Jarrett Maillet J.D., P.C. Today

At Jarrett Maillet J.D., P.C., we can help you determine the right course of action to help you fight a DUI with injury charge. Contact us to speak to a valued team member about your case.