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DUI and DWI refer to driving under the influence of alcohol or driving while impaired by drugs. In Acharnes, Greece, these matters are handled under national road traffic and criminal law and are enforced by the Hellenic Police - Traffic Division. Police conduct roadside sobriety checks, breath tests and, when needed, blood or urine tests. Penalties can be administrative - such as fines and driving-license suspension - and criminal - such as imprisonment when serious harm or death occurs. Local courts and prosecutors in Attica, including those serving Acharnes, decide criminal cases and appeals.
Several common situations make legal representation important in DUI and DWI cases:
- Arrest after a roadside stop, positive breath or blood test, or refusal to submit to testing.
- Accidents involving injury or death where intoxication is alleged - these cases often carry criminal charges and serious penalties.
- Administrative license-suspension proceedings or immediate seizure of your driving license and vehicle.
- Disputes about the accuracy or legality of breathalyzer, blood or field sobriety tests.
- Negotiation with prosecutors, seeking reduced charges, alternative penalties or probation instead of imprisonment.
- Civil liability and insurance claims after an accident - defending against or pursuing compensation claims.
- Foreign drivers or residents who need advice about license recognition, deportation risks or cross-border consequences.
A lawyer who knows Greek traffic law and local court practice in Attica can help preserve rights, challenge improper procedures, mitigate penalties and represent you in court.
Key points to understand about DUI and DWI law as it applies in Acharnes and the rest of Greece:
- Legal blood alcohol concentration - General drivers are subject to strict limits. There are lower limits for novice drivers and professional drivers. The exact numerical limits are set by national law and can be enforced through breathalyzer and blood testing.
- Testing methods - Police commonly use breathalyzers at the roadside and may order a blood or urine test at a medical facility if needed or if a more accurate measurement is required.
- Refusal to test - Refusing a lawful request to provide a breath or blood sample can itself lead to administrative and criminal consequences, including immediate license suspension and potential charges.
- Administrative sanctions - Depending on results and circumstances, police may issue fines, suspend or confiscate the driving license and detain the vehicle temporarily. Administrative procedures may run separately from criminal proceedings.
- Criminal penalties - If intoxication causes a traffic accident that results in injury or death, criminal charges ranging from misdemeanors to felonies can be brought. Convictions can carry imprisonment, higher fines and long-term license revocation.
- Aggravating factors - High alcohol or drug levels, repeat offenses, involvement in accidents with injuries, driving a professional vehicle or transporting passengers can increase penalties.
- Insurance and civil claims - Convictions or findings of fault can affect insurance coverage and lead to civil liability for damages, medical costs and loss of income.
- Administrative appeals and courts - Decisions by police and administrative bodies can often be appealed to local courts. Criminal cases proceed through the prosecutor and the criminal courts located in the Attica region that serve Acharnes.
If stopped, police may ask you to perform field-sobriety tests and use a breathalyzer. If the test indicates impairment, or if officers have reason to suspect drug use, you may be taken for further testing at a medical facility. You could receive an on the spot administrative measure such as a fine or temporary license seizure, and you may be arrested and later charged criminally depending on the findings.
Greek law sets legal limits that vary by driver category. There are lower limits for novice drivers and professional drivers. Exceeding the applicable limit can lead to administrative sanctions and possible criminal charges in serious cases. Because limits and enforcement practices may change, consult a local lawyer or official guidance for current numeric thresholds.
Refusing a lawful request to submit to testing can lead to immediate administrative penalties, possible criminal charges and may make it harder to defend your case later. In many circumstances refusing a test is treated unfavorably by courts and authorities. Speak to a lawyer as soon as possible if you were asked to refuse or you did refuse.
Penalties depend on the level of intoxication and whether an accident or injury occurred. Typical penalties include fines, temporary suspension of the driving license and possible administrative sanctions. If there are aggravating factors - such as high intoxication levels, an accident causing injury, or repeat offenses - criminal penalties including imprisonment are possible. A lawyer can explain likely outcomes based on the specific facts.
Immediately - remain calm and cooperate with lawful instructions. Do not make self-incriminating statements about drinking or drugs. Request to speak with a lawyer and, if needed, ask for interpretation services if you do not speak Greek. If you were injured, seek medical care. Collect names and badge numbers of officers if possible, and note the location, time and any witnesses. Contact a lawyer as soon as possible to protect your rights.
A lawyer can review whether police followed proper procedures, challenge the legality or accuracy of tests, advise on administrative appeal options, negotiate with prosecutors, represent you at trial and argue for reduced charges or alternative sanctions. Lawyers also handle related civil claims and advise on how a conviction could affect employment, licensing and insurance.
Yes. A conviction or an administrative finding of intoxicated driving can lead to higher insurance premiums, denial of coverage in some situations or claims against you. Employment consequences depend on your job - professional drivers, public servants and those with driving duties may face disciplinary action, suspension or job loss. Consult a lawyer about protecting employment rights and dealing with insurers.
Foreign nationals can face additional consequences depending on their immigration status. A serious criminal conviction may affect residency permits or future visa applications. Immediate criminal arrest could also interfere with travel plans. Seek prompt legal advice, especially if you are not an EU citizen or you rely on a residency permit in Greece.
The length of suspension depends on the severity of the offense, prior record and whether an accident occurred. Suspensions may range from short administrative periods to multi-year bans in serious or repeat cases. There are administrative appeal processes and court procedures that can reduce or overturn suspensions in certain circumstances. A lawyer can advise on the likely duration and options to challenge a suspension.
Useful evidence includes maintenance and calibration records for breathalyzer devices; video footage from police body cameras or nearby CCTV; witness statements; medical records if you have a condition or were taking medication that could affect tests; proof of food or medication intake; a record of the police procedures followed at the stop; and independent blood or toxicology tests when available. Your lawyer can help gather and preserve relevant evidence.
Helpful organizations and bodies to consult when you need more information or formal assistance:
- Hellenic Police - Traffic Division and local police station in Acharnes for information on the stop, reports and procedures.
- Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport - for official road traffic and licensing regulations.
- Attica Bar Association - for referrals to criminal and traffic lawyers experienced in DUI/DWI cases serving Acharnes and greater Athens.
- Local courts and the public prosecutor's office in Attica - for case status and filings.
- Municipal Citizen Service Centers for administrative assistance with documents related to licensing.
- Hospitals and forensic laboratories that perform blood and toxicology testing - for medical records and test results.
- Legal aid clinics or pro bono services if you cannot afford private counsel - inquire at your local bar association for availability.
If you need legal assistance for a DUI or DWI matter in Acharnes, consider the following practical steps:
- Do not delay - contact a qualified local lawyer who specializes in traffic and criminal law as soon as possible.
- Preserve documentation - keep any police reports, test results, medical records, photographs, witness contact information and correspondence from authorities or insurers.
- Ask your lawyer to review the procedure followed by police, the testing devices and the chain of custody for any samples.
- Discuss defense strategies and possible outcomes, including administrative appeals and criminal defenses, with your lawyer before making statements to authorities.
- If you face immediate license suspension, file any required administrative appeals promptly - deadlines can be short.
- If you are a foreign national, inform your lawyer about your immigration status so they can advise on any additional risks.
- Prepare for costs - ask potential lawyers about fees, payment arrangements and whether they offer an initial consultation to assess the case.
Getting prompt, experienced legal advice is the best way to protect your rights, limit penalties and navigate the administrative and criminal processes involved in DUI and DWI matters in Acharnes, Greece.
