Suspicion of DUI and Several Other Traffic Offenses
Marietta police officers arrested Leonel Rodriguez on suspicion of driving under the influence and several other traffic offenses after he was found speeding the wrong way on the I-75, according to a news report in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. The incident, which occurred on Sept. 27 was high-speed and dangerous to traffic on the highway, officials said.
Marietta Police officers Nathan Devaux and David Auld reportedly stopped the Rodriguez, who was driving a Nissan Titan truck after getting several 911 calls from motorists. The officers finally caught up with Rodriguez and boxed him in as he approached the North Marietta Parkway exit. Rodriguez resisted arrest as the officers pulled him out of the car, the report stated.
It is indeed fortunate that no lives were lost during the incident. It is also a relief that neither the suspect nor the police officers were seriously injured in what could have ended with a major accident. Driving under the influence in Georgia is a serious offense with serious consequences. A blood alcohol content reading of 0.08 percent within three hours of the arrest is considered a “per se” DUI if you are over the age of 21.
There is also a “less safe” provision in Georgia DUI laws where the state must prove that alcohol and/or other intoxicants or controlled substances caused the driver to be less safe. An alcohol content of 0.08 raises the presumption of the driver’s intoxication. For drivers under the age of 21, the legal limit within three hours of driving is 0.02 percent.
The criminal penalties for a DUI are severe in Georgia. An Atlanta DUI conviction can result in hefty fines, suspension or revocation of your driver’s license, or even jail time. You also have only 10 days to request an administrative hearing before the Georgia Department of Motor Vehicle Safety. If you or someone you love has been arrested on suspicion of drunk driving or driving under the influence, please call a skilled Atlanta DUI defense lawyer.