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Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a serious offense in Greece, and Nea Smyrni - as a suburb of Athens - follows national road and criminal rules. Police in Nea Smyrni can stop drivers for checks, use breathalyzer tests at the roadside, and order blood tests at hospitals when needed. Consequences range from administrative penalties like fines and license suspension to criminal charges if an offense causes injury or death. Local courts and prosecutors handle cases that involve serious harm, repeat offenses, or contested test results.
Even a first-time allegation of driving under the influence can have lasting consequences. You may need a lawyer if any of the following apply:
- You were involved in an accident, property damage, injury, or death.
- The reported blood alcohol concentration or toxicology result is high or disputed.
- Police detained you, seized your license, or arrested you at the scene.
- You were asked to take a breath or blood test and you refused or the test was not performed correctly.
- You are a professional driver or repeat offender facing stricter rules and heavier penalties.
- You face criminal charges, possible jail time, or complicated administrative procedures.
- You are a foreign national and need help navigating local courts, language barriers, and consular notifications.
A specialist lawyer can explain your rights, advise on immediate steps, gather and challenge evidence, negotiate with prosecutors, represent you in court, and help limit administrative penalties such as license suspension.
Key legal features to understand in Nea Smyrni and Greece generally include the following:
- Legal limits: Greece enforces numerical limits for alcohol in the bloodstream. Limits are stricter for novice drivers, young drivers, and some professional drivers.
- Roadside testing: Police use breathalyzers for initial testing. If the device shows levels above the limit, authorities often require a confirmatory blood test at a medical facility.
- Refusal: Refusing a lawful breath or blood test can result in administrative and criminal consequences. Refusal is treated seriously under Greek practice.
- Administrative penalties: For lower-level offenses, penalties commonly include fines, immediate license suspension or confiscation, and vehicle measures such as impoundment in some cases.
- Criminal sanctions: If driving under the influence causes bodily harm or death, or if intoxication is extreme, criminal prosecution is likely. Possible outcomes include prison, criminal records, and long-term bans on driving.
- Evidence and procedure: Evidence may include breathalyzer printouts, blood test results, police reports, witness statements, dashcam or CCTV footage, and medical records. Procedures must follow strict rules; procedural defects may be grounds for challenge.
- Administrative hearings and appeals: There are deadlines to contest administrative fines and suspensions or to appeal criminal decisions. Acting promptly is critical.
Stay calm, follow lawful instructions, show identification and your driving license when requested, and avoid admitting guilt or making statements beyond necessary identification details. You have a right to legal advice - request to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible. Comply with lawful tests, but take note of times, locations, and officer names for later review.
Refusal is possible but risky. Refusing a breathalyzer or a court-ordered blood test can lead to penalties that may equal or exceed penalties for failing the test. If you are unsure, ask to speak with a lawyer immediately. A qualified lawyer can advise whether there are legal grounds to challenge a test request in your specific situation.
Penalties vary with the level of intoxication, whether there was an accident or injury, and prior convictions. Common penalties include fines, administrative license suspension or revocation, community service, mandatory rehabilitation programs, and in serious cases, criminal sentences including imprisonment. Repeat offenders and offenses causing injury face harsher sanctions.
Breathalyzers are generally reliable but are subject to calibration, maintenance, and operator procedure. A lawyer can review test calibration records, operator training, device condition, and chain of custody for blood samples. Procedural errors or faulty equipment may be grounds to challenge or exclude test results.
Possibly. Criminal convictions can affect residency status, visa applications, and employment where driving or professional conduct is relevant. Professional drivers face stricter regulations and the loss of a commercial license can end a career. Consult a lawyer experienced in both traffic and immigration or employment consequences if you are concerned.
Causing an accident elevates the legal risk. You may face criminal prosecution for dangerous driving, bodily harm, or manslaughter if there are serious injuries or fatalities. You will also likely face civil liability for damages. Immediate legal representation is essential to protect rights, preserve evidence, and manage both criminal and civil claims.
Suspension periods depend on the severity of the offense, test results, prior history, and whether there are aggravating factors like accidents or injuries. Periods can range from months to years, and in severe or repeated cases the license can be revoked permanently. There are administrative processes to contest suspensions and limited options for temporary relief in some cases.
A lawyer cannot guarantee a result, but effective counsel can often reduce charges, negotiate plea agreements, or get evidence suppressed when legal or procedural errors occurred. Early intervention helps preserve evidence, secure witness statements, and identify defenses like medical conditions, improper testing, or faulty procedures.
Bring any police reports, breathalyzer or blood-test documentation, driver's license details, insurance papers, photos of the scene, witness contacts, hospital or medical records if you were treated, and any correspondence from police or prosecutors. If you are a foreign national, bring passport and residency documents. Detailed facts will allow the lawyer to assess options quickly.
Ask for an interpreter during police interviews and court appearances. Notify your lawyer so they can arrange interpretation or communicate effectively on your behalf. Your consulate can also provide advice and assistance for nationals abroad, but consular support does not replace legal representation.
If you need more information or formal help, consider contacting or researching the following types of organizations and bodies in Greece:
- Local traffic police station in Nea Smyrni for administrative procedures and records.
- The Hellenic Police - Traffic Department for national traffic enforcement information and procedures.
- The Athens Bar Association or the local bar association - to find licensed lawyers who specialize in traffic, criminal, and administrative law.
- Court offices in Athens or the relevant local court - for filing appeals and obtaining official case documents.
- Certified medical laboratories and hospitals that perform forensic blood testing - for expert analysis and records.
- Alcohol dependence and rehabilitation services and support groups - for treatment options if substance use is a concern.
- Your national consulate if you are a foreign national - for consular assistance and guidance.
If you are facing a DUI or DWI issue in Nea Smyrni, consider the following practical steps:
- Get legal help promptly. Search for an attorney experienced in Greek traffic and criminal law and with local court experience.
- Preserve evidence and records from the incident - keep police documents, test printouts, medical reports, photos, and witness details.
- Do not make admissions of guilt to police or insurers without consulting your lawyer.
- If you are detained, ask to contact a lawyer and your consulate if you are a foreign national.
- Attend any administrative hearings or court dates. Missing deadlines can forfeit rights to appeal or contest charges.
- Discuss defense options and possible outcomes with your lawyer, including mitigation, plea negotiations, and appeal strategies.
- If substance use is a factor, seek assessment and treatment. Voluntary rehabilitation can be relevant to sentencing and administrative decisions.
Facing a DUI or DWI allegation is stressful, but timely professional advice and careful documentation can significantly affect the outcome. A local lawyer can guide you through procedures in Nea Smyrni, protect your rights, and work to achieve the best possible result given the facts of your case.
