What Georgia Law Has to Say about DUI Child Endangerment
If you are in Georgia and you drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs with a child under the age of 14 in your car, you can be charged with two separate offenses: DUI and DUI Child Endangerment. Every child in the vehicle will count as a separate charge, each with its own punishment. The repercussions could be life-altering regarding both the legal penalties and the permanent effect on your future. When facing these charges, it is crucial to secure the support of a knowledgeable Georgia Defense attorney.
That said, if you’re interested in learning more about what Georgia law has to say about DUI Child Endangerment, keep reading:
What Georgia Law Has to Say about DUI Child Endangerment
Driving under the influence (DUI) of drugs or alcohol is a serious offense. But the consequences are even more severe when a person is caught driving while under the influence with a child in the vehicle. This is because DUI child endangerment is a distinct offense with its own set of laws and penalties.
It is illegal to drive while under the influence of drugs or alcohol with a child in the vehicle. The driver can be charged with DUI child endangerment if they are found while operating a motor vehicle impaired, with any child under the age of 14 who is in the vehicle is considered in danger.
The penalties for DUI child endangerment can be quite severe. Depending on the number of offenses, they could be fined up to $5,000 and/or face up to 5 years in prison. These penalties are in addition to any punishments for the DUI charge itself.
In addition to the legal penalties, the driver may also face other consequences. For example, the driver may lose their job due to the conviction or may be unable to find employment due to the stigma associated with DUI child endangerment.
How to Defend against DUI Child Endangerment
If you have been charged with DUI child endangerment in Georgia, the first thing you should do is contact an experienced DUI attorney. An experienced lawyer can help you understand the charges and the potential penalties you face. Your attorney can also advise you on the best defense strategy for your particular case.
When defending against DUI child endangerment charges, the most important thing to remember is that the burden of proof is on the prosecution. To secure a conviction, the prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the accused was indeed driving under the influence and that a minor was present in the vehicle.
When constructing your defense, your attorney may look for evidence that undermines the prosecution’s case. This could include evidence that the accused was not driving, that the minor was not present in the vehicle, or that the accused was not under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the incident. Additionally, the attorney may look for evidence that the accused was given an unfair sobriety test or was denied the right to an attorney.
Finally, it is important to remember that DUI child endangerment is a serious charge and that the consequences of a conviction can be severe. Being aware of what may come your way helps you and your lawyer to better plan a defense to reduce or even eliminate the consequences outright.
Conclusion
DUI Child Endangerment is nothing to scoff at, and while it is unfortunate that many children are subject to the dangers of DUI, people who are innocent of such charges must be ready to defend themselves or face life-long consequences. So, if you or someone you know has been accused of DUI child endangerment, it is important to seek the assistance of an experienced DUI attorney as soon as possible. An experienced attorney can help you understand the charges and the potential defenses available to you. With the help of an experienced attorney, you can ensure that your rights are protected and that you get the best outcome possible.
Hanks, Ballard & Barth is a law firm offering expert attorneys that are ready to assist in various areas of practice. If you are looking for the best criminal lawyer in Georgia to help you with your case, work with us today!
