A DUI conviction in Georgia can carry serious legal consequences, even for a first offense. A convicted drunk driver could have his or her license suspended, the individual could be sentenced to serve time behind bars, and the individual could be required to pay a hefty fine.
A DUI conviction can also be quite embarrassing, especially when one’s case is highly publicized. In some situations, individuals who have been convicted of drunk driving could even lose their jobs. According to the Athens Banner-Herald, a jail deputy in Georgia is currently at risk of losing her job after she was arrested last week for driving drunk. The woman is employed by the Walton County Sheriff’s Office.
The woman was arrested on July 22 after she was pulled over by police in Oconee County. According to reports, police had conducted the traffic stop in response to an earlier call about a domestic disturbance incident that had allegedly involved the woman.
During the traffic stop, an officer noted that he could smell alcohol on the woman’s breath. The jail deputy was arrested after police conducted field sobriety tests.
After a drunk driving arrest, it is important that Athens residents consider learning more about their rights and defense options by speaking with an attorney. After thoroughly investigating one’s arrest and analyzing the facts of one’s case, an attorney may be able to devise a unique and aggressive defense strategy to help a defendant avoid a conviction or to help minimize the impact and consequences of a conviction.
Source: Loganville-GraysonPatch, “Walton County Deputy Charged With DUI,” Sharon Swanepoel, July 26, 2012