Best Drunk Driving Lawyers in Arta

About Drunk Driving Law in Arta, Greece

Drunk driving in Arta is governed by Greek national law and enforced locally by the Arta Traffic Police and prosecuted before the Arta courts. The rules are part of the Greek Road Traffic Code known as KOK and apply uniformly across Greece. Arta authorities conduct roadside checks throughout the year, especially on weekends and during holidays. If you are stopped and your alcohol level exceeds the legal limit, you can face immediate administrative penalties and, at higher levels, criminal charges that are handled under a fast track court process. Even a first offense can lead to license suspension, fines, and a criminal record, particularly if the breath or blood alcohol reading is high or if there is an accident.

The legal focus is on your blood alcohol concentration and on whether your ability to drive is impaired. There are stricter limits for novice, professional, and motorcycle drivers. Refusing to submit to alcohol testing is treated as a serious violation and can carry penalties similar to the highest alcohol category.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

You may need a lawyer in Arta if you are arrested after a roadside breath test indicates a high reading, if your driver license and plates were seized, if you are scheduled to appear in a same day or next day court session, or if there was an accident with injuries or property damage while under the influence. Legal help is also important if you believe the testing device was not properly calibrated, if you were not informed of your rights, or if you refused the test and are now facing separate charges for refusal.

A lawyer can evaluate whether the police stop and testing were lawful, check for calibration records and procedural errors, request hospital blood testing where appropriate, negotiate to reduce penalties, and represent you in court to seek a suspension of the sentence or a conversion to a monetary penalty when permitted by law. If you are a foreign visitor or a non Greek speaker, a lawyer can coordinate with interpreters and help you understand the process, timelines, and possible immigration or travel impacts.

Local Laws Overview

Legal limits. For most drivers in Greece the legal limit is 0.5 g per liter of blood, which corresponds to about 0.25 mg per liter of breath. For novice drivers with less than two years of holding a license, for professional drivers, and for motorcycle riders, the lower limit of 0.2 g per liter of blood applies, corresponding to about 0.10 mg per liter of breath.

Penalty thresholds. If your breath alcohol concentration measures at or above 0.25 mg per liter, administrative penalties apply, which may include a significant fine and a temporary driver license suspension. At or above 0.40 mg per liter of breath, the matter generally becomes a criminal case with arrest and court appearance under the fast track procedure in Arta. Higher readings and repeat offenses lead to heavier penalties.

Refusal to test. Refusing to take a breath test when lawfully required is a separate offense that typically triggers severe administrative measures and criminal charges comparable to the highest alcohol category. Police may also order a blood test at a hospital in cases of refusal or following an accident.

Accidents and aggravating factors. If drunk driving is linked to an accident causing injuries or death, the charges and penalties can escalate sharply, including longer license suspension, higher fines, possible vehicle plate removal, and custodial sentences. Insurance coverage may be denied or the insurer may seek reimbursement if the driver was intoxicated.

Enforcement in Arta. The Arta Traffic Police conduct checkpoints and mobile patrols. Following an arrest, your license may be taken on the spot and you may be brought before the prosecutor. Many misdemeanor drunk driving cases are scheduled quickly in the local court. Court proceedings are in Greek, and an interpreter is provided in criminal cases if needed.

Drugs and other substances. Driving under the influence of drugs is prohibited. If the police suspect drug use, they can order medical testing. The presence of certain narcotics can be sufficient for charges if it affects driving ability.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the legal alcohol limit for drivers in Arta

For most drivers the limit is 0.5 g per liter of blood, around 0.25 mg per liter of breath. For novice drivers, professional drivers, and motorcyclists, the limit is 0.2 g per liter of blood, around 0.10 mg per liter of breath.

What happens during a roadside alcohol check

Police will ask for your documents and may use a screening breathalyzer. If it shows alcohol, you may be tested with an evidentiary device. Depending on the result, your license may be seized and you may be taken to the station or a hospital for further testing. A report is prepared that will be used in court.

