DUI defense

Augusta, Evans and Columbia County, Georgia, DUI Defense Attorneys

Even a first-offense DUI can lead to serious consequences for an offender. You may be forced to pay excessive fines, lose your license, or wind up in jail. It is critical that you hire an experienced DUI defense attorney as soon as possible after you have been charged.

At Shepard, Plunkett, our attorneys can evaluate your case to determine if there are grounds to challenge the evidence against you. If your guilt is not in question, our drunk-driving defense attorneys work with the court in exploring alternatives to lengthy license suspension and jail. Depending on your driving record, we may be able to reduce the charges or sentence against you.

When you are charged with a criminal DUI/DWI offense, quality drunk-driving defense is critical. Our firm can provide the legal support you need to protect your rights.

All of our criminal defense attorneys are highly experienced in the investigation of DUIs. We are diligent in the preservation and presentation of evidence to support your case. Our attorneys can appropriately assess the actions of the officer to determine whether there was an improper stop or improper administration of a breathalyzer or field sobriety test.

Contact a drunk-driving defense lawyer now at Shepard, Plunkett to ensure an immediate and effective defense to your DUI charge.

Protect Your Rights ● Keep Your License ● Stay Out of Jail

If you have been charged with a DUI, remember:

• Law enforcement officers will begin collecting evidence against you from the moment you are pulled over. It is imperative that you protect your rights with a legal advocate you can trust. Our attorneys will immediately begin protecting your rights and building your case against the prosecution.
• A police officer must have reasonable suspicion to pull you over. After you've been pulled over, the officer is supposed to conduct a field sobriety test in order to determine if he or she has probable cause to ask you to take a Breathalyzer test. An officer cannot stop you or perform a Breathalyzer unless they follow proper procedure or observe erratic driving behavior such as swerving, speeding, or some other driving offense.
• You can defeat a DUI charge. With effective legal advocacy you may be able to defeat a DUI. Our attorneys will thoroughly investigate your case to identify weakness in the prosecution's case. We are experienced with courtroom advocacy to effectively combat a DUI.

Drunk-Driving Penalties

While the court has some discretion in regard to sentencing, in general, the following penalties apply if you are convicted of drunk driving:

First-time DUI

• Fine/fees: $300 to $1,000
• License suspension: 1 year
• Jail: 10 days to a year
• Community service: 40 hours
• DUI driver education: Mandatory

Second DUI within 10 years of first DUI conviction

• Fine/fees: $600 to $1,000
• License suspension: 3 years
• Jail: 90 days to a year; at least 72 hours in jail is mandatory
• Community service: A minimum of 30 hours
• DUI driver education: Mandatory
• Alcohol counseling: Mandatory testing to determine if alcohol treatment program is needed. Completion of alcohol program will be included in sentence if program is deemed necessary.
• Ignition interlock device: If you need to drive to work or school, you can apply for a DUI hardship license. If granted, you will have to install (at your own expense) an ignition interlock device on your car for a period of at least 6 months

Third DUI within 10 years of first DUI conviction

• Fine/fees: $1,000 to $5,000
• License suspension: 5 years
• Jail time: Mandatory 120 days to 12 months with a minimum of 15 days served
• Community service: A minimum of 30 hours
• DUI driver education: Mandatory
• Alcohol counseling: Same as applies for second time DUI offenders

In addition to first-time DUI offenses, we also handle second or multiple drunk-driving offenses as well as drunk-driving accidents that may be charged as reckless homicide or manslaughter.

If you have been charged with underage drinking or teenage drunk driving, our attorneys will help you protect your immediate rights and your future.

If you need aggressive drunk-driving defense, contact an attorney now to get started protecting your rights.

Free consultations in select matters ● Credit cards accepted ● Call (706) 955-4185 or (706) 955-1670 today to speak with an experienced personal injury, criminal defense, or litigation attorney from either our Augusta or Evans, Georgia offices.