Common Defenses in Georgia DUI Hit & Run Cases

If you are reading this, you or someone you care about may be facing a DUI hit and run charge in Georgia. You may feel scared, confused, or unsure of what will happen next. These feelings are real and normal. Being involved in any kind of legal trouble can turn your world upside down. But you do not have to face this alone. We understand how hard this moment is for you and we want you to know there are ways to defend your case and move toward a better future.

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Understanding DUI Hit and Run in Georgia

In Georgia, a DUI hit and run means a driver was believed to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs and left the scene of an accident. This kind of case is serious and can carry tough penalties. A person may face jail time, heavy fines, loss of their license, and even a criminal record. But just because someone is charged does not mean they will be found guilty. There are defenses that can be used to protect your rights and fight the charges.

You Have the Right to Defend Yourself

It is important to remember that a charge is not the same as a conviction. The law says everyone is innocent until proven guilty. That means the government has to prove you did something wrong. You have the right to defend yourself. And there are many ways your legal team can do this. The kind of defense used depends on what happened in your case. Below, we explain some common defenses that may apply in Georgia DUI hit and run cases.

The Police Did Not Follow the Rules

One defense in many DUI hit and run cases is that the police made a mistake during the stop or investigation. Police must follow rules when they stop a driver, give a breath test, or arrest someone. If they do not, the court may decide some of the evidence should not be used. For example, if the officer had no legal reason to stop your car, anything that happened after may not count. Or if they did not read your rights, things you said may not be allowed in court. These kinds of errors can help reduce or even drop charges.

Greg Willis has been successful at defending DUI cases (over 93% without a conviction)

He's the only lawyer in the State of Georgia to ever be recognized for all three of these accomplishments.

Received the Samurai Lawyer Award for having gone to jail for a total of 4 days in order to save his own client

Received the BadAss Lawyer Award for the biggest impact of all DUI lawyers in DUI defense in the country

Received the vote of Georgia Lawyers as a Superlawyer in DUI Law for 10 straight consecutive years

 

You Were Not Driving the Car

In hit and run cases, one major question is whether you were the driver. In some situations, it is hard to know who was behind the wheel, especially if the car was found later or more than one person was in it. If the police cannot prove that you were the one driving, the case may not go forward. A good legal team can look at photos, video, witness statements, and more to show that you were not the person driving at the time of the crash.

You Did Not Know There Was a Crash

Sometimes, people are accused of leaving the scene of an accident, but they truly did not know that a crash happened. This may happen at night or during heavy rain or fog. A small bump might not be felt or seen right away. If you did not know there was a crash, it is not the same as running from the scene on purpose. This defense can show that the actions were not done with bad intent.

Medical Conditions or Fatigue Played a Role

Another defense that may come up is the role of medical issues or extreme tiredness. Some people have health problems or were on legal medicine that made them act in ways that seemed like they were under the influence. Others may have been so tired that their driving was affected. This is called “sleep driving” or driving while fatigued. If this happened to you, your lawyer may bring in doctors or records to explain what really caused your behavior.

Greg has truly mastered his craft. His preparation is second to none and his confidence helps reduce the nervousness and anxiety his clients face. He is a real life version of Harvey Specter and I highly recommend him.”

- Travis

Greg and his team are absolutely incredible. Greg explained everything to me in detail, as this is the first ever time I have been arrested. Regular updates throughout the process which allowed me to get on with everyday life. 200% I would recommend Greg and his team to anyone with a DUI case."

- James Hellens

Mr Willis is the best in the business. He knows the law inside and out. I was in a serious jam and Greg got my dui reduced to a reckless driving. This man will fight for you every step of the way."

- Anonymous

The Breath or Blood Test Was Not Right

Georgia uses breath and blood tests to measure how much alcohol is in your system. But these tests are not always correct. Machines can break or give false readings. The person giving the test must be trained and follow steps exactly. If anything goes wrong, the test might not be valid. Also, alcohol can rise in your blood after you stop drinking. So, the test result may be higher than what it was when you were actually driving. This difference could mean you were not legally over the limit when you were on the road.

You Were Forced to Leave the Scene

In rare but important cases, someone may leave the scene of a crash because they felt unsafe. Maybe they were afraid of a threat from another driver or person nearby. Or maybe they were hurt and went to get help. If you left because you believed you were in danger, the court may understand your choice. A defense like this needs strong proof, but it can make a big difference in how the case turns out.

There Were Problems with Witnesses or Evidence

Sometimes, the case depends on what someone saw or said. But people can be wrong or forget what really happened. Or they may have a reason to lie. Also, video or pictures used as evidence may not show the full story. A lawyer can look into the details and point out problems with the other side’s proof. If a key witness is not reliable or the video is unclear, that can help your defense.

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You Took Responsibility the Right Way

Even if you left the scene at first, you may have come back or called the police later. If you took steps to fix the mistake, the court may see that as a good sign. It shows that you care and are trying to do what is right. This kind of action can help during talks about the case or even in court. It can also help when asking for a lower sentence or other options besides jail.

There May Be Other Ways to Solve the Case

Not every DUI hit and run case goes to trial. Sometimes, there are programs or talks that help reach a deal. These are called pretrial diversion or plea deals. In some counties in Georgia, people can enter a program to learn, go through treatment, or give back to the community. When they finish, the charge may be reduced or even dropped. These options depend on the facts of your case and your background. A lawyer can explain if this is something you may be able to use.

Your Case Deserves Care and Attention

No two cases are the same. The right defense depends on the facts of what happened to you. A strong legal team will take time to look at every detail, listen to your story, and build a plan that makes sense for you. There is always more than one way to look at what happened. And sometimes, what seems like a sure thing to the police is not the full truth. You have a right to be heard, and a right to be treated fairly.

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You Are Not Alone

If you or a loved one is facing a DUI hit and run charge in Georgia, now is the time to act. The sooner you speak to someone who can help, the better your chance of protecting your future. A DUI hit and run charge is serious, but there is hope. You do not have to go through this without support.

You may feel nervous or unsure, but it’s okay to ask for help. Talking to a lawyer who knows how these cases work can bring peace of mind and clear steps to follow. This is your chance to take back control of your life and stand up for yourself.

The team at Willis Law Firm is ready to listen, ready to help, and ready to fight for your future. If you are facing a DUI hit and run in Georgia, reach out to us today. Your story matters, and we are here to guide you every step of the way.