If you've been charged with drunk driving, an attorney can offer indispensable legal support that will help you avoid or minimize an OVI conviction. An OVI conviction is a criminal infraction and will appear on your permanent record, potentially affecting everything from driving records and job prospects to housing applications and opening new lines of credit. Below are a few ways a lawyer will help in an OVI case.

First Offense

With a first offense OVI in the state of Georgia, penalties are steep. A license can be suspended for up to four months, fines of up to $1,000 can be imposed, and a sentence of 40 hours of community service and 24 hours in jail may be handed down.

An attorney will pursue the possibility of a plea bargain and work to get you the most beneficial outcome possible. They will also navigate the DMV aspects of the case, working to get you limited driving privileges and ensuring license reinstatement after any required fees have been paid and OVI education has been completed.

Repeated Offenses

When you already have an OVI conviction on record, a repeated drunk driving offense comes with serious consequences. Typically, a second offense in Georgia is accompanied by a four-month license suspension with no limited driving privileges; eight months of having an ignition interlock device on your vehicle; fines of up to $1,000; and at least 72 hours of jail time plus 240 hours of community service.

Your attorney utilizes an in-depth understanding of drunk driving law to negotiate with prosecutors, work out plea deals, and explore the possibility of pleading guilty to lesser charges or getting the charges thrown out altogether.

At Trial

If your drunk driving case goes to trial, you definitely want an attorney on your side. An attorney will advocate for your rights, complete and file all the necessary paperwork, and present your side of the story in front of a judge or jury. Courtrooms have specific protocol, procedures, and etiquette that must be followed, and an attorney will help you navigate this experience at every step, increasing your chances of a favorable judgment. 

The lawyers at Arnold & Stafford are here to help you avoid an OVI conviction. Based in Hinesville, GA, they have more than 60 years' combined experience and are licensed to handle cases in Georgia, Florida, California, Hawaii, and Iowa. In addition to OVI issues, they represent clients in a variety of other legal practice areas, including criminal defense, personal injury, divorce, and child custody. Call (912) 369-4529 to schedule a consultation. Visit the firm online for an introduction to the legal team.