Best Drunk Driving Lawyers in Vouliagmeni

About Drunk Driving Law in Vouliagmeni, Greece

Vouliagmeni is a coastal suburb of Athens with busy roads, seasonal nightlife, and frequent police presence. Greek drunk driving rules apply uniformly across the country, including Vouliagmeni, and are enforced by the Hellenic Police Traffic Department of Attica. Greece follows stringent standards that align with broader European practice. If you are stopped for suspected drunk driving, officers may conduct roadside checks, administer a breath test, and take immediate administrative measures if you are over the limit.

Even a first offense can lead to significant fines, temporary license retention, and a criminal case before a misdemeanor court. Higher blood alcohol concentration or any crash involving injuries or serious property damage can escalate the penalties sharply. Foreign visitors and residents are subject to the same rules and will face proceedings in Greece.

This guide offers a plain language overview to help you understand the law, your rights, and the practical steps to take if you are dealing with a drunk driving allegation in or around Vouliagmeni. It is informational only and not a substitute for tailored legal advice.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

A drunk driving case in Greece can move quickly from roadside stop to court, and the consequences can affect your license, your insurance, your employment, and your immigration or travel plans. A lawyer can help you in situations such as the following:

- You blew over the limit on a roadside device or at the police station and face a misdemeanor charge.

- You refused the breath test and now face penalties similar to or harsher than a high reading.

- You were involved in a collision that caused injuries or notable property damage, which can trigger aggravated charges.

- You are a professional driver or a new driver, and lower legal limits apply to you.

- You are a tourist or foreign resident and need guidance on court appearances, interpreters, and how the case affects your ability to drive in Greece or elsewhere.

- The police retained your physical license or removed your license plates, and you need to challenge the measures or secure temporary permissions.

- You believe the device was not properly calibrated or that the roadside procedure was flawed and want to contest the evidence.

- Your insurer is disputing coverage because alcohol was involved, and you need help with civil liability or recourse claims.

An experienced local attorney can review the evidence, protect your rights during questioning, represent you in court, negotiate for reduced penalties, and manage deadlines for any administrative appeals.

Local Laws Overview

Primary legal framework: Drunk driving is governed by the Greek Road Traffic Code and related criminal provisions. Enforcement in Vouliagmeni is handled by the Hellenic Police Traffic Department of Attica, which operates roadside checkpoints, especially on and near coastal routes and during evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Legal alcohol limits: For most drivers the legal blood alcohol concentration limit is 0.50 g per liter of blood. In breath terms this is commonly treated as 0.25 mg per liter. For novice drivers and professional drivers a lower limit applies, typically 0.20 g per liter of blood, which corresponds to about 0.10 mg per liter in breath. Because conversions and thresholds can be technical and subject to change, rely on what is recorded by the police and confirmed by an evidentiary test.

Testing process: Officers may conduct a preliminary roadside breath test. If the reading suggests you are over the limit, a second evidentiary breath test is usually performed at a police station. In some cases a blood test at a medical facility may be used. You can request a medical blood test, though practical arrangements and costs are case specific. Refusing testing is a separate offense that brings heavy penalties.

Immediate administrative measures: If you are over the limit or refuse testing, the police may retain your license on the spot, immobilize the vehicle, or remove its plates. These are administrative actions that can apply even before any court judgment. You will receive documents explaining the measures and your case number.

Criminal penalties: Penalties escalate with the measured alcohol level, whether there was an accident, whether anyone was injured, and whether you have prior offenses. Expect fines, a period of license suspension or withdrawal, and in serious cases a custodial sentence. Courts can also assign educational measures, community service, or alcohol awareness programs when available. Repeat offenses and very high alcohol readings increase the severity of outcomes.

Accidents and injuries: If a drunk driving incident involves injuries or a fatality, the matter may be treated as an aggravated misdemeanor or a felony. Penalties can include lengthy license revocation and imprisonment. The civil side is separate, and you may face claims for damages. Insurers often pay third parties as required by law and then seek reimbursement from an intoxicated driver.

Rights and procedure: You have the right to remain silent, to contact a lawyer, and to an interpreter if you do not speak Greek. Keep any paperwork you receive, which will list allegations and your court date. Many drunk driving cases are heard quickly in the misdemeanor court with a summary procedure. If you are detained, a lawyer can seek your release and prepare your defense.

Foreign drivers: EU licenses are recognized. Non EU drivers often need an International Driving Permit in addition to their home license. Greek penalties apply regardless of nationality. A Greek court decision can affect your ability to drive in Greece. Your home country may also receive notice depending on international arrangements.

Local context: The Athens Riviera, including the Vouliagmeni area, sees intensified controls during tourist season and on weekends. Plan ahead for safe transport alternatives and keep in mind that even small amounts of alcohol can put you over the lower limits for novice or professional drivers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the legal alcohol limit for drivers in Greece?

