What Happens After a DUI Arrest?
What happens after a DUI arrest in the state of Georgia? While details always vary based on each individual case, here is the basic outline of what you can expect:
- Filing the 30-Day Letter: If you were arrested for a DUI, your license may be suspended. If so, you have 30 days to apply for an Ignition Interlock permit or file for a suspension appeal hearing. It is a good idea to discuss this decision with a DUI lawyer who can take a look at the details of your particular situation and help you decide which option would be best.
- ALS Hearing – If you do decide to appeal your administrative license suspension (ALS,) your attorney will argue your case here to get your license reinstated. This is an administrative hearing, not a criminal court hearing.
- Pretrial Negotiations – Before your case is heard in court, your attorney has the opportunity to discuss the details with the prosecutor. Your attorney will file for discovery and find out what evidence the prosecutor plans to use. This process leads to discussions about possibilities for resolving your case before trial, most often in plea negotiations.
- Suppression Hearing – Depending on the details of your case, your attorney may request that specific evidence be suppressed during a trial.
- Trial–If you and your attorney did not reach a plea deal with the prosecutor, you have the right to request a jury trial or you may decide that you want your case to be decided by a judge in a bench trial.
- Sentencing – After your case is heard in court, a sentence will be given. You can choose to appeal or carry out the penalties handed to you. Here is a link to the Georgia DUI penalties.
Georgia’s DUI laws can be a maze – we recommend that you find a great lawyer who can navigate your case and help you get the best outcome.
What happens after a DUI arrest? Start with a Call to Ashley Schiavone
If you are arrested for DUI in Georgia, contact a DUI defense attorney as soon as possible. Ashley Schiavone can take a look at your case and see if there are ways your charges can be reduced or if it is a case that can be tried in court.