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Cobb County Criminal Defense Lawyer / Blog / DUI / Over Thanksgiving, 425 People Charged on Suspicion of DUI; 6 Fatal Traffic Incidents in Cobb County

Over Thanksgiving, 425 People Charged on Suspicion of DUI; 6 Fatal Traffic Incidents in Cobb County

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The Thanksgiving holiday travel period resulted in the deaths of 17 people and injuries to nearly 265 people throughout the State of Georgia. In addition, more than 425 people were charged on suspicion of driving under the influence, the Georgia State Patrol said in its latest report. Seventeen fatal crashes occurred this holiday travel period between November 27 and December 1, state patrol reported. Police departments in Cobb County said that 6 fatal accidents were reported. Counties including Columbus, DeKalb, Dougherty, Lawrenceville, Richmond, Roswell, and Sandy Springs also reported fatal crashes, Georgia State Police said.

While the number of fatalities over Thanksgiving went down this year by six, the number of individuals charged with driving under the influence escalated by 75. In total, more than 540 traffic accidents occurred during this year’s Thanksgiving travel period, leaving 265 people injured according to Georgia State Police.

More than 22,550 traffic stops were made, and at least 12,040 traffic citations were given. That represents a significant increase from 2023 data. These included 910 citations for failing to wear a seatbelt, 215 child restraint citations, and at least 730 distracted driving citations. 17,330 warnings were given by Georgia State Police.

What happens after a DUI arrest in Cobb County? 

Being arrested for DUI triggers a series of legal and administrative penalties that include:

  • License suspension – If you either refuse a breathalyzer test or your blood alcohol content exceeds the legal limit of .08, your driver’s license can be suspended.
  • Criminal charges – You will be formally charged under OCGA 40-6-391 which carries significant penalties such as fines, jail time, community service, and mandatory DUI classes.
  • Court appearances – You will be required to appear in court to answer to the charges against you.

A DUI conviction comes with serious consequences. These include:

  • Hefty fines and paying for court costs
  • Jail time (depends on the severity of the offense or your prior convictions for DUI)
  • Suspension or revocation of your driver’s license
  • Increased car insurance payments
  • A permanent criminal record

What if this is your second DUI conviction?

 If this is your second DUI conviction in the last five years, you can expect that your driver’s license will be suspended for a period of 18 months. For the first four months of the suspension, you will not be eligible for a limited driving permit. In other words, you won’t be able to drive for at least 4 months. After the first four months, you may be issued a limited permit if you’re willing to install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle. After the full 18 months, you will be able to reinstate your permanent license if you have completed a substance abuse evaluation and the recommended treatment.

Talk to a Smyrna, GA DUI Lawyer Today 

If you’ve been arrested over the Christmas/New Year’s holidays and charged with DUI, don’t just plead guilty to the offense. Have a Smyrna, GA DUI attorney handle your case for the best possible results. Call Andrew L. Schwartz, P.C. today to schedule an appointment and learn more about how we can help.

Source:

patch.com/georgia/atlanta/17-die-thanksgiving-ga-crashes-425-charged-dui-gsp

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