Augusta Georgia Criminal Defense Lawyer | GA DUI Attorney

PJ Campanaro DUI Defense Lawyer in Augusta GA

2010-06-25T08:40:00.000-04:00

PJ Campanaro is a DUI Defense Lawyer in Augusta GA

Common criminal law terms - FAQs

The arraignment is your first court appearance after arrest. During arraignment, the judge reads the charges filed against you in the complaint and you can choose to plead "guilty," "not guilty" or "no contest" to those charges. The judge will also determine your bail and set dates for future hearings.

A preliminary hearing, or preliminary examination, is an adversarial proceeding in which attorneys questions witnesses and both parties make arguments. The judge then decides the ultimate finding of probable cause. In a grand jury, the jury hears only from the prosecutor. The grand jury can call their own witnesses and ask for further investigations be performed. The grand jury then decides whether sufficient proof has been presented to indict the defendant.

A guilty verdict or a plea bargain results in a conviction and a criminal record is established. The creation of a criminal record carries with it far-reaching affects. A conviction can carry a wealth of hidden consequences that can become effective under a variety of circumstances. A criminal conviction can have major repercussions. It can impact the individual on a more basic level when he attempts to seek employment. Federal law and most state agencies now requires background verifications and allow disqualification based on conviction in a wide variety of employment areas including education, healthcare services, child and eldercare, financial institutions and transportation. A previous will play an important role in the result of all future criminal charges.

Augusta GA DUI Lawyer | Georgia Criminal Defense Attorney

Augusta Georgia Criminal Defense Lawyer Defending Juvenile crimes

2010-01-15T11:45:00.002-05:00

Georgia Criminal Defense Lawyer Defending Juvenile crimes

In juvenile law, the criminal process isn't like that of adults. Juveniles are usually charged with being a delinquent or engaging in delinquent behavior instead of being charged with a particular offense. The proceeding is brought before a juvenile court judge who sentences the juvenile with the intent to rehabilitate the juvenile. A special court called the Juvenile Court is designated to handle juvenile delinquency cases and dependency cases. Delinquency cases involve charges of criminal law violations against a minor. Dependency cases include allegations of child abuse or neglect against the parents or guardian of a minor. Juvenile cases can be transferred into adult courts if the juvenile court waives its jurisdiction. This is done to deny some offenders the rights and protections that have evolved in juvenile law. All states provide for some type of waiver mechanism, and most set a lower age limit (13 and 14 in a handful of states; 17 and 18 in most). The law on how to properly conduct waivers has been settled by the Kent v. US (1966).

Different laws apply to juveniles. Juveniles do not have the right to a trial by jury. If a juvenile is accused of committing a very serious offense, such as murder or rape, the District Attorney, with the court's permission, may decide to try the offender as an adult. The minimum age for a juvenile to be tried as an adult is varies from state to state, but can be as less as thirteen. A number of states (about 35) permit the execution of juveniles regardless of age.

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Drunk driving defense lawyer Augusta GA - Evans GA and Criminal Attorney in Richmond & Columbia County.

Sex crime lawyer Augusta GA | Richmond County Georgia Sexual offense attorney

2009-12-31T11:29:00.001-05:00

Sex crime lawyer Augusta GA

Richmond County Georgia Sexual offense attorney

Statutory rape is described as nonforcible sexual intercourse with a person who is less than the legal age of consent. Statutory rape is a crime and refers to sexual relations with a person who has not reached the statutory age of consent. Sexual relationship even with the consent of that person is statutory rape.
Incest is defined as nonforcible sexual intercourse between persons who are related to each other within the degrees wherein marriage is prohibited under the law.
The families and friends of a rape accused can be supportive ‚Äî or not ‚Äî and their neighbors, coworkers, and larger community will all be morbidly interested in the rape charges. The accuser may well be given more credibility compared to the accused. Rape charges should be of serious concern for an individual. He may be looking at a jail or prison time, loss of employment, and lifelong stigma. Even though the rape charges are subsequently dropped, the rumors or impression of rape can follow the accused for the rest of their lives.
On being, the accused will face severe penalties including prison term, rehabilitation, fines and probation. An adult who is convicted of statutory rape has to register as a sexual offender and will also be prohibited from voting and owning a gun.

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Augusta GA DUI Lawyer | Criminal Defense Attorney

Juvenile justice system in Georgia - Augusta GA Criminal Lawyer

2009-12-14T11:44:00.003-05:00

Juvenile justice system in Georgia - Explained

Augusta GA Criminal Lawyer

The juvenile law criminal process is different from that of adults. Juveniles are usually charged with being a delinquent or engaging in delinquent behavior instead of being charged with a specific offense. The proceeding is brought before a juvenile court judge who sentences the juvenile with the intent to rehabilitate the young offender.

A special court called the Juvenile Court is designated to handle juvenile delinquency cases and dependency cases. Delinquency cases concern charges of criminal law violations against a minor. Dependency cases involve allegations of child abuse or neglect against the parents or guardian of a minor. Juvenile cases may be transferred into adult courts if the juvenile court waives its jurisdiction. This is done to deny some offenders the rights and protections of juvenile law. All states provide for some type of waiver mechanism, and most set a lower age limit (13 and 14 in a handful of states; 17 and 18 in most). Kent v. U.S. (1966) has become the settled law on how to properly conduct waivers.

Juveniles have different laws. Juveniles do not have the right to a trial by jury. A juvenile accused of committing a very serious offense, such as murder or rape can be tried as an adult by the the District Attorney, with the judge's permission. The minimum age for a juvenile to be tried as an adult is varies from state to state, but can be as less as thirteen. A number of states (about 35) allow the execution of juveniles regardless of age.

Criminal Lawyer Augusta GA Theft and Shoplifting in Georgia

2009-12-11T13:35:00.000-05:00

Theft and Shoplifting in Georgia

Criminal Lawyer Augusta GA

The legal definition of shoplifting differs from state to state, but usually refers to the theft of property which is worth less than $500 and which occurs with the intent to deprive the owner of that piece of property.

Shoplifting is the theft of goods from a retail establishment either by sneaking it out of the store or by altering or switching the tags on an item in order to pay less. If the total value of the goods is less than $300 it is a misdemeanor. It is a felony if the total value exceeds $300. In Georgia, the law allows the store owner or employee to detain a person suspected of shoplifting till the police arrive. The law however does not permit them to conduct a physical search of the suspect.

