DeKalb County DUI Lawyer

When it comes to drunk driving, Georgia has some of the toughest laws on the books. Not only can you be arrested for driving with an illegal amount of alcohol in your bloodstream, but you can also be charged with driving under the influence (DUI) if you show signs of impairment—regardless of the amount of alcohol you have in your system at the time. If you were arrested for DUI in DeKalb County, it is important to understand how the circumstances of your arrest will impact the charges against you by discussing your case with an experienced DeKalb County DUI lawyer.

Under state law, there are two types of drunk driving charges: “per se” and “less safe” DUI. In cases where a breathalyzer or other chemical test indicates a person is driving with a blood alcohol content (BAC) above the national 0.08% limit, the driver will be charged with “per se” DUI (which is basically a fancy legal term for driving with an illegal BAC).

Per se charges may also be used in cases involving underage and commercial drivers, as these individuals are subjected to lower BAC limits under state law—0.02% and 0.04%, respectively. Under Georgia’s Implied Consent Law, you could even be charged with per se DUI if you refuse to perform a breathalyzer or other chemical test. In other words, simply having an illegal BAC or refusing to submit to chemical testing is enough to warrant an arrest; your level of impairment or ability to drive is irrelevant. 

In addition to per se laws, Georgia law enforcement officers also have the right to arrest drivers who have a BAC below the legal limit, but show signs of impairment. Classified as a “less safe” offense, this charge applies in cases where a person displays unsafe driving behaviors, such as weaving, swerving, driving on the wrong side of the road, or violating multiple traffic laws.

Regardless of which DUI charge you are facing, if you are convicted of the offense, you will face mandatory sentencing guidelines that include an automatic license suspension, hefty fine, and jail time—even if you’ve never been charged with a DUI before. The penalties are far more severe if you have a prior record of drunk driving or were involved in an auto accident.

Despite all the penalties, the most important thing to remember is that being arrested for DUI does not mean you will be convicted of the offense in court. Before you can be found guilty, the state must first prove you are guilty beyond a reasonable doubt—and the right DUI lawyer can make that difficult to do.

After representing countless drivers accused of drunk driving in DeKalb County, Lee Webb brings a wealth of knowledge and skill to the table. From proving your chemical tests did not accurately reflect your BAC to challenging the officer’s testimony regarding your behavior at the time of your arrest, Mr. Webb will take advantage of every available opportunity to prove the charges against you are unwarranted.

For years, Mr. Webb and his team have helped drivers avoid the life-altering consequences of a DUI conviction by getting the charges against them dropped or substantially reduced. To ensure you receive the best results for your case, contact the Law Offices of Lee Webb today for a free consultation.

Get a Free Case Evaluation Right Now!