Lauren Tignor has established litigation experience to help get you the best possible outcome.
Savannah DUI Lawyer
Fight Back with Experienced Advocacy in Savannah, Pooler, and Tybee, GA
Driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs is considered a very serious offense in Georgia. In an effort to send a message and save lives, prosecutors come down hard on such behavior. However, in their zealousness and that of law enforcement as well, errors are often made that can undermine the validity of the charge. At Tignor Law Firm, we are here to ensure that you have the representation you need to defend yourself against all types of DUI with maximum effectiveness. With more than a decade of criminal defense experience to draw on, we know how to deconstruct DUI charges in search of optimal results.
to request a free consultation.
Georgia DUI Laws
In Georgia, you can be charged with DUI under the following conditions:
- Your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) measured .08 percent or higher. For drivers under 21, the legal limit is .02 percent BAC.
- You were deemed by law enforcement to be under the influence of alcohol (regardless of BAC) and/or drugs; this means any quantity of drugs or marijuana were found in your system.
You can be charged with DUI in these situations even if you were not driving but were in physical control of the vehicle, such as sitting in your car with the keys in the ignition.
A DUI arrest will lead to two separate proceedings. One is the criminal case in which you will have to defend yourself in court against potential penalties such as fines, jail time or community service, and more. The other is the administrative case with the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) related to the automatic suspension of your license. You will have 30 days to request a hearing with the DDS to fight the automatic loss of your license. If you fail to request the hearing, your license will be suspended for up to 12 months. You may be able to reinstate it after 120 days by paying a reinstatement fee and completing a DUI education program.
Schedule a free initial consultation about your case with our Savannah DUI attorney. Phone us at (912) 470-4755 or contact us online to get started.
DUI Penalties
On the criminal court side, the penalties for a DUI conviction are harsh, even in a first offense. If you have prior convictions within the last 10 years, you can expect to face even stiffer penalties.
First-offense penalties can include:
- Fines ranging from $300 up to $1,000
- Jail time of 10 days up to a year
- Community service hours ranging from 20 to 40 hours
- Probation for 12 months
- Alcohol/drug evaluation followed by any recommended treatment
Second offenses can increase starting jail times to 90 days, increase starting fines to $600, increase community service hours, and extend license suspensions to three years. Third offenses can increase starting jail times to 120 days, fines up to $5,000, and may result in a license revocation as opposed to a suspension. Those who are convicted of a second DUI within five years may lose their license plates while those convicted of a third or subsequent offense may have their vehicles forfeited and sold.
If you were found driving with a minor as part of your DUI, you may face the separate charge of child endangerment. This can add up to a year in jail and increase fines by $1,000 in addition to the other penalties you face.
Georgia Felony DUI
Most DUI cases are charged as misdemeanors. However, a fourth or subsequent conviction within a 10-year timeframe will be charged as a felony. You can also be charged with a felony if you cause serious injury or death to someone or if you attempt to evade law enforcement while driving under the influence.
Fighting Back Against DUI Charges
As with any criminal charge, you have the right to your day in court when charged with DUI. It is important to remember that you are innocent until proven guilty. Many technical and procedural errors can be found in DUI cases. At Tignor Law Firm, we will thoroughly investigate every aspect of your arrest looking for flaws, inconsistencies, and mistakes that can negate the charge. Our aim is to help you obtain the best possible outcome, whether that be a dismissal or a reduction in consequences.
Call us at (912) 470-4755 or request your free consultation online to learn more about where you stand and how our Savannah DUI attorney can help you.
-
DUI Dismissed - Jury Trial
Client, Commercial Vehicle Driver, charged with Possession of Marijuana and DUI drugs. State could not prove the DUI charge and the case resulted in a ...
Read More -
DUI Reduced to Traffic Offense
Client, college student, was charged with DUI. DUI would have prevented client from obtaining career in medical field. Charge was reduced to a traffic ...
Read More -
Not Guilty Verdict - Bench Trial
Client was charged with domestic violence battery. Ms. Tignor argued that evidence showed that client was actually the victim. Judge returned a verdict ...
Read More -
Felony Charges Dismissed
Combat veteran charged with felony theft. Ms. Tignor identified several issues with the State’s case and was able to negotiate with Prosecution to have ...
Read More
“Lauren’s legal prowess is unmatched.”
- Happy Client
Call 912-470-4755 or submit this form for a free consultation.