Best Drunk Driving Lawyers in Melissia

About Drunk Driving Law in Melissia, Greece

Drunk driving in Melissia is governed by national Greek road and criminal law and enforced locally by the Hellenic Police traffic units. Rules, limits, and penalties that apply throughout Greece also apply in Melissia. Police can stop drivers for checks, administer breath tests or order blood tests, and take immediate administrative measures such as license withdrawal or vehicle immobilization. Serious cases - for example high blood alcohol concentration or driving that causes injury or death - can lead to criminal charges, court proceedings, and heavier penalties.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Even a routine stop can lead to consequences that affect your driving privileges, finances, employment, and criminal record. A lawyer can help in several common situations:

- You have been arrested or charged with driving under the influence.

- Police took your driving license or issued an immediate administrative suspension.

- Breath or blood test results are above the legal limit or are disputed.

- You caused an accident while under the influence, especially if there was injury or death.

- You face steep fines, vehicle impoundment, or possible criminal penalties.

- You are a foreign national with potential immigration or cross-border consequences.

An experienced traffic or criminal defense lawyer can explain the charges, preserve evidence, challenge test procedures, negotiate with prosecutors, and represent you in court.

Local Laws Overview

Key points to know about how Greek law applies in Melissia:

- Legal blood alcohol concentration - The general legal limit for most drivers is 0.05 percent BAC. Lower limits usually apply to drivers with less than two years driving experience, drivers under 21, and many professional drivers - commonly 0.02 percent.

- Testing - Police commonly use breathalyzers at stops. If results are contested or not possible, authorities may order a blood test. Refusal to submit to testing is treated seriously and can lead to administrative sanctions or criminal charges.

- Immediate sanctions - Police can issue on-the-spot fines, temporarily withdraw or confiscate a driving license, and arrange vehicle immobilization or seizure in some cases.

- Criminal liability - High BAC levels, repeat offences, or DUI that results in injury or death can lead to criminal prosecution. Convictions can result in imprisonment, large fines, long-term license revocation, and a criminal record.

- Administrative procedures - Separate administrative proceedings may impose additional fines or suspension periods independent of any criminal case. These can include longer bans for repeat offenders.

- Appeals and court process - You have the right to challenge administrative decisions and criminal charges in the courts. Procedural rules and deadlines are strict, so timely legal action is important.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the legal blood alcohol concentration limit in Greece?

For most drivers the legal limit is 0.05 percent BAC. Drivers with less than two years driving experience, drivers under 21, and many professional drivers are typically subject to a lower limit - commonly 0.02 percent.

What happens if I am stopped and fail a breathalyzer?

If you fail a breathalyzer you may be fined, your license may be temporarily withdrawn, and you can be ordered to provide a confirmatory blood sample. Depending on the level and circumstances you may face administrative sanctions and potentially criminal charges.

Can I refuse to take a breath or blood test?

Refusing a test is risky. Greek law treats refusal seriously and you may face immediate administrative penalties, increased suspicion by police, and possible criminal charges. In some circumstances authorities can obtain a court order for a blood test.

What penalties can I face for drunk driving?

Penalties range from fines and short-term license suspension for lower-level offenses to heavy fines, long-term license revocation, community service, or imprisonment for high BAC, repeat offenses, or cases that cause injury or death. Administrative measures such as vehicle immobilization may also apply.

Will I get a criminal record?

Yes, if your case results in a criminal conviction you will have a criminal record. Some lesser administrative offences do not produce a criminal conviction but can still carry serious consequences for your driving privileges.

How long can my driving licence be suspended?

Suspension periods vary by the severity of the offence and whether you are a repeat offender. Periods can range from weeks or months for lower-level administrative violations to years for serious criminal convictions.

Can test results be challenged?

Yes. Lawyers commonly challenge breathalyzer or blood test accuracy, calibration and maintenance records of the testing device, the procedure followed by police, chain of custody for blood samples, and medical factors that might affect results. Timely preservation of evidence and expert review are important.

What evidence should I collect after a DUI stop or accident?

Write down everything you remember about the stop or accident, get contact details of witnesses, take photos of the scene, obtain a copy of the police report, secure medical records if examined, and keep any receipts or documents. inform your lawyer promptly so they can obtain any official records before they are lost.

Do I need a lawyer if this is my first offence?

While minor administrative cases can sometimes be resolved without counsel, hiring a lawyer is strongly recommended. A lawyer can often reduce penalties, protect your driving licence, and prevent a criminal conviction. For any case with higher BAC, injury, or repeat status you should consult a lawyer right away.

I am not a Greek citizen - how does a DUI affect me?

A DUI can have consequences beyond fines and licence loss. You may face criminal charges, deportation risk depending on your immigration status, problems with visa renewals, or bans that affect driving rights in Greece. Contact your consulate and hire a local lawyer who is experienced with cases involving foreign nationals.

Additional Resources

Here are local institutions and organizations that can provide information or assistance:

- Hellenic Police - Traffic Directorate - local traffic units handle stops, testing, and initial reports.

- Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport - national rules and administrative measures for driving and licensing.

- Athens Bar Association and local Bar Associations - lawyer referral services and lists of attorneys who practice traffic and criminal law.

- Public Legal Aid authorities and local legal aid offices - may provide assistance if you qualify for state-supported legal representation.

- Local district courts and public prosecutor offices in Athens and North Attica - where cases and appeals are handled.

- Road safety organizations and medical services - for information on rehabilitation, detox programs, and medical reports that can be relevant to mitigation.

Next Steps

If you need legal assistance for a drunk driving matter in Melissia, follow these practical steps:

- Preserve evidence - note the time, location, officer names or badge numbers, witness details, and keep any medical records.

- Obtain official documents - request a copy of the police report and any test results as soon as possible through your lawyer or the issuing authority.

- Contact a local lawyer - seek a lawyer experienced in traffic and criminal matters in the Athens area. Ask about their experience with DUI cases, likely outcomes, fees, and immediate actions needed.

- Do not make detailed admissions to police without legal advice - you have the right to consult a lawyer before answering questions about the incident.

- Attend hearings and follow orders - meet all court and administrative deadlines, and follow any conditions set by authorities to avoid worsening consequences.

- Consider mitigation steps - depending on the case, treatment programs, medical evaluations, or educational courses may help reduce penalties or demonstrate rehabilitation to a court.

If you are unsure where to start, contact the Athens Bar Association for a referral to a qualified traffic or criminal defense lawyer who can advise you about your specific situation and next steps.