Super Bowl Sunday in Atlanta is filled with excitement and celebration. But for some, it can also lead to serious consequences, especially if alcohol is involved. If you find yourself arrested for a DUI after the big game, the first 24 hours are crucial in determining the next steps in your case. This guide aims to provide a comprehensive overview of what to expect and what actions you should take. With the help of Willis Law Firm, an experienced DUI defense attorney can assist you through this stressful period, guiding you on bond, license suspension, and evidence handling.
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Understanding the First Steps: What Happens After Your DUI Arrest 
When you’re arrested for DUI, the first few hours can be overwhelming. You’ll likely be taken to a police station or holding facility for processing. This is a critical time for your defense, as what happens in the first hours of your detention can impact the trajectory of your case. Here’s what typically happens after a DUI arrest in Atlanta:
- Initial Detention: After being arrested for a DUI, you’ll be taken into police custody. The first thing officers will do is take your personal information and run a background check to see if you have prior offenses. They’ll also likely ask you to take a breathalyzer or other sobriety tests. If you refuse these tests, your situation can worsen with additional penalties.
- Sobriety Testing: Officers may request that you submit to a blood, breath, or urine test. If you have a BAC (blood alcohol content) over the legal limit of 0.08%, you could face an automatic license suspension and additional consequences.
- Booking and Processing: During this stage, you’ll be fingerprinted, photographed, and processed. You may also be subjected to a medical evaluation to determine whether you’re fit for detention. The processing time varies, but expect it to take a few hours.
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 yearsGreg Willis has been successful at defending DUI cases (over 93.1% without a conviction)
How to Handle the Bond Process in DUI Cases
Once you’ve been processed, the next major hurdle is addressing your bond. The amount of your bond can vary depending on the severity of the DUI offense, prior criminal history, and other circumstances. It’s important to act quickly to secure your release. The longer you stay in custody, the more stressful and complicated the situation becomes. Here’s how to manage the bond process:
- Setting the Bond: In most cases, your bond will be set within the first few hours of your arrest. The amount will depend on whether this is your first DUI offense, whether anyone was injured, and other factors. A simple DUI with no injuries may result in a lower bond.
- How to Post Bond: If your bond is set and you have the financial means, you can post it directly at the police station. In some cases, you may be able to use a bail bondsman to cover the cost of the bond if you don’t have the full amount available. Keep in mind that the court may require you to return for hearings even after you are released, so it’s important to stay compliant with all legal obligations.
- Bond Hearing: If you’re arrested late at night or on a weekend, you may need to wait until a judge is available to set your bond. Typically, this will occur within 24 hours of your arrest.
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
License Suspension: What to Expect and How to Contest It
A DUI conviction in Georgia often comes with an automatic license suspension. This is one of the most immediate consequences you may face after an arrest on Super Bowl Sunday. If you refuse a chemical test or your BAC exceeds the legal limit, you risk losing your driving privileges for a significant period.
- Automatic License Suspension: If you take a breathalyzer or blood test that shows your BAC is over 0.08%, your license could be suspended automatically. The suspension period may vary, with a typical first offense suspension lasting 12 months.
- Temporary Driving Permit: If your license is suspended, you may be eligible for a temporary driving permit for up to 45 days. To obtain this permit, you must request a hearing within 10 days of your arrest. This is your chance to contest the suspension and argue for your right to continue driving.
- Fighting the Suspension: If you want to avoid or reduce the license suspension, you’ll need to challenge the suspension in a hearing. An experienced DUI attorney can help you navigate this process, providing valuable legal representation. At Willis Law Firm, we’re dedicated to helping you protect your driving privileges after a DUI arrest.
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What Happens to Evidence: How to Challenge Your DUI Arrest
The evidence collected during your DUI arrest can play a significant role in determining the outcome of your case. Understanding how evidence is gathered and how it can be challenged is crucial for building a strong defense.
- Breathalyzer and Sobriety Tests: The breathalyzer is one of the most commonly used tools to determine BAC levels. However, these tests are not infallible. Errors can occur in the calibration or administration of the test, which can make the results unreliable. A skilled DUI lawyer can examine the circumstances surrounding the test to see if it was improperly administered.
- Blood and Urine Tests: Blood and urine tests are also used to detect alcohol and drugs in the system. These tests are more invasive and can be contested if the evidence is mishandled or improperly stored. If the sample was contaminated or improperly processed, it could be inadmissible in court.
- Field Sobriety Tests: While field sobriety tests are often used to determine a driver’s impairment, they are subjective. Factors like poor weather conditions, medical issues, or lack of training can result in false positives. A skilled attorney can challenge the validity of these tests if they were not administered correctly.
The Importance of Legal Representation in the First 24 Hours
After a Super Bowl Sunday DUI arrest, having an experienced lawyer can make all the difference. The first 24 hours are critical, and securing legal representation early ensures that you have an advocate who understands the complexities of DUI defense. Willis Law Firm offers a free consultation to discuss your case and determine the best course of action moving forward.
If you’ve been arrested for a DUI in Atlanta during Super Bowl Sunday, don’t wait to get help. Contact Willis Law Firm to schedule a free consultation and learn more about your options. With our expertise in DUI defense, we’re here to help you navigate the complexities of your case and protect your rights.