Can I refuse a breath test

You can refuse, but refusal is treated as a serious offense and can result in penalties similar to the highest intoxication category, including arrest, fines, and license suspension. It can also lead to compulsory medical testing after an accident.

Will I go to jail for a first offense

Jail is possible at higher alcohol levels or if there is an accident. In practice, for many first time cases without aggravating factors, short custodial sentences may be suspended or converted to a monetary penalty, but this depends on the court and the specifics. A lawyer can argue for the least restrictive outcome.

How long could my license be suspended

Suspension length depends on the alcohol level, prior record, and whether there was an accident or refusal. It can range from weeks to several months or longer in serious cases. Your plates may also be removed for a period, which affects use of the vehicle.

Is there a hardship or work only license during suspension

Greece generally does not offer a hardship or restricted license to drive for work during a suspension. Driving while suspended is a separate offense with additional penalties.

Can I challenge the breathalyzer results

Yes. Common challenges include device calibration, maintenance records, proper administration, observation periods, medical conditions that may affect readings, and chain of custody for blood samples. Your lawyer can request evidence and expert review.

What if I am a tourist or a foreign resident

The same limits and penalties apply. Police may seize your foreign license for the suspension period within Greece. You have the right to an interpreter in criminal proceedings. Contact your consulate if you need assistance, and hire a local lawyer familiar with Arta procedures.

How does a conviction affect my criminal record and insurance

A DUI conviction can appear on your criminal record and may affect employment, professional licensing, and insurance. Insurers may raise premiums or deny coverage for accidents where intoxication is proven. Ask a lawyer about record effects and possible mitigation.

What should I do immediately after a DUI arrest in Arta

Remain calm and respectful, provide identification, and request a lawyer. Avoid making statements beyond basic personal information. If you need an interpreter, request one. Note any details about the stop and testing, and contact a lawyer as soon as possible to protect your rights.

Additional Resources

Hellenic Police - Arta Traffic Department. This is the local authority that conducts roadside checks and issues administrative measures. You can obtain contact details from official police directories.

Prosecutor and Court of First Instance of Arta. Handles misdemeanor DUI cases under the fast track procedure and schedules hearings.

Bar Association of Arta. A source to find licensed defense attorneys experienced in traffic and criminal law.

Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport. Publishes the Road Traffic Code and updates on road safety policies applicable nationwide, including Arta.

Legal Aid program known as Nomiki Voitheia. Provides legal assistance to eligible low income individuals in criminal cases.

OKANA - Organization Against Drugs. Provides assessment and treatment services for substance use that can be helpful for rehabilitation steps presented in court.

Road safety organizations such as RSI Panos Mylonas. Offer education and prevention resources that can support safer driving practices.

Next Steps

Write down everything you remember about the stop and testing, including time, place, what the officer said, and how the test was administered. Keep any paperwork you received, such as citations or receipts of license seizure.

Contact a local lawyer in Arta as soon as possible. Ask about their experience with DUI cases, expected timelines, fees, and strategy. Provide them with all documents and any medical conditions or medications that could affect testing.

Check your court date and attendance requirements. Many DUI cases in Arta proceed quickly. Make sure you know when and where to appear. If you do not speak Greek, inform your lawyer so an interpreter can be arranged.

Discuss defenses and outcomes. Your lawyer can evaluate calibration records, request hospital blood test results if taken, negotiate to reduce penalties, and seek a suspended or converted sentence where the law allows.

Address insurance and employment issues. Notify your insurer if an accident occurred and consult your lawyer before giving statements. If your work depends on driving, explore temporary arrangements to avoid driving while suspended.

Consider rehabilitation. Voluntary participation in alcohol education or counseling can demonstrate responsibility and may be helpful when presented to the court during sentencing.

Stay informed. Laws and enforcement practices can change. Your lawyer will provide the most current guidance for Arta and ensure you comply with all orders so that you can legally return to driving when eligible.