When people hear the term DUI, most people think of alcohol and drunk-driving violations. However, DUI is short for driving under the influence, so it can be referring to driving under the influence of any substance that impairs a driver’s ability to properly operate a vehicle. This means that a DUI can refer to driving under the influence of drugs.
The legal consequences are different for a driver operating a vehicle under the influence of prescribed medication, marijuana, or illegal narcotics, rather than alcohol. With for a charge of driving under the influence of marijuana or prescribed drugs, prosecutors are required to prove that your judgment was impaired. If you are convicted, you will have a minimum sentence of $1,000, you could have your license suspended, and you could be forced to perform up to 12 months of community service.
If you have been arrested for a DUI in Georgia related to an illegal drug, the consequences are far more severe. The fines you are pay are at the discretion of the court for hard drugs such as cocaine and heroin. Also, you are looking at 2 to 15 years in prison, depending on how much and what type of drug is found in your car. Finally, your license will be suspended for a minimum period of 180 days. To top it all off, you don’t even have to have to be driving the car to receive these punishments.
Getting arrested for a Georgia DUI can be scary. There are a lot of harsh punishments that you are facing and it can be overwhelming to decide how to defend yourself. If you have been arrested for a DUI in Alpharetta, you should not plead guilty. A guilty plea in Georgia will only get you severe consequences for something an experienced attorney may be able to get dismissed in court.
If you are looking for a DUI lawyer in Alpharetta, you should contact Scott Miller. Here at the Law Offices of Scott Miller, we are experienced in DUI and criminal defense cases. We know what it takes to win a case. Call us today at 770-408-1001 so we can start building your defense.
