Best DUI & DWI Lawyers in Melissia

About DUI & DWI Law in Melissia, Greece

DUI and DWI refer to driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. In Greece these offenses are treated seriously and combine administrative, civil and criminal consequences. Enforcement is national, so the same basic rules apply in Melissia as in other parts of the country. Police can stop drivers, carry out roadside breath tests and order further testing at a police station or medical facility. Penalties can include fines, immediate or longer-term driving bans, vehicle measures, and in serious cases imprisonment and a criminal record. The way a case is handled can vary depending on the level of impairment, whether an accident occurred and whether injuries or death resulted.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

You may need a lawyer for DUI or DWI matters for several reasons:

• Immediate arrest or criminal charge - when the police place you under arrest or file criminal charges you need legal representation as soon as possible.
• License suspension - a lawyer can help challenge administrative suspension or seek alternatives where appropriate.
• Accident with injury or death - these are high-stakes matters with potential long-term imprisonment and civil liability.
• Test refusal or disputed results - specialist lawyers know how to examine breathalyzer and blood-test procedures, calibration records and chain-of-custody issues.
• Repeat offenses - prior convictions increase penalties, so strategic defense and mitigation are important.
• Foreign nationals - language, license validity and consular notification issues make local counsel essential.
• Insurance and civil claims - a lawyer helps coordinate criminal defense with civil exposure and insurance considerations.
• Negotiation and mitigation - experienced counsel can negotiate plea options, mitigation evidence and alternative sanctions.

Local Laws Overview

Below are key aspects of Greek DUI law that are particularly relevant in Melissia. Laws and administrative practices can change, so treat this as a general guide and seek current legal advice for your situation.

• Legal limits - Greece sets legal blood alcohol concentration - BAC - limits. For most drivers the common limit is 0.05% (0.5 g/L). Lower limits often apply to novice drivers and professional drivers - commonly around 0.02% (0.2 g/L) or zero tolerance for certain categories. Confirm the exact current limits for your category of driver.
• Roadside testing - Hellenic Police traffic officers can perform breath tests at the roadside. If a test shows a level above the legal limit, drivers are usually taken to a police station or medical facility for a confirmatory breath or blood test.
• Refusal to test - Refusing a lawful breath or blood test can lead to immediate administrative measures, fines and criminal prosecution. Refusal is not a simple way to avoid consequences.
• Administrative penalties - these may include fines, immediate provisional withdrawal of the driving license and administrative suspensions, separate from any criminal proceedings.
• Criminal penalties - higher BAC levels, causing injury or death, or repeat offenses can lead to criminal charges. Criminal penalties may include heavier fines and imprisonment. A criminal conviction can carry long-term consequences.
• Collision consequences - if an impaired driver causes an accident, they face both criminal charges and civil liability for damages, medical costs and other losses.
• Interplay with foreign licenses - foreign driving licenses may be suspended in Greece; enforcement and consequences can affect your ability to drive at home depending on bilateral rules and your home jurisdiction.
• Local enforcement - Melissia is covered by the relevant Hellenic Police traffic units. Local prosecutors handle cases arising there according to national criminal procedure rules.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if the police stop me for suspected DUI in Melissia?

Stay calm, follow lawful police instructions and provide your identity and driving documents. You must comply with lawful breath or blood test orders. You may politely request to speak with a lawyer and, if needed, an interpreter. Avoid making self-incriminating statements without legal advice.

What are the typical blood alcohol concentration limits I should know about?

Limits can change, but commonly the general limit is around 0.05% (0.5 g/L), while lower limits - for example 0.02% (0.2 g/L) - apply to novice and professional drivers. Some categories such as certain commercial or learner drivers may face near zero tolerance. Check current rules that apply to your license category.

Can I refuse a breathalyzer test?

Refusal is risky. Refusing a lawful test may lead to administrative penalties, automatic provisional suspension of your license and criminal charges. Compliance and then seeking legal counsel is usually the safer course.

Will a DUI conviction in Greece affect my driving license back home?

Possibly. Suspension or conviction in Greece can have consequences for foreign-issued licenses depending on your home country rules and any information-sharing agreements. You should notify your embassy or consulate and consult local counsel in both Greece and your home jurisdiction.

What penalties can I expect if convicted of DUI?

Penalties vary with BAC level, whether an accident occurred and prior convictions. Possible sanctions include fines, driving bans and license suspension, vehicle measures, and imprisonment for serious offences or if injury or death results. Criminal convictions may also create a permanent record.

Can breathalyzer or blood test results be challenged?

Yes. A lawyer can investigate device calibration and maintenance records, operator training, chain of custody for blood samples, timing between driving and testing, and medical conditions or medications that might affect test readings. Procedural errors or equipment faults can sometimes lead to exclusion or mitigation of evidence.

What happens if I caused an accident while impaired?

If an impaired driver causes an accident, prosecutors may bring serious criminal charges, and injured parties can bring civil claims for damages. You should obtain legal representation immediately to protect your rights and to coordinate criminal defense and civil response.

How quickly should I contact a lawyer?

Contact a lawyer as soon as possible after police contact, arrest or notification of charges. Early involvement helps preserve evidence, protect procedural rights, and plan defense and mitigation strategies.

Are there alternatives to criminal conviction - for example rehabilitation programs or plea deals?

In some cases prosecutors or courts may consider mitigation, suspended sentences or alternative measures depending on the facts, prior record and cooperation. A lawyer can negotiate with the prosecutor or advocate for alternative sanctions where appropriate.

What if I am a passenger and accused of aiding someone to drive while intoxicated?

Legal exposure depends on your actions and intent. Passive presence is usually not criminal, but actively encouraging or facilitating dangerous driving could create liability. Seek legal advice promptly if you are accused of involvement.

Additional Resources

Below are types of organizations and bodies that can provide information or assistance. Contact the relevant local body or legal professional for case-specific guidance.

• Hellenic Police - Traffic Division and the local Melissia police station for immediate enforcement and procedure questions.
• Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport - for national road and vehicle regulation information.
• Athens Bar Association - for lists of qualified lawyers practicing criminal and traffic law who can assist in Melissia and the Athens area.
• Local legal aid clinics and consular services - for help if you are a foreign national or need language assistance.
• Victim support and medical services - if an accident or injury is involved seek medical care and information on victim support services.
• Insurance provider - notify your insurer promptly if an incident involves your vehicle or could trigger a claim.

Next Steps

If you need legal assistance for a DUI or DWI matter in Melissia follow these steps:

1. Document what happened - write down the sequence of events, names of officers, times, and any witnesses while memories are fresh.
2. Preserve evidence - keep copies of any police reports, test results, medical records, photographs and correspondence.
3. Contact a qualified local lawyer - seek a criminal or traffic law specialist who handles DUI/DWI matters in the Athens area and explain your situation. Ask about experience, fees and immediate next steps.
4. Do not make detailed statements to investigators or prosecutors without your lawyer present - you have the right to legal counsel and to remain silent on matters that may incriminate you.
5. Notify your embassy or consulate if you are a foreign national - they can provide consular assistance and advise on local procedures.
6. Coordinate civil and insurance issues - inform your insurer and get legal advice on potential civil liability for damages or medical costs.
7. Prepare for court - work with your lawyer to gather mitigation evidence, medical or treatment records if relevant, character references and any technical experts needed to challenge testing procedures.

Remember that this guide provides general information and not legal advice. Laws and procedures can change and facts matter. For a tailored legal strategy contact a qualified lawyer in Melissia or the broader Athens area promptly.