Prior convictions can affect the outcome of a case. If you have a prior conviction for felony, you will be sentenced to the maximum penalty on the second conviction. Conviction on other states including probated sentence will be counted as prior conviction. Georgia has the three strikes law. Under the three strikes law, any felony can constitute a third strike and thus may subject a defendant to a term of 25 years to life in prison. After a second felony conviction, and offenders sentence is double what a single felony conviction would demand. Three-strikes is applied after the third conviction, with an uncommonly severe penalty of 25 years to life.
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Augusta GA DUI Lawyer | Criminal Defense Attorney

Theft and Larceny Criminal Lawyer Augusta Georgia

2009-12-10T23:41:00.001-05:00

Theft and Larceny in Georgia

Augusta GA Criminal Lawyer

"Theft" is committed by stealing anything of value. The value of the property relates to the classification of the crime and the nature and extent of the penalty that will be imposed upon conviction. A person commits theft by larceny when that person: (1) takes possession (2) of personal property (3) owned or possessed by another, (4) by means of trespass and (5) with the intent to steal the property, and (6) carries the property away.

In federal criminal law, prior sentences, including misdemeanors where incarceration is not imposed, play an important role in determining the sentence. The criminal history score affects the sentencing of repeat offenders when they are convicted of a new crime. Pursuant to the United States Sentencing Guidelines, sentences for misdemeanors and petty offenses are included when calculating the criminal history category for sentencing. A minor misdemeanor charge could, in fact, transform into a felony and result in a permanent strike, and if there are any prior felony convictions bring an even more severe penalty.

An employer cannot discriminate against an individual based on criminal history but the law permits employers to inquire about an applicant’s criminal history. A conviction for petty theft can have major repercussions. It can affect the individual on a more basic level when he attempts to seek employment. The establishment of a criminal record carries with it far-reaching consequences.

GA Sex Crime Defense Attorney in Augusta Georgia

2009-12-10T23:12:00.001-05:00

Sex Crime Defense Attorney in Augusta Georgia

Statutory rape is defined as nonforcible sexual intercourse with a person who is under the statutory age of consent. Statutory rape is a criminal offense and refers to sexual relations with a person who has not reached the statutory age of consent. Sexual relationship even with the consent of that person is statutory rape.
Incest is defined as nonforcible sexual intercourse between persons who are related to each other within the degrees wherein marriage is prohibited by law.
The families and friends of a rape accused may be supportive — or not — and their neighbors, coworkers, and larger community will all be morbidly interested in the rape charges. The accuser may well be given more credibility than the accused. Rape charges are a very serious matter for an individual. He or she may be facing jail or prison time, loss of a job or career, and lifelong stigma. Even though the rape charges were dropped, the rumors or impression of rape may follow the accused for the rest of their lives.
If convicted, the accused can face severe penalties including prison term, rehabilitation, fines and probation. An adult convicted of statutory rape must also register as a sexual offender and will also be o be prohibited from voting and owning a gun.
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PJ Campanaro Augusta Criminal Defense Attorney

DUI conviction in Georgia - Augusta DUI Lawyer

2009-12-07T14:52:00.001-05:00

DUI conviction in Georgia - Augusta DUI Lawyer

There are many aspects of the DUI case which you must discuss in detail and analyze with your DUI attorney. As a defendant in a criminal case, you have the legal right to challenge the conduct and result of blood alcohol tests. Factors affecting the manner in which the test was administered and even the technical skills of the officer administering the test may be contested by you in a DUI case. There is nothing nice about being charged with DUI. Any Georgia DUI lawyer will tell you that. Whatever you may consider to be correct, the result of a drunk driving conviction are intentionally inconvenient and must be treated very seriously. In most instances your driver's license can be suspended, imposed heavy fines or even spend some days in jail. These results can make something as simple and important as getting to work a difficult task.

A critical element of the DUI offense is the determination of probable cause. There are legal requisites that should be satisfied before an arrest for a suspect DUI offense can be implemented. Under a contested DUI arrest, your drunk driving attorney can seek the suppression of the results of the test for blood alcohol level.
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We defend drug charges, assault, homicide, murder, speeding, no insurance, battery, aggravated assault, child molestation, sex crimes, rape, premeditated murder, larceny theft, child porn, robbery, burglary, fraud, embezzlement, military offenses, and other Crimes across Georgia.

Drunk driving defense lawyer Augusta GA - Evans GA and Criminal Attorney in Richmond & Columbia County.

GA DUI Lawyer

2009-11-03T21:22:00.003-05:00

GA DUI Lawyer

When many people are arrested for driving under the influence, one of the first things they want to know is how to get out of a DUI. There’s no easy answer to that question because DUI is a criminal offense. If you’re arrested and charged with DUI, you’re going to have to go through a criminal trial and even administrative hearings about your driving privileges if you’re not able to make a plea bargain. Trying to handle all of these proceedings on your own is probably the quickest way to lose your criminal case and your driving privileges at the same time. If you choose to work with an attorney who does not specialize in DUI, you are risking your reputation and your freedom, since being convicted can result in a jail sentence in many states. Working with a specialist attorney who knows DUI inside and out is the best way to successfully defend yourself against a DUI charge.
There is nothing pleasant about being charged with a DUI. Any Georgia DUI lawyer can tell you that. No matter what you believe to be fair, the consequences for of a DUI are purposefully inconvenient and should be taken quite seriously. In most instances your driver's license is suspended, issued heavy fines or even spend some time in jail. These consequences can make something as simple and important as getting to work a challenging undertaking.
DUI is a serious criminal offense. Generally the penalties include suspension of license for a period of time besides probation or prison term. You may also be required to pay fines and fees. Factors like if anyone was hurt or killed, if a child was in the car and if you have prior DUI convictions play an important role in determining the penalty for driving under the influence. Our DUI and Criminal Defense attorneys are based in Augusta, GA (Georgia). If you have been charged with DUI in Augusta, GA (Georgia) or anywhere throughout the CSRA, including Columbia County, Richmond County, Lincoln County, McDuffie, Jefferson and Burke Counties, Evans, Appling, Waynesboro, Louisville, Thomson, Lincolnton, Girard Georgia & Aiken, South Carolina & North Augusta SC, contact us.

