The answer to that question is usually “yes” in the state of Georgia, unless the charges were dismissed or you were otherwise not prosecuted.
What that means is that if you plead guilty to a DUI, you will likely have a “criminal record” for the rest of your life. Having a criminal record can stand in the way of getting a job, qualifying for a loan or finding a place to live.
In fact, many potential employers, lenders and landlords run a background check during the application process and take your criminal record, including even just misdemeanor drunk driving charges, into account while making their decision.
For that reason, you want to do everything in your power to avoid a DUI conviction in the first place.
If you were charged with drunk driving after failing a field sobriety test or breathalyzer you may be thinking that your chances of beating the charges are slim to none. However, that’s not necessarily true.
It is often still possible to fight the charges or get the charges lowered because of problems with the evidence against you, the way the tests were administered or the traffic stop itself.
Only a skilled criminal defense attorney can hear the facts of your case and come up with all of the possible defenses.
Our firm takes a unique approach to DUI cases in that we try to win every single case. That’s because we know the negative effects criminal records have on our clients’ lives and we want to prevent them from happening.
Before pleading guilty, contact us for a free consultation. Your future self may thank you.