The general limit is 0.50 g per liter of blood, roughly 0.25 mg per liter in breath. For novice drivers and professional drivers a lower limit applies, typically 0.20 g per liter in blood, about 0.10 mg per liter in breath. If you are near the margin, measurement uncertainty and device calibration can matter, so legal advice is important.

What happens if I refuse a breath test?

Refusal is treated as a serious offense. You can face immediate administrative measures like license retention and vehicle plate removal, along with fines and a suspension similar to or harsher than those for a high alcohol reading. Refusal also deprives you of evidence that could potentially help you, so speak with a lawyer as soon as possible.

Will I be taken into custody?

It depends. For routine over the limit cases without an accident, you might be processed and released with a court date. For high readings, refusal, or any accident with injuries, short term detention is more likely while procedures are completed. A lawyer can assist with your release and court preparation.

How quickly will my case go to court?

Drunk driving cases are often scheduled promptly in the local misdemeanor court. It is common for hearings to occur within days or weeks. Some cases can be heard the next business day. This speed makes early legal representation critical.

Can I keep driving while I wait for court?

If the police retained your license or removed your plates, you generally cannot drive until the measure is lifted or a temporary permission is issued. Driving without a valid license or plates can lead to additional charges. Ask a lawyer whether any interim relief is available in your case.

I am a tourist. Do the same rules apply to me?

Yes. Tourists are subject to the same limits and procedures. You have the right to a lawyer and an interpreter. A conviction can affect your ability to drive in Greece and may have insurance or travel consequences. Contact your consulate for assistance in addition to hiring a local lawyer.

What if I was on prescription medication?

Driving while impaired by drugs or certain medications is prohibited, even if the substance is legal or prescribed. If the police suspect impairment, they can pursue testing and charges. Bring your prescription and discuss medical documentation with your lawyer. Do not rely on a prescription alone as a defense.

Will my insurance cover damages if I was over the limit?

Greek law requires insurers to compensate third party victims. However, your insurer may later seek reimbursement from you if you were intoxicated. Coverage for your own vehicle may be excluded. Notify your insurer promptly and obtain legal advice for any civil claims.

Can I challenge the breathalyzer result?

Yes, challenges can focus on device maintenance and calibration logs, test administration procedures, timing between tests, medical conditions, or contamination issues. A lawyer can request the relevant records and, if appropriate, an independent expert opinion.

What penalties could I face for a first offense?

Penalties vary based on your alcohol level and case facts. Expect a fine and a period of license suspension at minimum. Higher readings, refusal, or an accident can add harsher sanctions, including a longer suspension and a possible custodial sentence. The court may also consider alcohol education or treatment measures where available.

Additional Resources

Hellenic Police - Traffic Department of Attica. Contact the local traffic police for procedures, paperwork, and information about administrative measures.

Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport - Driver and Vehicle Services. Responsible for licensing, suspensions, and reinstatement procedures.

Public Prosecutor and Misdemeanor Court of Athens. Handles most drunk driving prosecutions arising in the Vouliagmeni area.

Greek Ombudsman. Independent authority for complaints about public administration, including policing and due process concerns.

National Emergency Number 112. Single European emergency number for police, fire, and medical emergencies.

EKAV National Emergency Medical Services - 166. Ambulance and urgent medical assistance following an accident.

Athens Bar Association. A resource to locate licensed attorneys who practice criminal and traffic law.

Your embassy or consulate. Foreign nationals can request consular assistance for notifications and interpreter coordination.

Next Steps

Prioritize safety. If there was an accident, call 112 and 166 for police and medical assistance. Cooperate with lawful instructions and do not argue at the roadside.

Exercise your rights respectfully. You have the right to remain silent beyond providing identification. Request a lawyer and, if needed, an interpreter. Avoid making statements about how much you drank or where you were coming from without legal advice.

Preserve documents and evidence. Keep all papers the police give you. Note officer names, locations, times, and the sequence of events. If possible, record names and contacts of witnesses and take photographs of the scene and any testing equipment displays.

Contact a local attorney quickly. Greek drunk driving cases can be listed for court on short notice. A lawyer can attend the station, obtain the file, request calibration logs, and guide you on whether to pursue an independent medical test.

Manage administrative deadlines. There may be short windows to object to administrative measures or to request temporary permissions. Your lawyer can file the necessary applications and represent you before the authorities.

Protect insurance and employment interests. Notify your insurer promptly and follow policy requirements. If you hold a professional license, inform your employer as appropriate and seek advice about fitness to drive and workplace policies.

Consider mitigation. Demonstrating responsible steps such as attending alcohol awareness sessions, undergoing evaluation if advised, and maintaining a clean record pending trial can be helpful at sentencing.

Plan transport. Do not drive while any license retention or suspension is in effect. Use public transportation or reputable taxis and ride services around the Vouliagmeni area until your driving privileges are restored.

This guide summarizes common issues, but each case is unique. An attorney familiar with the courts that serve Vouliagmeni can provide specific advice and representation tailored to your situation.