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ALS Hearings in Augusta and Evans GA

Drug charges, assault, homicide, murder, speeding, no insurance, battery, aggravated assault, child molestation, sex crimes, rape, premeditated murder, larceny theft, child porn, robbery, burglary, fraud, embezzlement, military offenses, and other Crimes in Georgia.

Drunk Driving Lawyer in Richmond County GA

2009-11-01T19:00:00.001-05:00

Drunk Driving Lawyer in Richmond County GA

While driving under the influence is regarded as a serious offense in almost all states, the punishment generally depends upon the DUI statute in the state. If you are charged with driving under the influence, blood and urine levels are first tested. Also, a breath test is administered. If it is proved that your blood alcohol content is above the legal limit set by the state’s statute, you will be arrested. In some states, if any one is proved to have a breath test of .08 or higher, they are said to be under the influence of alcohol. It is a vehicle operators' responsibility to know the driving laws, in effect, in the state in which they drive. Driving laws are fluid and change with time. There is currently a trend in the US for DUI laws to be made more strict. Drinking ages have gone up while alcohol blood levels have gone down. First time offenses have gone from a warning or insignificant punishment to jail time and heavy fines across the US.
DUI lawyers specialize in DUI cases and know the very best ways to contest DUI charges in each state. DUI is regarded as one of the most expensive driving offences. It is estimated that in the US, about half a million people are affected by DUI-related road accidents, thereby costing taxpayers more than 114 billion dollars. Loss of driver’s license, local incarceration, house arrest, hefty fines and vehicle impoundments are some of the after effects of driving under the influence of alcohol.

DUI is a serious criminal offense. Generally the penalties include suspension of license for a period of time besides probation or prison term. You may also be required to pay fines and fees. Factors like if anyone was hurt or killed, if a child was in the car and if you have prior DUI convictions play an important role in determining the penalty for driving under the influence. Our DUI and Criminal Defense attorneys are based in Augusta, GA (Georgia). If you have been charged with DUI in Augusta, GA (Georgia) or anywhere throughout the CSRA, including Columbia County, Richmond County, Lincoln County, McDuffie, Jefferson and Burke Counties, Evans, Appling, Waynesboro, Louisville, Thomson, Lincolnton, Girard Georgia & Aiken, South Carolina & North Augusta SC, contact us.
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Augusta GA DUI Lawyer Criminal Defense Attorney

Drug charges, assault, homicide, murder, speeding, no insurance, battery, aggravated assault, child molestation, sex crimes, rape, premeditated murder, larceny theft, child porn, robbery, burglary, fraud, embezzlement, military offenses, and other Crimes in Georgia.

Drunk driving defense lawyer Augusta GA - Evans GA and Criminal Attorney in Richmond & Columbia County.

DUI Attorney Richmond County Georgia

2009-10-29T16:44:00.000-04:00

DUI Attorney Richmond County Georgia

A person can violate the DUI law in three ways:
1) by driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs (whether prescription drugs or illegal drugs);
2) by driving with .080 or more blood alcohol level:
3) providing a breath or blood sample within two hours of driving which shows a .080 or more blood alcohol level.

You may not have realized that a DUI can be issued and a DUI arrest made for prescription medication. Most people think, in fact it is commonly believed that a DUI can only be issued when the officer believes that you have consumed alcohol or illegal drugs in excess of the legal limits. As mentioned earlier, this is not the case. Any substance, even prescription medication, which can render you incapable of safely operating a motor vehicle, can be the reason for you facing a DUI arrest and DUI charges.
When a police officer pulls a car over on suspicion of DUI, he may ask for ordinary credentials, including license and registration. The officer may ask the person to step out of the car and perform one of several field sobriety tests (FSTs). These are quick exercises for the driver, intended to indicate whether or not he/she is intoxicated. Even if an FST is not performed, the officer is likely to perform a chemical test, which more accurately indicates sobriety or insobriety. A breathalyzer may be used at the initial traffic stop, or the suspect may be taken back to the station for a blood or urine test.
DUI is a serious criminal offense. Generally the penalties include suspension of license for a period of time besides probation or prison term. You may also be required to pay fines and fees. Factors like if anyone was hurt or killed, if a child was in the car and if you have prior DUI convictions play an important role in determining the penalty for driving under the influence. Our DUI and Criminal Defense attorneys are based in Augusta, GA (Georgia). If you have been charged with DUI in Augusta, GA (Georgia) or anywhere throughout the CSRA, including Columbia County, Richmond County, Lincoln County, McDuffie, Jefferson and Burke Counties, Evans, Appling, Waynesboro, Louisville, Thomson, Lincolnton, Girard Georgia & Aiken, South Carolina & North Augusta SC, contact us.
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Augusta GA DUI Lawyer Criminal Defense Attorney

Drug charges, assault, homicide, murder, speeding, no insurance, battery, aggravated assault, child molestation, sex crimes, rape, premeditated murder, larceny theft, child porn, robbery, burglary, fraud, embezzlement, military offenses, and other Crimes in Georgia.

Drunk driving defense lawyer Augusta GA - Evans GA and Criminal Attorney in Richmond & Columbia County.

Augusta GA Criminal Defense Lawyer

2009-10-27T23:10:00.001-04:00

Augusta GA Criminal Defense Lawyer

When a police officer pulls a car over on suspicion of DUI, he may ask for ordinary credentials, including license and registration. The officer may ask the person to step out of the car and perform one of several field sobriety tests (FSTs). These are quick exercises for the driver, intended to indicate whether or not he/she is intoxicated. Even if an FST is not performed, the officer is likely to perform a chemical test, which more accurately indicates sobriety or insobriety. A breathalyzer may be used at the initial traffic stop, or the suspect may be taken back to the station for a blood or urine test.
Driving under the influence is known as DUI. It is a law that forbids driving motor vehicles while drunk. Any person who drives a vehicle with .8 alcohol concentration in his blood level is likely to be charged with DUI. Driving while intoxicated (DWI) and operating while intoxicated (OWI) are the other terms used to describe driving under the influence. DUI includes drugs as well as alcohol. The suspicion of driving while under the influence of drugs may be proper grounds for a charge of DUI. If the law enforcement officer suspects a person driving under the influence after the person stops (based on smell of alcohol or drugs etc.) the person can be arrested for DUI. In addition to mandatory license revocation, state statutes are increasingly giving courts the discretionary power to suspend the DUI offender’s vehicle registration, or even, in some circumstances, to impound the convicted DUI offender's vehicle. Where allowed, actual impoundment rarely occurs and when it does, is of relatively short duration.

