DUI’s are a serious offense, and are often accompanied by a wide array of hefty fines, court costs, driving license revocation, and defensive driving classes. Don’t walk through the process alone! If you have been charged with a DUI offense in the Watkinsville area, make sure you call Attorney Kip Shepherd. With over 20 years of experience in Watkinsville, Kip Shepherd knows exactly how to defend you in any DUI dispute.
As in any case, you are always innocent until proven guilty. A DUI is tested by taking a breath test or a BAC (blood alcohol content) test to see if you are over the legal limit. The costs and time needed to handle a DUI situation can be intimidating, so you’ll need a trusted DUI lawyer to handle it for you. Don’t take any chance with your future. Call Kip Shepherd today or stop by one of our offices to see how we can help fight your DUI case for you!
What To Do If You Are Charged With DUI In Watkinsville
If you are charged with a DUI, there are some steps that you can take to better navigate the process. Knowing what to expect can make the process feel less overwhelming.
1. You Have 10 Days To Appeal Your License Suspension
Most people don’t realize that you only have 10 business days to file an appeal of your license suspension. This MUST be filed, or your license will be suspended. In most cases you will receive a 5201 Form. Pay close attention to this form. As soon as you receive this, it’s time to call us.
2. Hire An Watkinsville GA DUI Lawyer
This may seem like a no-brainer, and just being on an attorney’s website is a good first step. Some people look into hiring an attorney but for whatever reason decide to go it alone. This is not a smart move. Without representation, the prosecution will be pushing for a quicker, more severe punishment, and without the right representation, that is what you may get. The outcome of your DUI case may stay with you for years, and minimizing the damage or not being convicted at all can be a huge benefit for you.
3. Go To Your Court Appearance
Ignoring your problems won’t make them go away, and in this case, they will only get worse. In many cases you are required to appear in court within 30 days of being charged with a DUI in Watkinsville GA. It is important to move quickly and get proper legal representation before your court date. You want to give you and your attorney plenty of time to review your case, dig up evidence, and prepare a defense for you. If you wait until a few days before your court date, there is a good chance you and your team won’t have adequate time to build a solid case for you. If you follow step one immediately after you are charged, then showing up for your court date will be easier to do.
4. Fulfill Your Legal Requirements
You will want to listen carefully to any instructions and requirements given by your attorney or a judge. In many instances, you will be required to take some steps to regain your ability to drive. This could involve jail time, community service, paying fines and legal fees, or attending classes. Be prepared to take the necessary steps to fulfill all requirements in the prescribed timeline. Failure to plan ahead and take care of all items will result in a lengthening of the process. It can result in a longer probation, fines, or worse. Understand what is being required of you, and be diligent in fulfilling your legal requirements.
5. Pay Attention To Your Insurance Standing
In a lot of cases, you may be dropped from your insurance carrier if you are charged with a DUI. If this happens, your license will be suspended if there is a lapse in coverage. Some people don’t realize this happens, and they put themselves at risk of further legal issues by driving on a suspended license. You may notified by mail of being dropped by your insurance carrier. If this is the case, you will have to shop around for an insurance carrier that will take you on with a DUI history. This is going to mean increased premiums in almost all cases, but you will need insurance if you intend to drive again.
6. Getting Your License Back
Once you have sorted out your legal requirements, punishments and/or fines, and insurance coverage, you will want to work on getting your license back. In some cases you could lose your license for a pre-set period of time. After that time passes, you will need to have your insurance coverage effective, have your fines paid, attend any prescribed DUI classes or courses, and fulfill any other mandates. Once all requirements are met, then you can obtain your license. Sometimes, you may have to start with a provisional license which will allow you to get back and forth to work or other required driving. Some cases see restrictions put on licenses for a period of time before a full license is reinstated, so planning ahead for this will make the process more bearable while you wait for a full reinstatement.