Aggressive Defense Against DUI/DWI Charges
If you have been arrested for driving under the influence, you need to hire an attorney immediately. Even though your arraignment date may be months away, there is a pressing need for timely and experienced legal representation. You only have 10 days from the date of your arrest to take action that may prevent the automatic suspension of your driver’s license.
Don’t delay. Contact me, Rabb Wilkerson, as soon as possible. As a criminal defense lawyer, I have been helping people charged with driving under the influence in Warner Robins and the surrounding areas for more than 30 years. I represent clients throughout Middle Georgia, including communities along the I-16 and I-75 corridors. I am experienced in representing service members stationed at Robins Air Force Base.
A driving under the influence conviction can be a career killer for a military officer or a civilian professional. I believe your future is worth fighting for. I will explore all legal options for minimizing the consequences of your arrest.
Factors That Must Be Examined In DUI/DWI Cases
Driving under the influence cases are legally challenging. As your attorney, I will investigate and examine numerous factors related to your traffic stop and arrest, including:
- Did a police officer have a valid reason for pulling you over?
- Were you ill or injured at the time of your arrest?
- Were you asked to perform a standardized field sobriety test?
- Were you asked to submit to a Breathalyzer or blood test?
- Who conducted an SFST and/or Breathalyzer?
- When was a blood sample taken and how was the sample stored?
I understand the issues involved in defending against a criminal conviction and also against an administrative license suspension (ALS) by the Department of Driver Services. I am proud of my record of success in DUI cases.
Georgia DUI laws have become increasingly punitive. A third DUI within 10 years is now a felony. For any driving under the influence offense, the state now looks back 10 years, rather than five, to assess whether you have prior driving under the influence convictions on your record.
Georgia DUI Cases: Questions And Answers
A DUI arrest can leave you feeling confused and worried about your future. The questions and answers below can offer clarity about your situation.
Can I be convicted of DUI in Georgia without a breath or blood test?
Yes. Georgia permits a DUI conviction based solely on an officer’s observations and other circumstantial evidence when chemical testing is unavailable or refused. Prosecutors rely on several forms of evidence to argue that a driver was unable to operate a vehicle safely. These include:
- Driving behavior
- Field sobriety test performance
- Physical appearance
- Statements made during the stop
- Video footage, when available
Although the absence of a chemical test can create opportunities for defense, it does not prevent the state from pursuing charges. An attorney can evaluate whether the officer had a lawful basis for the stop and whether testing was requested properly.
Can prescription medication or THC lead to a DUI in Georgia even if I am not “drunk”?
Yes. Georgia’s DUI laws apply to alcohol, illegal drugs, prescription medications and THC. A driver may be charged with “DUI less safe” if the substance in their system affected their ability to drive safely. This is so even when the substance was lawfully prescribed or legally consumed.
Officers often look for signs such as:
- Delayed reactions
- Driver confusion
- Difficulty following instructions
Additionally, they may call a drug recognition expert (DRE) to conduct further assessments. Because medication and THC affect people differently, the state must still prove that the substance impaired driving, not merely that it was present. I can help challenge police observations, interpretation of drug evaluations and any connections between the substance and alleged impairment.
Will I have to go to court for every hearing, or can my attorney appear on my behalf?
In many Georgia DUI cases, an attorney can appear for routine hearings without the client present, especially in municipal or state courts that allow representation through counsel. However, certain proceedings require personal attendance, including arraignment in some jurisdictions, pretrial motions involving testimony and all stages of a jury trial.
As your lawyer, I can help you understand which hearings permit attorney representation so you can plan accordingly and avoid unnecessary stress.
Contact A Houston County Suspended License Defense Lawyer
Not every lawyer has the experience required to protect your interests. I do. To arrange an initial consultation and learn how I can help, please contact me online or call 478-225-4370.