DUI is a serious criminal offense. Generally the penalties include suspension of license for a period of time besides probation or prison term. You may also be required to pay fines and fees. Factors like if anyone was hurt or killed, if a child was in the car and if you have prior DUI convictions play an important role in determining the penalty for driving under the influence. Our DUI and Criminal Defense attorneys are based in Augusta, GA (Georgia). If you have been charged with DUI in Augusta, GA (Georgia) or anywhere throughout the CSRA, including Columbia County, Richmond County, Lincoln County, McDuffie, Jefferson and Burke Counties, Evans, Appling, Waynesboro, Louisville, Thomson, Lincolnton, Girard Georgia & Aiken, South Carolina & North Augusta SC, contact us.
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Augusta GA DUI Lawyer Criminal Defense Attorney

Drug charges, assault, homicide, murder, speeding, no insurance, battery, aggravated assault, child molestation, sex crimes, rape, premeditated murder, larceny theft, child porn, robbery, burglary, fraud, embezzlement, military offenses, and other Crimes in Georgia.

Drunk driving defense lawyer Augusta GA - Evans GA and Criminal Attorney in Richmond & Columbia County.

DUI Lawyer GA - Georgia

2009-10-27T23:09:00.002-04:00

DUI Lawyer GA - Georgia

In all cases, if you are driving under the influence of alcohol, there is a good chance that you will lose your license, serve time in prison and serve a lengthy probation period. The charge could also affect future employment. DUI laws are quite complex, and offenders generally seek assistance of a competent and experienced lawyer to help them out.
Driver’s license restriction is one of the most common punishments for DUI conviction. Statutory chapters that set guidelines for the granting of driver’s licenses generally also provide the circumstances under which they can be revoked. With such statutes in place, license revocations have primarily become a simple state administrative agency matter, occurring automatically upon conviction of a DUI offense. If the person is convicted for DUI then the penalties vary from state to state, and largely depend on the circumstances of the offense. Suspension/revocation of license, fine, and imprisonment, and minimum sentences for a first, second or third convictions are some of the means of penalizing DUI offenders.
Across the USA, the most common crime booked in a year, by far, is DUI. Driving while intoxicated is no minor matter. A person can get anything from a warning to jail time. DUI can start as a misdemeanor and escalate into a felonious crime by degree; however, no matter what degree of culpability you face, DUI can turn your world upside-down. But a DUI charge must be proved in a court of law.
DUI is a serious criminal offense. Generally the penalties include suspension of license for a period of time besides probation or prison term. You may also be required to pay fines and fees. Factors like if anyone was hurt or killed, if a child was in the car and if you have prior DUI convictions play an important role in determining the penalty for driving under the influence. Our DUI and Criminal Defense attorneys are based in Augusta, GA (Georgia). If you have been charged with DUI in Augusta, GA (Georgia) or anywhere throughout the CSRA, including Columbia County, Richmond County, Lincoln County, McDuffie, Jefferson and Burke Counties, Evans, Appling, Waynesboro, Louisville, Thomson, Lincolnton, Girard Georgia & Aiken, South Carolina & North Augusta SC, contact us.
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Augusta GA DUI Lawyer Criminal Defense Attorney

Drug charges, assault, homicide, murder, speeding, no insurance, battery, aggravated assault, child molestation, sex crimes, rape, premeditated murder, larceny theft, child porn, robbery, burglary, fraud, embezzlement, military offenses, and other Crimes in Georgia.

Drunk driving defense lawyer Augusta GA - Evans GA and Criminal Attorney in Richmond & Columbia County.

DUI lawyer Augusta GA – GA Criminal Lawyer

2009-10-27T23:09:00.000-04:00

DUI lawyer Augusta GA – GA Criminal Lawyer
While driving under the influence is regarded as a serious offense in almost all states, the punishment generally depends upon the DUI statute in the state. If you are charged with driving under the influence, blood and urine levels are first tested. Also, a breath test is administered. If it is proved that your blood alcohol content is above the legal limit set by the state’s statute, you will be arrested. In some states, if any one is proved to have a breath test of .08 or higher, they are said to be under the influence of alcohol. It is a vehicle operators' responsibility to know the driving laws, in effect, in the state in which they drive. Driving laws are fluid and change with time. There is currently a trend in the US for DUI laws to be made more strict. Drinking ages have gone up while alcohol blood levels have gone down. First time offenses have gone from a warning or insignificant punishment to jail time and heavy fines across the US.
DUI lawyers specialize in DUI cases and know the very best ways to contest DUI charges in each state. DUI is regarded as one of the most expensive driving offences. It is estimated that in the US, about half a million people are affected by DUI-related road accidents, thereby costing taxpayers more than 114 billion dollars. Loss of driver’s license, local incarceration, house arrest, hefty fines and vehicle impoundments are some of the after effects of driving under the influence of alcohol.

DUI is a serious criminal offense. Generally the penalties include suspension of license for a period of time besides probation or prison term. You may also be required to pay fines and fees. Factors like if anyone was hurt or killed, if a child was in the car and if you have prior DUI convictions play an important role in determining the penalty for driving under the influence. Our DUI and Criminal Defense attorneys are based in Augusta, GA (Georgia). If you have been charged with DUI in Augusta, GA (Georgia) or anywhere throughout the CSRA, including Columbia County, Richmond County, Lincoln County, McDuffie, Jefferson and Burke Counties, Evans, Appling, Waynesboro, Louisville, Thomson, Lincolnton, Girard Georgia & Aiken, South Carolina & North Augusta SC, contact us.
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Augusta GA DUI Lawyer Criminal Defense Attorney

Drug charges, assault, homicide, murder, speeding, no insurance, battery, aggravated assault, child molestation, sex crimes, rape, premeditated murder, larceny theft, child porn, robbery, burglary, fraud, embezzlement, military offenses, and other Crimes in Georgia.

