FAQs: Expert Answers from DUI Defense Attorney Ray Giudice
When you suddenly find yourself in need of DUI defense, you may be in a situation that is extremely confusing. Georgia DUI laws are strict and the courts can be overwhelming if you try to navigate them alone. You need a DUI defense attorney on your side to help you protect your rights.
- What is the cost of the initial consultation?
a. The initial consultation is free. - What if I live in a different state than Georgia?
a. We have a lot of clients who received a citation while on a business trip or vacation in Georgia. We can schedule phone conferences for you to discuss the details of your case and maintain communication via email to update you on the progress of your case. - Do I have to go to court on the date on my Ticket/Citation?
a. You may not have to appear on that date. We can let you know prior to your hearing whether or not your presence is necessary. - I just got a DUI and my license was taken away. Can I still drive?
a. Your driving privileges are not automatically suspended after your arrest. You are able to drive using your citations as your license. However, you must take further steps after your arrest to prevent your license from being suspended. A letter requesting a hearing (10 day letter) must be properly submitted in order to prevent the suspension of your driving privileges. - How do I get a copy of my driving history/Motor Vehicle Report (MVR)?
a. You can go to any DMV and request a driving history. You can also visit www.dds.ga.gov and use the link under online services to request an MVR. You must have your driver’s license number and license expiration date to be able to request the report online. - Will my auto insurance know about my arrest?
a. Unless you were involved in an accident, your auto insurance may not be notified of your Georgia DUI. - Will I lose my license due to my DUI arrest?
a. A DUI arrest will not automatically suspend your license; however, the arresting officer can submit a request to administratively suspend your driving privileges before your case even comes up in court. You will have only 10 business days from your DUI arrest date to act in order to avoid a DUI license suspension.
b. A conviction for DUI will suspend your license. - Will my employer find out about my arrest?
a. Your employer will not be notified of a DUI arrest, however we have all seen the internet sites that publish arrest photographs. In some smaller communities arrest information may even be published in local newspapers. If your employer has issued an employee handbook, a code of conduct, or written policy, DUI attorney Ray Giudice will assist you in reviewing the policy to ensure that you are in compliance. - Will I go to jail?
a. If you are convicted of a first time DUI, you face the possibility of a minimum of 24 hours to a maximum of 12 months in jail. Ray works aggressively and effectively to help his clients avoid jail time. A second DUI conviction in 10 years carries a mandatory minimum of 90 days of incarceration, however the Judge can suspend all but 72 hours of that time. A third DUI conviction in 10 years carries a minimum of 120 days in jail, however the judge can suspend all but 15 days in jail. If you are faced with a second DUI or more, you need an experienced and effective DUI lawyer like Ray working for you. - How long will it take to resolve my case?
a. In most Municipal Courts within the metropolitan Atlanta area (Alpharetta DUI, Roswell DUI, John’s Creek DUI, Sandy Springs DUI, Milton DUI, Brookhaven DUI, Decatur DUI, Lawrenceville DUI, Norcross DUI, Duluth DUI, Marietta DUI, Smyrna DUI, Kennesaw DUI) your case can be resolved within 90 to 120 days and the initial court date will be within 30 days of the arrest. In the City of Atlanta Municipal Court, Judge Christopher Ward has set a goal of resolving each case within 6 months. The initial court date is within 24-48 hours of your arrest, which in most cases is Monday morning. Ray is available in the evenings and throughout the weekend to meet in person, by telephone, or by email to start working on your case. He knows that every minute counts. - What happens to my professional license after my arrest?
(Medical, Insurance, Real Estate, SEC , Banking, Accounting)
a. In most cases, professional licenses are not immediately impacted by an arrest; however, you may be required to report the arrest to a licensing agency. In many cases the licensing agency is notified of a conviction or an arrest and an explanation of the events may be given. It is critical that you review any reporting requirements and be compliant. Many of our clients hold professional licenses and we have the experience and knowledge to assist you in maintaining a good standing. - Can a DUI affect my pending divorce or child custody case?
a. If you have a pending divorce or child custody case, a DUI could be used against you. You need an experienced DUI lawyer to start building your defense from the first day. Ray is available to immediately begin working on your case. - What if I have an out of state driver’s license?
a. The State of Georgia can only suspend your privilege to drive in the State of Georgia; however, Georgia Department of Driver’s Services (DDS) will report the suspension to the state that issued your license. In most cases, the issuing state will suspend your license until the Georgia suspension is resolved. The issuing state may also impose the suspension or conditions as if you had been convicted in your home state. - Can I get state-issued ID while I wait to get my license back?
a. Yes, you can go to any DDS (DMV) and request a picture ID. - How can I get in touch with my attorney?
a. Ray Giudice can always be reached on his cell phone, via text, and e-mail, even after hours. We also have an after hour answering service that will page Ray once you leave a message. Please visit the staff page for a complete list of phone numbers and e-mail addresses. - Where is your office located?
a. The physical address to our office 3455 Peachtree Road, Suite 780, Atlanta, GA 30326. We are located on the 7th floor of The Pinnacle building directly located across the street from Phipps Plaza on Peachtree Road. - Where do I park when I come for appointments?
a. There is a parking deck attached to our building with plenty of visitor parking available for your convenience. - Can I get to your office by Marta?
a. Yes, our office is located within walking distance of the Buckhead Marta station and Lenox Marta Station. Please visit www.itsmarta.com for more information.
For those in immediate need of a drunk driving attorney, contact DUI defense attorney Ray directly at (404) 964-4185, or call our office (404) 554-8800. We are ready to schedule your free consultation. Our phones are answered 24 hours a day, seven days a week.