Best DUI & DWI Lawyers in Thivais

About DUI & DWI Law in Thivais, Greece

In Greece, what many English speakers call DUI or DWI is regulated by national law under the Road Traffic Code and the Criminal Code. Thivais follows these national rules. The focus is on whether a driver is under the influence of alcohol or drugs in a way that affects safe driving. Police in Thivais carry out roadside checks, screen drivers with breath tests, and can take drivers to a station or medical facility for evidential breath or blood testing. Penalties range from on the spot fines and temporary loss of license to criminal charges, jail time, and long suspensions, especially at higher alcohol levels or if an accident occurs.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

You may need a lawyer if you are stopped at a checkpoint in Thivais and record an elevated breath alcohol reading. A lawyer helps you understand what the reading means, how the second test works, and whether a blood test should be requested. If your license is taken or your plates are removed, a lawyer can advise on challenging the administrative action and on next steps so you can plan work and family transport. If you are a professional or novice driver, your legal exposure can be higher, and counsel can help protect your livelihood. If you are a foreign national or tourist, a lawyer helps you exercise your right to an interpreter, communicate with authorities, and coordinate any court appearance. If there is an accident, injuries, or alleged property damage, legal stakes increase, and representation is important for evidence gathering, insurance coordination, and defense. If you refused testing, a lawyer can explain the consequences and whether the refusal can be contested. If you already received a summons or court date, a lawyer can appear for you in certain circumstances, request an adjournment, and develop a defense strategy.

Local Laws Overview

Legal limits. The general blood alcohol concentration limit is 0.50 g per liter. Lower limits apply to novice drivers and professional drivers, commonly 0.20 g per liter. Authorities convert between blood and breath values, so you may see breath results expressed in mg per liter. Refusal to submit to testing is a separate offense and is treated severely.

Testing process. Police in Thivais use roadside screening devices. If the screen indicates alcohol, they can require an evidential breath test or a blood test. You can request a confirmatory test. Testing for drugs may involve saliva screening and blood or urine confirmation.

Penalties. At or above the legal limit, you can face administrative fines and temporary license suspension. At moderately elevated levels, expect heavier fines and multi month suspension. At high levels, typically at or above about 1.10 g per liter blood, the offense is charged as a criminal misdemeanor that can include jail, a longer suspension, and removal of vehicle plates. If drunk or drugged driving leads to an accident with injuries or major damage, penalties increase and can include felony level charges depending on the outcome.

Vehicles and license. Police may remove license plates or immobilize the vehicle for a period. If you hold a foreign license, Greek authorities can prohibit you from driving in Greece during a suspension period and will notify relevant authorities.

Court and procedure. DUI type misdemeanors from incidents in Thivais are typically handled by the Misdemeanor Court that sits in Thiva, with the local Public Prosecutor overseeing charging. You have the right to counsel and an interpreter. Time limits to object to administrative measures or to challenge fines are short. Do not ignore any notice or summons.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the legal alcohol limit for drivers in Thivais

The general legal limit in Greece is 0.50 g per liter of blood. For novice drivers and professional drivers the limit is lower, commonly 0.20 g per liter. Breath readings are used at the roadside and are converted to equivalent blood values by law.

What happens if I refuse a breath or blood test

Refusing testing is an offense and can lead to penalties similar to or higher than those for high alcohol levels. Police can treat refusal as serious non compliance, apply administrative measures, and forward the case for criminal handling. You may also be taken for a medical examination. Ask for a lawyer as soon as possible.

Will I go to jail for a first offense

Jail is uncommon at low levels without aggravating factors. At high levels, or if there is an accident, injury, or other aggravation, the court can impose a custodial sentence. Even without jail, fines and suspension periods can be significant.

Can I keep driving after being charged

Often your license is taken immediately for a set period depending on the reading and circumstances. You cannot drive during a valid suspension. Driving while suspended leads to additional penalties. A lawyer can advise on any challenge or reduction options.

How accurate are roadside breath tests

Roadside devices are screening tools. Evidential tests are performed on approved devices or through blood tests. You have the right to a confirmatory test, and the timing, calibration, and procedure can be important in your defense.

What if I am a tourist or hold a foreign license

Greek law applies to everyone driving in Greece. Police can suspend your right to drive in Greece and notify your home country. You have the right to an interpreter. Contact a lawyer promptly to manage court dates and travel plans.

Do drug driving laws apply even without alcohol

Yes. Driving under the influence of drugs is prohibited even if no alcohol is involved. Police may use saliva screens and order blood or urine tests. Penalties are comparable and can be severe if impairment is proven.

Where will my case be heard if the incident happened in Thivais

Misdemeanor DUI cases from the area are generally heard at the Misdemeanor Court that serves Thiva, under the jurisdiction of the local Public Prosecutor. Your lawyer can confirm the exact venue and date on your summons.

Will my insurance be affected

Insurers may deny coverage for damage caused while driving under the influence, and premiums often rise after a conviction or administrative suspension. If injuries occurred, civil liability can be substantial. Consult both your lawyer and insurer quickly.

Can a DUI be removed from my record

Record handling in Greece depends on the type of offense, the sentence, and time passed. Some entries are removed after statutory periods, while others remain accessible to authorities. Ask your lawyer about record implications and future travel or licensing issues.

Additional Resources

Hellenic Police - local Traffic Department in Thivais for reports, copies of citations, and testing records. Thiva Misdemeanor Court and the local Public Prosecutor for procedural information about hearing dates and case status. Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport - Road Safety directorates for official guidance on limits and sanctions. National ambulance service for post accident reports that may be relevant to evidence. Local bar associations, including the Bar Association of Thiva, for referrals to defense counsel experienced in DUI matters.

Next Steps

Write down everything you remember about the stop, the time line, what you ate and drank, and any medications. Keep all paperwork, including receipts and the breath test printout if provided. Do not drive if your license has been taken. Contact a DUI experienced lawyer in Thivais as soon as possible to review the reading, discuss a confirmatory test, and protect your rights. Ask your lawyer about deadlines to challenge administrative measures and about the likely court schedule. Notify your insurer if an accident occurred, but avoid giving detailed statements before speaking with counsel. If you are not a Greek speaker, request an interpreter at every stage. Attend all appointments and court dates and follow your lawyer’s guidance on compliance with any conditions. Laws and penalties can change, so rely on current legal advice tailored to your case.