Drunk driving defense lawyer Augusta GA - Evans GA and Criminal Attorney in Richmond & Columbia County.

Augusta Georgia DUI – GA DUI Lawyer

2009-10-27T23:08:00.001-04:00

Augusta Georgia DUI – GA DUI Lawyer

Across the USA, the most common crime booked in a year, by far, is DUI. Driving while intoxicated is no minor matter. A person can get anything from a warning to jail time. DUI can start as a misdemeanor and escalate into a felonious crime by degree; however, no matter what degree of culpability you face, DUI can turn your world upside-down. But a DUI charge must be proved in a court of law.
When a police officer pulls a car over on suspicion of DUI, he may ask for ordinary credentials, including license and registration. The officer may ask the person to step out of the car and perform one of several field sobriety tests (FSTs). These are quick exercises for the driver, intended to indicate whether or not he/she is intoxicated. Even if an FST is not performed, the officer is likely to perform a chemical test, which more accurately indicates sobriety or insobriety. A breathalyzer may be used at the initial traffic stop, or the suspect may be taken back to the station for a blood or urine test.
Standard field sobriety testing is inaccurate in healthy individuals, the one-leg stand test is only 65% accurate, and the walk-and-turn test is only 68% accurate in determining if a person is under the influence. Those persons with injuries, medical conditions, 50 pounds or greater overweight, and 65 years or older cannot be validly judged by these tests.
DUI is a serious criminal offense. Generally the penalties include suspension of license for a period of time besides probation or prison term. You may also be required to pay fines and fees. Factors like if anyone was hurt or killed, if a child was in the car and if you have prior DUI convictions play an important role in determining the penalty for driving under the influence. Our DUI and Criminal Defense attorneys are based in Augusta, GA (Georgia). If you have been charged with DUI in Augusta, GA (Georgia) or anywhere throughout the CSRA, including Columbia County, Richmond County, Lincoln County, McDuffie, Jefferson and Burke Counties, Evans, Appling, Waynesboro, Louisville, Thomson, Lincolnton, Girard Georgia & Aiken, South Carolina & North Augusta SC, contact us.
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Augusta GA DUI Lawyer Criminal Defense Attorney

Drug charges, assault, homicide, murder, speeding, no insurance, battery, aggravated assault, child molestation, sex crimes, rape, premeditated murder, larceny theft, child porn, robbery, burglary, fraud, embezzlement, military offenses, and other Crimes in Georgia.

Drunk driving defense lawyer Augusta GA - Evans GA and Criminal Attorney in Richmond & Columbia County.

DUI Lawyer Athens Georgia - GA

2009-10-27T23:05:00.001-04:00

DUI Lawyer Athens Georgia
Both DUI and DWI are acronyms for other sets of words which are driving while intoxicated and driving under the influence. DWI or driving while intoxicated is the more severe of the two types of charges that you could receive. A DWI means that you are above the legal intoxication limit. This means that when the police pull you over, they will most likely give you some type of breathalyzer test in order to measure your BAC. BAC or Blood Alcohol Concentration is the amount of blood to alcohol you have in your system at the moment that you take the test. The legal BAC in the state of Georgia is .08%. If you are above this BAC then you are considered legally drunk by the state of Georgia and will be arrested if you are pulled over and tested. If you are arrested for a DWI, your license is automatically suspended because you are driving while over the legal limit in Georgia.
In most jurisdictions in US and around the world it is not a simple offense it is considered criminal. This is because of the fact that when you are issued a license you clear a written exam which includes full hand knowledge of the problems that happen due to DUI. Moreover this is dangerous to the unsuspecting motorists and pedestrians whose only fault is being in the wrong place at the wrong time. DUI is often fatal. Your license may be permanently revoked.

We are based in Athens, GA (Georgia). Our DUI and Criminal Defense Attorneys can help you if you have been charged with DUI or other crimes in Athens, Watkinsville, Carnesville, Elberton, Homer, Jefferson, Danielsville, Lexington, Hartwell, Winder, and Clarke County, Oconee County, Elbert County, Franklin County, Banks County, Jackson County, Madison County, Hart County, Barrow County and Oglethorpe County, Ben Epps Airport, University of Georgia (UGA), Piedmont Judicial Circuit, Northern Judicial Circuit and Athens-Clarke County.
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Augusta GA DUI Lawyer Criminal Defense Attorney

Drug charges, assault, homicide, murder, speeding, no insurance, battery, aggravated assault, child molestation, sex crimes, rape, premeditated murder, larceny theft, child porn, robbery, burglary, fraud, embezzlement, military offenses, and other Crimes in Georgia.

Drunk driving defense lawyer Augusta GA - Evans GA and Criminal Attorney in Richmond & Columbia County.

DUI Augusta GA

2009-10-25T22:02:00.001-04:00

DUI Augusta GA

When a police officer pulls a car over on suspicion of DUI, he may ask for ordinary credentials, including license and registration. The officer may ask the person to step out of the car and perform one of several field sobriety tests (FSTs). These are quick exercises for the driver, intended to indicate whether or not he/she is intoxicated. Even if an FST is not performed, the officer is likely to perform a chemical test, which more accurately indicates sobriety or insobriety. A breathalyzer may be used at the initial traffic stop, or the suspect may be taken back to the station for a blood or urine test.
Driving under the influence is known as DUI. It is a law that forbids driving motor vehicles while drunk. Any person who drives a vehicle with .8 alcohol concentration in his blood level is likely to be charged with DUI. Driving while intoxicated (DWI) and operating while intoxicated (OWI) are the other terms used to describe driving under the influence. DUI includes drugs as well as alcohol. The suspicion of driving while under the influence of drugs may be proper grounds for a charge of DUI. If the law enforcement officer suspects a person driving under the influence after the person stops (based on smell of alcohol or drugs etc.) the person can be arrested for DUI. In addition to mandatory license revocation, state statutes are increasingly giving courts the discretionary power to suspend the DUI offender’s vehicle registration, or even, in some circumstances, to impound the convicted DUI offender's vehicle. Where allowed, actual impoundment rarely occurs and when it does, is of relatively short duration.

