Johns Creek DUI Defense Attorney
If you’ve been charged with a DUI (Driving Under the Influence) in Johns Creek, it’s crucial to take swift action to protect your rights and your future. A DUI conviction in Georgia can carry severe penalties, including fines, license suspension, mandatory alcohol education programs, and even potential jail time. These consequences can have a lasting impact on your life, so it is vital to seek experienced legal representation as soon as possible.
At The Mazloom Law Firm LLC, we understand the seriousness of a DUI charge and are committed to providing dedicated, aggressive defense for clients in Johns Creek and surrounding areas. Led by Mazi Mazloom, our firm has years of experience defending clients against DUI charges. We know the local laws, the courts, and how to build a defense that gives you the best chance of a favorable outcome.
If you or someone you know is facing DUI charges in Johns Creek, call The Mazloom Law Firm at 770-590-9837 for a free consultation to discuss your case.
Why You Need a Defense Attorney for Your DUI Charge in Johns Creek
DUI charges are complex, and the stakes are high. If convicted, you could face a range of penalties depending on the specifics of your case. This could include steep fines, community service, mandatory counseling, or even jail time. License suspension is also a common penalty, which can severely limit your ability to commute to work, run errands, or fulfill other daily responsibilities.
To navigate this challenging legal process, you need a legal professional who is dedicated to protecting your rights. At The Mazloom Law Firm, we are committed to providing strong representation for individuals charged with DUI in Johns Creek. Whether this is your first offense or you are a repeat offender, we approach each case with a personalized strategy designed to achieve the best possible outcome.
Our founding attorney, Mazi Mazloom, brings over 20 years of experience representing clients in Johns Creek, Marietta, and Cobb County. His experience, combined with his knowledge of Georgia DUI laws, allows him to identify the weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and build a strong defense for his clients. We pride ourselves on the fact that we listen to your concerns and goals and work tirelessly to help you achieve the best possible result.
What Happens After a DUI Arrest?
Being arrested for DUI in Johns Creek typically follows a specific series of events. Understanding this process can help you prepare for what comes next and avoid making mistakes that could hurt your case. Here’s a general overview of the DUI process in Georgia:
1. The Traffic Stop and Arrest
The process usually begins with a traffic stop. A law enforcement officer may pull you over for various reasons, such as erratic driving, speeding, or a traffic violation. If the officer suspects that you are driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, they may ask you to submit to a field sobriety test or a breathalyzer test.
If the officer believes you are impaired, they will arrest you. At this point, you may be taken to the local jail or station for booking, where your mugshot and fingerprints will be taken, and you will be informed of the charges against you.
2. Field Sobriety Tests and Chemical Tests
In many DUI cases, the officer will ask you to take a field sobriety test. This may include tasks like walking a straight line, standing on one leg, or following the officer’s finger with your eyes. While field sobriety tests are commonly used to gauge impairment, they are not always accurate, and a variety of factors can affect the outcome, such as weather, medical conditions, and anxiety.
If you are asked to take a breathalyzer or blood test to measure your blood alcohol concentration (BAC), you have the option to decline, but this could result in an automatic license suspension under Georgia’s Implied Consent Law.
A BAC of 0.08% or higher is considered over the legal limit for individuals aged 21 and older. However, there are instances where the breathalyzer or blood test results may be inaccurate. We know how to challenge the validity of these tests when there are issues with the testing process or equipment.
3. Booking and License Suspension Hearing
After being arrested, you will likely be booked at a police station, where your information will be recorded, and you will be advised of your charges. Depending on the circumstances, you may also face an immediate license suspension. In Georgia, you have 30 days to request a hearing with the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) to contest the suspension.
If you fail to request this hearing, your license will be automatically suspended. This is one of the first important decisions in a DUI case, and having the right legal representation to guide you through this process is crucial.
4. Court Appearances and Plea Options
Your DUI case will proceed to court, where you will be formally charged. This will involve an arraignment, where you will enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest. If you plead not guilty, your case will proceed to trial, where the prosecution will attempt to prove their case, and your defense attorney will present your case to challenge the charges against you.
In many DUI cases, pretrial negotiations can lead to a reduced charge or a more favorable outcome, such as alternative sentencing or probation. However, in some cases, going to trial may be necessary if the evidence is strong or if the charges cannot be dismissed.
5. Possible Penalties for DUI in Johns Creek
The penalties you may face if convicted of DUI in Johns Creek will depend on a number of factors, such as the severity of the offense, whether it is your first or a repeat offense, and whether there were any aggravating factors, such as causing an accident or having a particularly high BAC.
Typical penalties for a first DUI offense in Georgia include:
- Fines ranging from $300 to $1,000
- License suspension for up to one year
- Completion of a DUI Risk Reduction Program
- Community service (usually between 40-240 hours)
- Jail time of up to 12 months (typically avoided with probation for first offenders)
Penalties for repeat offenders or those with aggravated circumstances may include longer license suspensions, increased fines, and mandatory jail time.
6. Defenses to DUI Charges in Johns Creek
There are many potential defenses to a DUI charge, and an experienced attorney will be able to evaluate your case to identify the best defense strategy. Some common defenses include:
- Illegal Traffic Stop: If the officer did not have a reasonable suspicion to pull you over or lacked probable cause to arrest you, we can challenge the validity of the arrest.
- Faulty Field Sobriety Tests: These tests are not always reliable and can be influenced by factors like medical conditions, stress, or poor weather conditions. We will examine whether the tests were properly conducted.
- Inaccurate Breathalyzer or Blood Test: Breathalyzers and blood tests are subject to errors, including calibration issues and improper administration. If there were problems with the testing process, we can challenge the results.
- Lack of Evidence: In some cases, the prosecution may lack sufficient evidence to prove that you were intoxicated or impaired. We will carefully review the evidence to identify any gaps or weaknesses.
Contact The Mazloom Law Firm LLC Today for a Free Consult
If you are facing DUI charges in Johns Creek, it’s essential to have skilled legal representation by your side. At The Mazloom Law Firm LLC, we are committed to defending the rights of individuals who have been arrested for DUI in Johns Creek and throughout Georgia. We will fight for you, protect your rights, and work toward minimizing the consequences you face.
We understand the challenges you’re facing, and we are ready to help you navigate the complex DUI process. Contact us today at 770-590-9837 to schedule a free consultation. Let us help you understand your options and develop a strategy that gives you the best chance at a favorable outcome.