In Macon and beyond, we represent people who have been injured in all types of accidents

Law enforcement works hard to keep impaired drivers off Georgia highways, and drivers who are caught driving drunk will face the full wrath of the law. Dealing with drunk driving charges is daunting without the advocacy of a criminal defense attorney. Having legal counsel to protect his or her rights from the onset might limit the damage that a DUI conviction could cause.

Law enforcement needs probable cause to pull a driver over, and in many cases, traffic violations or malfunctioning brake or headlights give police officers enough reason to pull drivers over. The best way to deal with such a traffic stop is to pull over, turn on the car’s interior light and remain in the vehicle with hands kept on the steering wheel. Being polite and handing over one’s license and registration or getting out of the car when asked to by the officer might allow the driver to get through the ordeal without legal repercussions.

It is crucial for a driver to know his or her legal rights. The officer will likely order the driver to walk in a straight line and do other roadside tests, but no tests can be done without the driver’s consent. Even submitting to a breathalyzer test can be refused until the driver has spoken to his or her lawyer, and blood or urine tests cannot be done without a warrant.

Any driver who is arrested for suspected drunk driving will be smart to reach out to an attorney who knows the obligations and rights of a driver in such circumstances. An experienced Georgia lawyer can provide the best criminal defense if he or she has all the relevant information. It might be a good idea to write down details while they are fresh, including when and how much alcohol was consumed and every aspect of the traffic stop and what the officers said and did at that time. Even details that seem insignificant can be invaluable.