DUI is a serious criminal offense. Generally the penalties include suspension of license for a period of time besides probation or prison term. You may also be required to pay fines and fees. Factors like if anyone was hurt or killed, if a child was in the car and if you have prior DUI convictions play an important role in determining the penalty for driving under the influence. Our DUI and Criminal Defense attorneys are based in Augusta, GA (Georgia). If you have been charged with DUI in Augusta, GA (Georgia) or anywhere throughout the CSRA, including Columbia County, Richmond County, Lincoln County, McDuffie, Jefferson and Burke Counties, Evans, Appling, Waynesboro, Louisville, Thomson, Lincolnton, Girard Georgia , contact us.
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Augusta GA DUI Lawyer Criminal Defense Attorney

Drug charges, assault, homicide, murder, speeding, no insurance, battery, aggravated assault, child molestation, sex crimes, rape, premeditated murder, larceny theft, child porn, robbery, burglary, fraud, embezzlement, military offenses, and other Crimes in Georgia.

Drunk driving defense lawyer Augusta GA - Evans GA and Criminal Attorney in Richmond & Columbia County.

Augusta Georgia GA DUI Attorney

2009-10-25T22:01:00.002-04:00

Augusta Georgia GA DUI Attorney

In all cases, if you are driving under the influence of alcohol, there is a good chance that you will lose your license, serve time in prison and serve a lengthy probation period. The charge could also affect future employment. DUI laws are quite complex, and offenders generally seek assistance of a competent and experienced lawyer to help them out.
Driver’s license restriction is one of the most common punishments for DUI conviction. Statutory chapters that set guidelines for the granting of driver’s licenses generally also provide the circumstances under which they can be revoked. With such statutes in place, license revocations have primarily become a simple state administrative agency matter, occurring automatically upon conviction of a DUI offense. If the person is convicted for DUI then the penalties vary from state to state, and largely depend on the circumstances of the offense. Suspension/revocation of license, fine, and imprisonment, and minimum sentences for a first, second or third convictions are some of the means of penalizing DUI offenders.
Across the USA, the most common crime booked in a year, by far, is DUI. Driving while intoxicated is no minor matter. A person can get anything from a warning to jail time. DUI can start as a misdemeanor and escalate into a felonious crime by degree; however, no matter what degree of culpability you face, DUI can turn your world upside-down. But a DUI charge must be proved in a court of law.
DUI is a serious criminal offense. Generally the penalties include suspension of license for a period of time besides probation or prison term. You may also be required to pay fines and fees. Factors like if anyone was hurt or killed, if a child was in the car and if you have prior DUI convictions play an important role in determining the penalty for driving under the influence. Our DUI and Criminal Defense attorneys are based in Augusta, GA (Georgia). If you have been charged with DUI in Augusta, GA (Georgia) or anywhere throughout the CSRA, including Columbia County, Richmond County, Lincoln County, McDuffie, Jefferson and Burke Counties, Evans, Appling, Waynesboro, Louisville, Thomson, Lincolnton, Girard Georgia , contact us.
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Augusta GA DUI Lawyer Criminal Defense Attorney

Drug charges, assault, homicide, murder, speeding, no insurance, battery, aggravated assault, child molestation, sex crimes, rape, premeditated murder, larceny theft, child porn, robbery, burglary, fraud, embezzlement, military offenses, and other Crimes in Georgia.

Drunk driving defense lawyer Augusta GA - Evans GA and Criminal Attorney in Richmond & Columbia County.

Augusta GA Georgia DUI Lawyer

2009-10-25T22:00:00.003-04:00

Augusta GA Georgia DUI Lawyer
While driving under the influence is regarded as a serious offense in almost all states, the punishment generally depends upon the DUI statute in the state. If you are charged with driving under the influence, blood and urine levels are first tested. Also, a breath test is administered. If it is proved that your blood alcohol content is above the legal limit set by the state’s statute, you will be arrested. In some states, if any one is proved to have a breath test of .08 or higher, they are said to be under the influence of alcohol. It is a vehicle operators' responsibility to know the driving laws, in effect, in the state in which they drive. Driving laws are fluid and change with time. There is currently a trend in the US for DUI laws to be made more strict. Drinking ages have gone up while alcohol blood levels have gone down. First time offenses have gone from a warning or insignificant punishment to jail time and heavy fines across the US.
DUI lawyers specialize in DUI cases and know the very best ways to contest DUI charges in each state. DUI is regarded as one of the most expensive driving offences. It is estimated that in the US, about half a million people are affected by DUI-related road accidents, thereby costing taxpayers more than 114 billion dollars. Loss of driver’s license, local incarceration, house arrest, hefty fines and vehicle impoundments are some of the after effects of driving under the influence of alcohol.

DUI is a serious criminal offense. Generally the penalties include suspension of license for a period of time besides probation or prison term. You may also be required to pay fines and fees. Factors like if anyone was hurt or killed, if a child was in the car and if you have prior DUI convictions play an important role in determining the penalty for driving under the influence. Our DUI and Criminal Defense attorneys are based in Augusta, GA (Georgia). If you have been charged with DUI in Augusta, GA (Georgia) or anywhere throughout the CSRA, including Columbia County, Richmond County, Lincoln County, McDuffie, Jefferson and Burke Counties, Evans, Appling, Waynesboro, Louisville, Thomson, Lincolnton, Girard Georgia , contact us.
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Augusta GA DUI Lawyer Criminal Defense Attorney

Drug charges, assault, homicide, murder, speeding, no insurance, battery, aggravated assault, child molestation, sex crimes, rape, premeditated murder, larceny theft, child porn, robbery, burglary, fraud, embezzlement, military offenses, and other Crimes in Georgia.

Drunk driving defense lawyer Augusta GA - Evans GA and Criminal Attorney in Richmond & Columbia County.

