Driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI) is a serious error of judgment that carries far-reaching implications. Besides the enhanced risk of an accident, DUI can land you in serious legal trouble if you are caught and convicted per Georgia DUI laws.
However, the last thing you want to add to your predicament during a DUI stop is another list of missteps. If you want to build a strong defense against an impending DUI charge, it is in your best interests that you carefully watch your next steps and avoid these mistakes:
Presuming you have no options
While you might think that your conviction is inevitable following a DUI stop, there is always an opportunity to go through the due process and fight your charges. If you can show that the police stopped you without probable cause or that they made certain errors while processing you for arraignment, you might get the court to dismiss your case.
No matter the extent of the evidence against you, never surrender to fate.
Refusing the chemical test
During the DUI stop, the police will gather evidence so they can build their case against you. This might include documenting your driving pattern, the smell of alcohol on your breath and the presence of alcohol in your car. They might also ask you to take a breathalyzer test.
While you can refuse to take this test, it is important to understand that doing so has consequences. This is because Georgia, like other states, applies something known as the “Implied Consent” doctrine. Basically, this means that by signing up for a driver’s license, you automatically consent to police administering a chemical test on you whenever they believe that you could be driving while intoxicated.
If you are stopped for a DUI investigation, it is important to understand that your next set of decisions will greatly impact the outcome of your case. Find out how you can avoid costly mistakes and safeguard your rights if you are arrested and charged with drunk driving in Georgia.