Following a DUI conviction in Atlanta the individual convicted may face a number of different short and long term consequences. The following is information on some of these consequences and how an experienced Atlanta DUI attorney may be able to help. To learn more or discuss the specifics of your case, call today.
The first place where an individual is likely to face consequences for a DUI charge is on their driving record, where their license could be suspended or revoked. In the case of a refusal suspension, there is a limited permit available for up to 12 months. The only way to limit that 12-month period is to beat the DUI charge, which the person likely cannot do for at least four to six months at a minimum in Atlanta, as that is the earliest possible time to get to trial. In many cases it takes up to a year from the arrest to get to trial to try to beat the case and relieve that refusal suspension, which has already expired after 12 months.
A DUI attorney will know the deadlines that need to be satisfied. A DUI attorney will negotiate potential plea deals for their client to consider and file with the prosecution. A DUI attorney will appear in court and in many cases keep them from having to spend hours upon hours in court representing themselves. A DUI attorney can change the outlook on what might have seemed like a hopeless case.
The greatest impact of a DUI arrest for most people is the potential effect on employment. A DUI is a misdemeanor but it is a misdemeanor which has been greatly stigmatized. The perception is that is a crime which kills thousands of people every year so, employers may react rashly to discovering a DUI arrest.
In Georgia, which is an at-will employment state, for many employers an arrest for a DUI calls for termination. However, if an employee maintains their innocence to their boss and say that they have hired an experienced attorney who is fighting these charges and might beat the DUI charge, most employers will not act on a mere arrest.
The employer will await the outcome of the case, and in many cases if the employee has been honest with the employer, it will ultimately not change their standing with the employer.
An employer may periodically run criminal histories on their employees. The employer may also find out about the employee’s DUI arrest if someone informs them of it, such as another employee. An attorney, law enforcement, the prosecutor, or the judge is going to call the employer while the individual’s case is pending and inform the employer that their employee has been arrested.
Generally it is the result of someone searching the individual’s name on Google and finding their mugshot posted on the internet. That would be the alternative to a criminal history search. The individual will most likely know if their employer runs a periodic criminal history search, and if they do, it may be best for them to go ahead and inform their employer of their arrest. They should also inform them that they have hired an experienced DUI counsel to defend them, and they expect to get a positive outcome.
The driver’s insurance company may find out about their arrest. Under Georgia law, they are not required to inform their insurance company of their arrest and it may be most prudent not do so. They should consult with their DUI lawyer about their particular situation prior to informing anyone, including their insurance company, about their arrest.
Following an arrest for any crime, leaving the jurisdiction – such as Atlanta – to go somewhere else will be governed by the conditions of individual’s pre-trial release and their bond. It is important to consult a lawyer prior to returning home anytime that someone has been released on bond for a crime, including DUI, to determine if there are any restrictions on their travel, including going back to their home state or country.
A DUI may impact an individual’s ability to get a license in another state. It is generally not a good idea to relicense in another state while still in Georgia, because ultimately if the person is convicted and they hold a license in another state, they will not be eligible to obtain a Georgia permit, just a temporary permit to drive to work, school, and the doctor. However, it is important to discuss the possibility of obtaining a license in another state because some states do not share their information with Georgia.
Most states share information, but there are a few states where if someone is eligible, it may actually be a good idea. But only if they are going to move to that state and reside there after their case.
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