Richmond County GA DUI Lawyer – Georgia DUI

2009-10-25T22:00:00.000-04:00

Richmond County GA DUI Lawyer – Georgia DUI
Across the USA, the most common crime booked in a year, by far, is DUI. Driving while intoxicated is no minor matter. A person can get anything from a warning to jail time. DUI can start as a misdemeanor and escalate into a felonious crime by degree; however, no matter what degree of culpability you face, DUI can turn your world upside-down. But a DUI charge must be proved in a court of law.
When a police officer pulls a car over on suspicion of DUI, he may ask for ordinary credentials, including license and registration. The officer may ask the person to step out of the car and perform one of several field sobriety tests (FSTs). These are quick exercises for the driver, intended to indicate whether or not he/she is intoxicated. Even if an FST is not performed, the officer is likely to perform a chemical test, which more accurately indicates sobriety or insobriety. A breathalyzer may be used at the initial traffic stop, or the suspect may be taken back to the station for a blood or urine test.
Standard field sobriety testing is inaccurate in healthy individuals, the one-leg stand test is only 65% accurate, and the walk-and-turn test is only 68% accurate in determining if a person is under the influence. Those persons with injuries, medical conditions, 50 pounds or greater overweight, and 65 years or older cannot be validly judged by these tests.
DUI is a serious criminal offense. Generally the penalties include suspension of license for a period of time besides probation or prison term. You may also be required to pay fines and fees. Factors like if anyone was hurt or killed, if a child was in the car and if you have prior DUI convictions play an important role in determining the penalty for driving under the influence. Our DUI and Criminal Defense attorneys are based in Augusta, GA (Georgia). If you have been charged with DUI in Augusta, GA (Georgia) or anywhere throughout the CSRA, including Columbia County, Richmond County, Lincoln County, McDuffie, Jefferson and Burke Counties, Evans, Appling, Waynesboro, Louisville, Thomson, Lincolnton, Girard Georgia , contact us.

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Augusta GA DUI Lawyer Criminal Defense Attorney

Drug charges, assault, homicide, murder, speeding, no insurance, battery, aggravated assault, child molestation, sex crimes, rape, premeditated murder, larceny theft, child porn, robbery, burglary, fraud, embezzlement, military offenses, and other Crimes in Georgia.

Drunk driving defense lawyer Augusta GA - Evans GA and Criminal Attorney in Richmond & Columbia County.

DUI Lawyer Augusta GA - Georgia

2009-10-22T23:00:00.002-04:00

DUI Lawyer Augusta GA - Georgia

In Georgia, the Intoxilyzer 5000 is the most commonly used device a driver’s blood alcohol content. The results although considered accurate can be affected by body temperature, electrical currents, breath sprays, and other conditions including the condition of the device and the officer’s training in using the device.

"Mouth alcohol" refers to the existence of any alcohol in the mouth or esophagus. If this is present during a breath test, then the results will be falsely high. This is because the breath machine assumes that the breath is from the lungs; for complex physiological reasons, its internal computer multiplies the amount of alcohol by 2100. Thus, even a tiny amount of alcohol breathed directly into the machine from the mouth or throat can have a huge impact. Mouth alcohol can be caused in many ways. Belching, burping, hiccups or vomiting within 20 minutes of taking the test can bring vapor from alcoholic beverages still in the stomach up into the mouth and throat. Taking a breath freshener can send a machine's reading way up (such products as Binaca and Listerine have alcohol in them); cough syrups and other products also contain alcohol. Dental bridges and dental caps can trap alcohol. Blood in the mouth from an injury is yet another source of inaccurate breath test results: breathed into the mouthpiece, any alcohol in the blood will be multiplied 2100 times.

Our DUI and Criminal Defense attorneys are based in Augusta, GA (Georgia). If you have been charged with DUI in Augusta, GA (Georgia) or anywhere throughout the CSRA, including Columbia County, Richmond County, Lincoln County, McDuffie, Jefferson and Burke Counties, Evans, Appling, Waynesboro, Louisville, Thomson, Lincolnton, Girard Georgia & Aiken, South Carolina & North Augusta SC, contact us.
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Augusta GA DUI Lawyer Criminal Defense Attorney

Drug charges, assault, homicide, murder, speeding, no insurance, battery, aggravated assault, child molestation, sex crimes, rape, premeditated murder, larceny theft, child porn, robbery, burglary, fraud, embezzlement, military offenses, and other Crimes in Georgia.

Drunk driving defense lawyer Augusta GA - Evans GA and Criminal Attorney in Richmond & Columbia County.

Richmond County GA DUI Defense Lawyer – Georgia Blood Alcohol Tests

2009-10-19T09:40:00.002-04:00

Richmond County GA DUI Defense Lawyer – Georgia Blood Alcohol Tests

In Georgia, the Intoxilyzer 5000 is the most commonly used device a driver’s blood alcohol content. The results although considered accurate can be affected by body temperature, electrical currents, breath sprays, and other conditions including the condition of the device and the officer’s training in using the device.

"Mouth alcohol" refers to the existence of any alcohol in the mouth or esophagus. If this is present during a breath test, then the results will be falsely high. This is because the breath machine assumes that the breath is from the lungs; for complex physiological reasons, its internal computer multiplies the amount of alcohol by 2100. Thus, even a tiny amount of alcohol breathed directly into the machine from the mouth or throat can have a huge impact. Mouth alcohol can be caused in many ways. Belching, burping, hiccups or vomiting within 20 minutes of taking the test can bring vapor from alcoholic beverages still in the stomach up into the mouth and throat. Taking a breath freshener can send a machine's reading way up (such products as Binaca and Listerine have alcohol in them); cough syrups and other products also contain alcohol. Dental bridges and dental caps can trap alcohol. Blood in the mouth from an injury is yet another source of inaccurate breath test results: breathed into the mouthpiece, any alcohol in the blood will be multiplied 2100 times.

Our DUI and Criminal Defense attorneys are based in Augusta, GA (Georgia). If you have been charged with DUI in Augusta, GA (Georgia) or anywhere throughout the CSRA, including Columbia County, Richmond County, Lincoln County, McDuffie, Jefferson and Burke Counties, Evans, Appling, Waynesboro, Louisville, Thomson, Lincolnton, Girard Georgia & Aiken, South Carolina & North Augusta SC, contact us.
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Augusta GA DUI Lawyer Criminal Defense Attorney

Drug charges, assault, homicide, murder, speeding, no insurance, battery, aggravated assault, child molestation, sex crimes, rape, premeditated murder, larceny theft, child porn, robbery, burglary, fraud, embezzlement, military offenses, and other Crimes in Georgia.

Drunk driving defense lawyer Augusta GA - Evans GA and Criminal Attorney in Richmond & Columbia County.

