If you are a foreign-born person in the United States legally, what happens to you if you break the law in Georgia? Depending on the circumstances, you could be deported. However, if convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol, you may be able to stay in the U.S.—the first time.
DUI and deportation
There are numerous consequences when a court convicts a person of driving under the influence of alcohol. A person may have to go to jail, pay a fine and lose out on professional opportunities. The consequences only become greater when the convicted party is still in college because there is a good chance he or she will lose essential scholarships.
Many colleges around Georgia have their own penalties for students convicted of DUI. A single mistake can jeopardize a student's entire educational future simply because there will no longer be a way for the student to pay for school. This is why it is so critical for anyone arrested for DUI to fight against all charges.
If you are not a United States citizen, a criminal conviction can lead to consequences that, for some, may even outweigh the severity of any criminal penalties that ensue. Convictions for some types of crimes can serve as grounds for removal and denial of applications.
The Immigration and Nationality Act lists some specific crimes that can result in deportation. It also provides a more nebulous category of crimes of moral turpitude that have the same consequences. Further, a conviction for a serious crime is another way criminal charges can lead to removal.
Your future goals may include college, a new career, a professional license and many other hopes and dreams. An arrest for speeding in Georgia could affect the plans you have, and not for the better. The state of Georgia is serious about stopping motorists who exceed the speed limit, and in 2010, the “Super Speeder Law” was put into effect.
Aggressive driving
Young people may not always think very far into the future, but high school students often look forward to college as the next step in their lives while college students think about their first, full-time job.
If you are under the age of 21, do you have a good driving record? If you are ever convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol, that conviction can seriously affect your plans for the future.
Many people think of DUI charges as the consequences for overindulging in alcohol or for taking illegal drugs. However, you can end up facing charges even if partying was the last thing on your mind.
Because some prescription drugs can affect your ability to drive safely, driving under their influence can violate Georgia law.
Most people do not realize how much a single car accident can change their life until they are in one. Although their initial concerns involve injuries and property damage, very few of them give much thought to the ramifications of leaving the scene of the accident. Certain circumstances can make fleeing the scene of a car accident a criminal matter.
If you end up in a collision with another motorist or a building or pedestrian, you could end up spending some time behind bars. To avoid compromising your promising future, here are some pointers to keep in mind about leaving the scene of a motor vehicle collision:
Perhaps you are a foreign national who has the opportunity to take a job or receive specialized training in the United States. If you are already in the U.S., this likely means changing the reason you are here.
When applying for the kind of visa you need, you must file a request to change your nonimmigrant status.
Drug use is a serious issue that can put the user and others in danger. Therefore, the courts and law enforcement are cracking down on this criminal offense.
However, in some cases, the offender may benefit more from treatment than punishment. In those instances, Georgia's drug courts may be able to provide the help that is necessary.
If you find yourself with a DUI charge after hanging with your friends around campus in the Macon and Savannah areas, you might be wondering what happens next and how you can avoid the consequences. You might also find yourself wondering how to tell your parents. Though you might believe you can handle the situation all on your own, your parents and a good attorney can help.
The law is not lenient for first-time and repeat DUI offenders. The penalties are stiff and the financial implications can become expensive. You could also end up without a driver’s license or vehicle, or you may have to use an ignition interlock device to operate it. Here are answers to some common questions people have about DUI charges.
Subscribe To This Blog's Feed
Bold labels are required.
Deadwyler-Heuman Law Firm, LLC
1950 Northside Crossing
Macon,
Georgia
31210
Map & Directions
Deadwyler-Heuman Law Firm, LLC, helps clients with criminal defense and immigration law in Macon, Georgia, Bibb County and throughout central Georgia.