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DUI and DWI refer to driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. In Karditsa - as in the rest of Greece - driving while impaired by alcohol or controlled substances is prohibited and can lead to administrative penalties, criminal charges, suspension or loss of your driving licence, fines, and in serious cases imprisonment. Enforcement is carried out by the Hellenic Police - traffic officers may stop drivers, use roadside breathalysers, and require medical testing. Whether an incident becomes a criminal case or an administrative matter depends on factors such as blood alcohol concentration, whether a crash occurred, and whether there were injuries or fatalities.
You may need legal help in many common DUI and DWI situations, including:
- You were stopped and recorded at or above the legal alcohol limit, or you refused a test.
- You were involved in a traffic accident while suspected of being under the influence, especially if there were injuries or fatalities.
- You are a professional driver or hold a special licence - penalties and employment consequences can be more severe.
- You face administrative actions such as immediate licence suspension or vehicle impoundment.
- You believe breathalyser or blood test procedures were unlawful, inaccurate, or improperly handled and want to challenge the evidence.
- You need advice about your rights at the roadside, the risks of self-incrimination, or how to limit collateral consequences like insurance or employment problems.
- You want representation in criminal court, to negotiate a plea, or to pursue appeals and licence restoration.
Key aspects of Greek law relevant to DUI and DWI - and important for drivers in Karditsa - include:
- Legal thresholds and testing - Greece sets legal limits for blood alcohol concentration and also prosecutes driving under the influence of illegal drugs. Police use roadside breathalysers and may require blood or urine testing at a medical facility.
- Administrative measures - police can impose immediate administrative sanctions such as on-the-spot fines, temporary licence withdrawal, vehicle immobilisation, or orders to surrender the vehicle keys when they determine a driver is unfit to continue.
- Criminal liability - when impairment contributes to injury or death, or when blood alcohol or drug levels are high, criminal charges may follow. Criminal cases are handled by the public prosecutor and appropriate courts in the Karditsa judicial district.
- Evidence and procedures - lawful stops, correct operation and calibration of breathalysers, chain of custody for blood samples, and properly recorded police procedures affect whether test results can be used in court.
- Employment and licence consequences - licence suspensions, criminal records, and employer actions can follow a DUI conviction. Professional drivers face stricter rules and lower tolerance for impairment.
- Language and process - proceedings and official documents are in Greek. If you do not speak Greek, you should seek an advocate who can arrange interpretation or provide representation in English or your preferred language.
Remain calm, be polite, and follow lawful orders. You have the right to be informed why you are being stopped. You may be asked to perform a breath test or to go for a medical blood or urine test. You can request a lawyer. Avoid making self-incriminating admissions about drinking or drug use - do not volunteer unnecessary information.
Refusal can have serious consequences. Police may consider refusal as grounds for administrative penalties, immediate licence suspension, or arrest. Refusing a test will not necessarily prevent evidence - officers can seek a judicial order for blood testing. Talk to a lawyer about the practical risks of refusal in your case.
Penalties range from administrative fines and licence suspension to criminal charges, higher fines, and imprisonment in serious cases involving injury or death. Additional outcomes can include mandatory alcohol or drug education programmes, vehicle impoundment, and longer-term impacts on employment and insurance. The exact penalty depends on circumstances and the applicable law at the time.
A lawyer will review whether the test was lawfully administered, whether the equipment was properly calibrated, and whether the chain of custody for samples was preserved. Procedural errors, improper calibration, or medical issues can form the basis for challenging results. Early evidence preservation and legal representation are important.
Possibly. Professional drivers and those requiring a clean driving record may face suspension, dismissal, or loss of professional licences. Even non-professional drivers can experience employment consequences if a conviction leads to jail time, licence loss or a criminal record that affects job suitability.
If impairment caused injury or death, criminal charges are likely, and the case will be handled by prosecutors and criminal courts. Penalties are more severe and can include substantial prison terms, high fines and civil liability for damages. You should obtain immediate legal representation experienced in serious traffic cases.
Timing varies. Administrative measures such as licence suspension can take effect immediately and last until the administrative decision is resolved. Criminal proceedings can take months to years depending on complexity and appeals. Your lawyer can advise on temporary measures, appeals, and steps to seek licence reinstatement where possible.
Look for a lawyer licensed in Greece with experience in traffic, criminal and administrative law. Contact the local Bar Association of Karditsa to ask for referrals, check an advocate's track record with DUI cases, and request a clear fee agreement. If you do not speak Greek, find a lawyer who can provide or arrange interpretation.
Insurance coverage may be limited or denied when the driver was under the influence. Insurers often investigate and may refuse payment where policy terms exclude coverage for impaired driving. You should notify your insurer promptly and consult a lawyer to manage civil claims and possible subrogation claims by insurers.
Collect the names and badge numbers of officers, incident report details, witness names and contact information, photos of the scene and vehicles, medical reports and test results, and any receipts or correspondence. Do not alter evidence. Share these materials with your lawyer as soon as possible so they can preserve evidence and begin defence work.
Helpful organisations and bodies to contact in and around Karditsa include:
- Hellenic Police - Traffic Division and local police stations for immediate enforcement and reports.
- Public Prosecutor's Office and the Courts of the Karditsa judicial district for information about criminal proceedings.
- Bar Association of Karditsa - for referrals to local lawyers and information on legal aid and professional representation.
- Local hospitals and medical centres - for records of blood tests and medical treatment after an incident.
- Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport - for rules on licences, suspensions and transport regulation.
- Road safety organisations and driver support groups - for education about impaired driving prevention and rehabilitation programmes.
If you need legal assistance for a DUI or DWI matter in Karditsa, consider the following steps:
- Seek legal representation promptly - contact a lawyer experienced in traffic and criminal law and, if needed, able to work in your preferred language.
- Preserve evidence - keep documents, medical records, police reports, eyewitness information and any correspondence.
- Limit statements - avoid detailed admissions about alcohol or drug use until you have spoken to a lawyer.
- Ask about immediate remedies - your lawyer can advise about temporary license measures, appeals against administrative decisions, and steps to avoid further penalties.
- Prepare for insurance and employment impacts - inform insurers and employers as required, and get legal advice on managing civil liability and professional consequences.
- If you cannot afford a lawyer, ask the Bar Association of Karditsa about eligibility for legal aid or reduced-fee representation.
Dealing with a DUI or DWI can be stressful and confusing. Early legal advice improves the chance of a better outcome - contact a qualified local lawyer as soon as possible to protect your rights and explore your options.