ALS Hearings – DUI in Augusta GA and Richmond County Georgia

2009-10-15T19:48:00.002-04:00

ALS Hearings – DUI in Augusta GA and Richmond County Georgia

It is unlawful to have an excessive blood-alcohol content (BAC) at the time of DRIVING - not at the time of being TESTED. Since it takes between 45 minutes and 3 hours for alcohol to be absorbed into the system, an individual's BAC may continue to rise for some time after he is stopped and arrested. Commonly, it is an hour or more after the stop when the blood, breath or urine test is given to the suspect. Assume that the result is .10%. If the suspect has continued to absorb alcohol since he was stopped, his BAC at the time he was driving may have been only .07%. In other words, the test result shows a blood-alcohol concentration above the legal limit - but his actual BAC AT THE TIME OF DRIVING was below.

In Georgia driving with a blood alcohol content of .08 or above is considered under driving influence. The permitted level for minor drivers is .02. For commercial drivers, the limit is .04. Anyone with a blood alcohol level of .15 or more may be subject to higher penalties.

DUI is a serious criminal offense. Generally the penalties include suspension of license for a period of time besides probation or prison term. Our DUI and Criminal Defense attorneys are based in Augusta, GA (Georgia). If you have been charged with DUI in Augusta, GA (Georgia) or anywhere throughout the CSRA, including Columbia County, Richmond County, Lincoln County, McDuffie, Jefferson and Burke Counties, Evans, Appling, Waynesboro, Louisville, Thomson, Lincolnton, Girard Georgia & Aiken, South Carolina & North Augusta SC, contact us.
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Augusta GA DUI Lawyer Criminal Defense Attorney

Drug charges, assault, homicide, murder, speeding, no insurance, battery, aggravated assault, child molestation, sex crimes, rape, premeditated murder, larceny theft, child porn, robbery, burglary, fraud, embezzlement, military offenses, and other Crimes in Georgia.

Drunk driving defense lawyer Augusta GA - Evans GA and Criminal Attorney in Richmond & Columbia County.

Aiken South Carolina - Woman gets year for fatal hit and run

2009-10-14T15:15:00.000-04:00

Woman gets year for fatal hit, run

9/23/2009 8:12 PM

By MIKE GELLATLY
Staff writer

An Aiken County woman who was involved in a fatal wreck, fled the scene and lied to police in an attempt to cover up her crime was sentenced Wednesday to one year in jail.

Ginger Carpenter of Warrenville was set for trial this week on charges of leaving the scene of an accident involving a death. Instead of facing up to a possible 25 years in jail at trial, she pleaded guilty and was given the minimum sentence.

Flanked in court by her attorney and about a dozen friends and church members, Carpenter spoke in barely audible tones to Judge Markley Dennis Jr.

The solicitor's office had negotiated a sentence of between one and five years for the crime, Dennis, swayed by the church support behind Carpenter, said "for everything I have heard, this case merits the minimum sentence."

This is a no parole offense, so the defendant must complete more than 10 months before she is eligible for parole.

On May 22, 2008, at about 1 a.m., two collisions happened on Storm Branch Road in Aiken County. Two motorcycles had a minor accident. Then, shortly afterward, Carpenter's 1997 Ford Exhibition hit James Alan Cohrs of Rita Court in North Augusta, killing him.

According to testimony, the victim's blood was later discovered on the offending vehicle, and his heart and other organs were found outside of his body.

At the time, law enforcement said it appeared as if Carpenter's vehicle struck a Harley Davidson driven by Michael Younts, 48, of Coventry Court in North Augusta and then drove 100 yards and struck the Harley Davidson that Cohrs was driving.

Part of Carpenter's car were left behind from the impact, and her vehicle type was identified.

The next day, after a plea from law enforcement, someone called police with information that Carpenter's vehicle had been damaged. She was arrested later that day.

If the case had come to trial, it was said in court it would have come down to a "battle of the experts," according to Carpenter's attorney.

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Augusta GA DUI Lawyer Criminal Defense Attorney

Drug charges, assault, homicide, murder, speeding, no insurance, battery, aggravated assault, child molestation, sex crimes, rape, premeditated murder, larceny theft, child porn, robbery, burglary, fraud, embezzlement, military offenses, and other Crimes in Georgia.

Drunk driving defense lawyer Augusta GA - Evans GA and Criminal Attorney in Richmond & Columbia County.

DUI Field Sobriety Tests: Augusta Georgia Drunk Driving Attorney

2009-10-10T22:27:00.002-04:00

DUI Field Sobriety Tests: Augusta Georgia Drunk Driving Attorney

The “horizontal gaze nystagmus” is a form of field sobriety test. The Field Sobriety Test is a battery of tests administered and evaluated in a standardized manner to obtain validated indicators of impairment and establish probable cause for arrest. These are supposedly tests that are designed to check "divided attention", a critical skill in operating a motor vehicle.

The "horizontal gaze nystagmus" test, a relatively recent development in DUI investigation. The officer attempts to estimate the angle at which the eye begins to jerk ("nystagmus" is medical jargon for eye jerking); if this occurs sooner than 45 degrees, it theoretically indicates an excessive blood-alcohol concentration. The smoothness of the eye's tracking the penlight (or finger or pencil) is also a factor, as is the jerking when the eye is as far to the side as it can go. This field sobriety test has proven to be subject to a number of different problems, not the least of which is the non-medically trained officer's ability to recognize nystagmus and estimate the angle of onset. Because of this, and the fact that the test is not accepted by the medical community, it is not admissible as evidence in many states; it continues, however, to be widely used by law enforcement.

Our DUI and Criminal Defense attorneys are based in Augusta, GA (Georgia). If you have been charged with DUI in Augusta, GA (Georgia) or anywhere throughout the CSRA, including Columbia County, Richmond County, Lincoln County, McDuffie, Jefferson and Burke Counties, Evans, Appling, Waynesboro, Louisville, Thomson, Lincolnton, Girard Georgia & Aiken, South Carolina & North Augusta SC, contact us.

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Augusta GA DUI Lawyer Criminal Defense Attorney

Drug charges, assault, homicide, murder, speeding, no insurance, battery, aggravated assault, child molestation, sex crimes, rape, premeditated murder, larceny theft, child porn, robbery, burglary, fraud, embezzlement, military offenses, and other Crimes in Georgia.

Drunk driving defense lawyer Augusta GA - Evans GA and Criminal Attorney in Richmond & Columbia County.