When you are arrested and charged with driving under the influence, you probably play the worst-case scenarios over and over in your head: heavy fines, jail time, loss of license, and more. However, you may not face the heavy penalties associated with DUI convictions if you’re able to have your charges reduced.
In order to reduce your DUI charge in Savannah, you need to understand the varying degrees of DUI charges in Georgia, the corresponding penalties, and the defenses that may be able to be used to help your case.
Reducing DUI Charges in the Savannah Area
Understanding DUI Charges and Penalties
Under Georgia law, if you are convicted of a DUI, you can face:
Heavy fines
Jail time
Community service
Probation
License suspension or revocation
Mandatory substance abuse treatment
These charges can be greater or more severe if you are convicted of an aggravated DUI, if there were minors in the car at the time of your arrest, or if someone is injured or killed as a result of your driving while under the influence.
Defenses to Reduce Your Charges
Argue Insufficient Evidence
Many factors that the prosecution uses against are subjective or not based in science, such as field sobriety tests or an officer’s testimony on your condition when they pulled you over. You may be able to argue those factors are insufficient testimony.
No Probable Cause for Being Stopped
An officer must have reasonable suspicion in order to pull you over in the first place before questioning your sobriety. If there was no valid reason for pulling you over, a judge may consider any subsequent evidence inadmissible, allowing your charges to be reduced or dropped entirely.
Fighting DUI Charges in Chatham County
At Schneider Lerch Bronston, LLC, we know how worried you can be about losing your driver's license, facing jail time, and having to pay expensive fines. As a result, our experienced attorneys will work diligently in an attempt to have your case dismissed or the charges reduced.
Call (912) 417-5008 or contact us online to arrange a free initial consultation with our Savannah DUI lawyers.