DUI Defense Lawyer in Atlanta, GA

Ready to Protect Your Rights & Freedom

Driving under the influence (DUI) is one of the most common crimes in Georgia and throughout the United States. In fact, many people who are arrested for drunk or drugged driving face the criminal justice system for the first time. Unfortunately, a conviction can lead to serious criminal penalties, such as fines, driver’s license suspension, and even jail time.

If you or a loved one has been arrested for a DUI in Atlanta, let The Law Office of Ahmad R. Crews guide you through the complexities of the criminal justice system and help you either get your entire case dismissed or your charges/penalties reduced to avoid spending time in jail. Attorney Crews can listen to your story, examine your case, and determine your available legal options to get the best favorable outcome in court.

What Are Georgia’s DUI Laws?

In Georgia, you can be arrested for a DUI with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of at least 08 percent—or .04 percent for a commercial driver or .02 percent for an underage driver (younger than 21 years of age)—or with any amount of illegal drugs, including marijuana, in your blood or urine. If you fail or refuse a post-arrest chemical test (e.g., breath, blood, urine, etc.), your driver’s license will automatically be suspended, which is separate from license suspension upon conviction.

What Are the Penalties for a DUI?

The following are the criminal penalties for DUI in GA:

• First DUI – Punishable by a jail sentence of up to 10 days, probation for up to 12 months, a maximum fine of $1,000 (not including court costs and other legal fees), driver’s license suspension for 12 months, at least 40 hours of community service, and/or substance abuse counseling.

• Second DUI – Punishable by a jail sentence between 90 days and 12 months, probation between 12 and 36 months, a maximum fine of $1,000 (not including court costs and other legal fees), driver’s license suspension for three (3) years, ignition interlock device (IID) installation, at least 30 days of community service, and/or substance abuse counseling.

• Third DUI – Punishable by a jail sentence between 120 days and 12 months, probation between 12 and 36 months, a maximum fine of $5,000 (not including court costs and other legal fees), permanent driver’s license revocation, ignition interlock device (IID) installation, at least 30 days of community service, and/or substance abuse counseling.

Under Georgia’s implied consent law, if you refuse to take a post-arrest chemical test, a first offense in five (5) years carries driver’s license suspension for one year. A second offense in five (5) years carries a three-year driver’s license suspension period. A third offense in five (5) years carries a five-year suspension.

The DUI Arrest Process: From Traffic Stop to Arraignment

When a DUI arrest occurs, it typically begins with a traffic stop. An officer may pull you over due to erratic driving, a traffic violation, or at a DUI checkpoint. Upon stopping, the officer observes for signs of intoxication, such as slurred speech or the smell of alcohol. If suspicion arises, field sobriety tests and a breathalyzer test are conducted. Refusing these tests can lead to immediate license suspension.

If probable cause is established, the officer arrests you and reads your Miranda rights. You are then transported to the police station for booking, where your personal information, fingerprints, and mugshot are recorded. After booking, you are held in custody until your arraignment, where you are formally charged and enter a plea. This process can be swift, but the implications are significant, affecting your driving privileges and legal standing.

Contact Us Today!

In addition to the serious criminal penalties, having a conviction on your criminal record can significantly damage your personal life and professional reputation. Our firm understands how difficult and trying this time in your life can be, which is why we are ready to help you avoid harsh penalties and get your life back on track.