The holidays are a time to celebrate, and many Georgia residents like to do so with a favorite alcoholic beverage. Many major brands ramp up advertising efforts during the holiday season with commercials that feature familiar Christmas carols, characters from nostalgic cartoons, football fans, and scenes of family and friends gathered by a cozy fire. During the holidays, alcohol sales traditionally spike because many shoppers like to give a favorite spirit as a gift. One thing that may put a damper on a person’s festive fun is being accused of drunk driving.
By law, the legal BAC, short for blood alcohol content, is 0.08 for drivers over 21 years of age. For drivers under 21, the limit drops to 0.02. The penalty for a first offense is up to a year in jail.
During Thanksgiving week alone, 339 people in Georgia were charged with drunk driving. It was not reported, however, how many of the drivers accused took a field sobriety test, or a breath or blood test. On some occasions, a driver may be accused for other reasons, such as a police officer indicating that they smell alcohol, or see an empty or open container somewhere in a vehicle.
When a driver is accused of drunk driving, it does not mean they are guilty. Each person accused has the opportunity to present a drunk driving defense. The burden of proof is on the prosecution, and they must provide solid evidence that supports the accusations. A driver that has been accused might benefit from the assistance of an experienced attorney, who can help ensure that a defendant’s rights are protected during every step of the legal process.