Drivers in Atlanta can face a variety of charges for impaired driving. These include:

Per Se Driving Under the Influence: For drivers age 21 and above, it is illegal to operate a vehicle if your blood alcohol level is .08 grams or above. BAC may be established by the use of chemical tests at the time of arrest.

Less Safe Driving Under the Influence: A driver may be charged with DUI even if the blood alcohol level is below the Per Se legal limit. If it can be proven that the driver is "less safe" as a direct result of consumption of alcohol, or other substances (including over-the-counter or prescription drugs as well a glues, aerosols or toxic vapors) he or she will be charged with DUI. This type of charge may be established by the testimony of arresting officers, including the results of field sobriety tests.

Under Age 21 Driving Under the Influence: For drivers under age 21, it is illegal to operate a vehicle if your blood alcohol level is .02 or above. There need not be any evidence of unsafe driving or actual impairment, only the mere presence of alcohol in the system. Additionally, it is illegal for a person under the age of 21 to operate a vehicle if they have any traces of controlled substances in their system.

Commercial Driver's License Driving Under the Influence: For drivers operating under a Commercial Driver's Licensee, it is illegal to operate a vehicle if your blood alcohol level is .04 grams or above. BAC may be established by the use of chemical tests at the time of arrest.

Driving Under The Influence of Marijuana or Controlled Substances: It is illegal for a driver to operate a vehicle if they are found to have any trace of metabolites of marijuana or any other controlled substances.

For more information on these charges in greater detail, including the penalties you could face if charged with each type, please visit the pages dedicated to these topics. If you are facing any of these charges, please contact me so we can discuss your case and you will gain a clear understanding of the crime itself and the possible penalties you could face.