Attending a game near Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta often means excitement and camaraderie, but for some, it can quickly turn into a sobering experience with law enforcement. Tailgates and high-energy crowds can sometimes result in unfortunate interactions with police officers. In Georgia, if you’re arrested for driving under the influence (DUI), you may face an Administrative License Suspension (ALS) hearing. The outcome of this hearing can significantly affect your ability to drive and maintain your daily routine. Knowing the process and understanding common mistakes people make during ALS hearings is crucial for protecting your rights and avoiding unnecessary consequences.
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An ALS hearing is triggered after a DUI arrest or any suspected impaired driving incident. If arrested, you must request the hearing within a specific period to avoid automatic suspension of your driver’s license. In these hearings, the state’s goal is to determine whether your license should be suspended due to impaired driving or refusal to submit to sobriety tests. The hearing is an essential part of the legal process and should not be taken lightly.
Requesting the Hearing on Time 
One of the most critical aspects of dealing with an ALS hearing is ensuring that you request it on time. You have just 10 days from the date of your arrest to request an ALS hearing. Failing to make this request within the given time frame can lead to an automatic suspension of your driver’s license. Some people mistakenly assume they have more time or delay the process, not realizing that missing this deadline will result in a significant loss.
Once you are arrested for DUI, it’s essential to act swiftly and consult with an attorney about how to proceed. Missing this crucial window for a hearing can have long-term consequences on your ability to drive and your day-to-day life. In Georgia, there are no extensions or exceptions when it comes to this timeline, so being proactive is key to avoiding unnecessary penalties.
Greg Willis has been successful at defending DUI cases (over 93.1% 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
The Importance of Legal Representation
During an ALS hearing, many individuals make the mistake of trying to navigate the process without the help of an experienced attorney. Although it may seem like an extra expense at the time, legal representation is invaluable during this process. An attorney specializing in DUI defense can guide you through the legal complexities, help protect your rights, and represent you effectively during the hearing.
Without proper legal counsel, it’s easy to overlook critical details in your case that could potentially prevent a license suspension. A lawyer can identify weaknesses in the evidence against you, challenge the arresting officer’s report, and ensure that all proper procedures were followed during your arrest. In some cases, your attorney may even be able to present an argument that results in a more favorable outcome.
If you’re facing an ALS hearing and DUI charges, don’t risk your driving privileges by attempting to handle everything on your own. Having an attorney on your side could be the difference between maintaining your license or facing a long-term suspension.
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
Challenging the Evidence Presented Against You
When you attend an ALS hearing, one of the key pieces of evidence that will be evaluated is the officer’s report and any associated sobriety tests or breathalyzer results. Many individuals fail to challenge this evidence thoroughly or underestimate its impact on their case.
It’s important to understand that the evidence presented in ALS hearings is not always infallible. Breathalyzer machines can malfunction, field sobriety tests can be misinterpreted, and police reports can contain inconsistencies. Without an experienced attorney to examine the details and challenge the evidence, it’s easy to accept a suspension when there may be a chance to fight it.
For example, breathalyzer results are not always accurate and can sometimes give false readings due to environmental factors, improper calibration, or errors in the administration of the test. A skilled DUI attorney will know how to challenge the validity of these results and whether they were administered properly. Additionally, field sobriety tests are subjective, and your lawyer can argue that the officer’s interpretation of the test was flawed or influenced by other factors such as weather, physical conditions, or the stress of the situation.
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Understanding the Potential Outcomes of an ALS Hearing
Another common mistake that many individuals make when attending an ALS hearing is not fully understanding the potential outcomes. Some assume that a license suspension is inevitable, while others might not realize that they could be eligible for a limited driving permit even if their license is suspended.
The outcome of an ALS hearing can vary, depending on the evidence and the argument presented. The state may decide to fully suspend your license, issue a partial suspension, or even allow you to keep your license. If your license is suspended, you might still qualify for a limited driving permit. This permit can allow you to drive for certain purposes, such as commuting to work or attending school, during the suspension period.
Failing to inquire about or apply for this limited driving permit can leave you without any way to get around, which can significantly complicate your daily life. It’s important to understand all the potential outcomes of the hearing and work with your lawyer to explore all available options.
Featured Case Results
Protecting a Professional License After a DUI and Refusal of a Blood Test
Result: DUI Dismissed with No Jail Time and No Loss of License
Challenging Admissibility of a .19 BAC Blood Test and Field Sobriety Evaluation
Result: No Jail Time, No DUI on Record, No License Suspension
The Role of Limited Driving Permits
In Georgia, even if your license is suspended after an ALS hearing, you may still qualify for a limited driving permit. This permit allows you to drive for essential activities, such as going to work, attending school, or even medical appointments. However, many individuals fail to take advantage of this option, either because they don’t know it’s available or they don’t ask about it during the hearing.
The limited driving permit is an important tool that can help you maintain your job and keep up with essential responsibilities even if your full license is suspended. It’s vital to ask your attorney about applying for this permit as soon as possible so you don’t lose the ability to drive for necessary purposes.
Taking Action After a Game-Day Arrest
Being arrested for DUI after a game-day tailgate near Mercedes-Benz Stadium is undoubtedly a stressful experience. However, the actions you take immediately after your arrest can make all the difference in the outcome of your ALS hearing. Request your hearing on time, consult with an experienced DUI attorney, and challenge the evidence presented against you. Understanding the full range of possible outcomes, including the option for a limited driving permit, will help ensure that you make the most informed decisions throughout the process.
Willis Law Firm has extensive experience in handling DUI-related cases and ALS hearings in Georgia. If you’ve been arrested near Mercedes-Benz Stadium, contact our office to discuss your case and explore the best legal options for your situation.
At Willis Law Firm, we are dedicated to providing clear, effective legal representation to protect your driving privileges and ensure that your rights are upheld throughout the legal process.
Disclaimer: This is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Contact an attorney for advice tailored to your specific situation.