If you’ve been arrested for a DUI in the Atlanta, Georgia area, securing legal representation from experienced DUI attorneys should be your immediate priority. This urgency stems from Georgia’s administrative license suspension laws, which are automatically triggered following most DUI arrests.
For individuals facing DUI charges in Georgia, feelings of embarrassment and being overwhelmed are common. What’s crucial now is to seek experienced legal counsel without delay. Our team of DUI lawyers, serving the metro Atlanta region, offers effective legal services across all Georgia courts. If your priority is to maximize your chances of winning your case, our attorneys are ready to provide the robust defense you need.
Time is of the essence. You have only 30 days from the date of your arrest to take action to prevent an automatic one-year suspension of your driving privileges. Whether your post-arrest breathalyzer test indicated an alcohol level exceeding the legal limit, or you refused to undergo the state-mandated implied consent testing (breath, blood, or urine), appealing this suspension is critical.
Failing to file an administrative license suspension appeal or to opt for the ignition interlock device (IID) option under Georgia law OCGA 40-5-64.1 (if you are eligible) will result in a full 12 months without the legal right to drive. However, proceeding without professional guidance on how best to protect your driving privileges can be risky. Continue reading to learn about how our legal team can offer immediate assistance and free guidance on your next steps.
Our experienced “Attorney Lawyer Near Me” understands that the inability to drive can jeopardize your employment and daily life. We strongly advise anyone arrested for DUI to take advantage of our FREE lawyer consultation. Our legal team is prepared to assist you in protecting your driving rights. Call us now at 404-567-5515 to receive vital legal advice and explore our flexible legal fee payment options.
Understanding Felony DUI Charges in Georgia
A DUI charge can escalate to a felony in serious circumstances, typically involving a motor vehicle accident. Felony DUI charges are usually filed when a DUI incident results in either a wrongful death or serious bodily injuries to another person. This could involve passengers in your vehicle, pedestrians, or occupants of other vehicles involved in the accident.
Should You Contact Your Car Insurance After a DUI Accident?
In cases involving a DUI accident, it is strongly recommended to refrain from discussing the details of the incident with your auto insurance company until you have consulted with and retained legal counsel. It’s important to know that your insurance policy may not cover punitive damages if you are found guilty of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Is a DUI a Criminal Offense in Georgia?
Yes, in Georgia, a DUI is unequivocally a criminal offense. Every DUI charge in Georgia is classified as either a serious misdemeanor or a more severe felony. Critically, under Georgia law OCGA 40-6-391, neither misdemeanor nor felony DUI convictions are eligible for expungement from your criminal record.
It’s noteworthy that over 80% of DUI arrests in Georgia are for first-time offenders, highlighting that this is a common issue affecting many individuals, not just repeat offenders. However, it is crucial to understand that all DUI convictions in Georgia result in a permanent mark on your criminal history.
The penalties for DUI are the same whether you are accused of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Statistical data indicates that over 90% of DUI arrests are alcohol-related.
Even a first-time DUI offense conviction remains on your record permanently. The primary objective of a skilled DUI attorney is to prevent a DUI conviction from becoming a permanent part of your driving record and criminal history.
Can You Hire Just Any DUI Attorney Lawyer Near Me?
While searching for “attorney lawyer near me”, it’s important to recognize that not all attorneys specializing in DUI defense possess the same level of expertise or track record of success. To achieve the best possible outcome in your DUI case, you need to be selective. Our senior partner, William Head, is a nationally recognized DUI defense lawyer with extensive accolades and speaking engagements across the country, setting him apart from many other DUI attorneys in Georgia.
Our law firm distinguishes itself as having the highest concentration of top-rated DUI attorneys in Georgia within a single office. Collectively, our partners have received over 30 Super Lawyers ratings and are published legal authors of multiple publications used by other DUI lawyers. Our team also includes a former police officer turned DUI lawyer, as well as an ex-probation officer and former prosecutor, providing a comprehensive understanding of DUI cases from all perspectives.
The experience of being arrested for DUI is undoubtedly distressing, and the prospect of facing jail time and a permanent DUI conviction is something no one wants to endure.
For many individuals facing their first DUI offense, the initial step is often an online search for “DUI lawyers near me.” Concerned about privacy and discretion, many may hesitate to seek advice from friends or acquaintances connected to the legal community.
The legal process for criminal cases has been extended due to the recent global events, making it even more important to have affordable legal representation. Our payment plans are designed to accommodate various budgets. Our “DUI lawyers near me” are acutely aware of the stress and humiliation associated with a DUI arrest in Georgia and are committed to providing knowledgeable legal counsel as quickly as possible.
Considering the “cost of a lawyer for DUI” is a natural concern. Searching online for “DUI lawyer cost near me” is common. However, it’s crucial to understand that there is no standard fee for DUI lawyers. “Cheap DUI lawyers” may be inexpensive for a reason, and if you prioritize quality legal representation, handling your case yourself with a guilty plea might be a better option than hiring underqualified counsel.
It’s important to know that many of the “best DUI attorneys in Georgia” offer a free initial consultation to help you understand the gravity of your situation and how to proceed. Many people are unaware that nearly every DUI arrest in Georgia places their driving privileges at immediate risk due to Georgia’s implied consent laws.
When searching for an “attorney for DUI defense”, the cost of legal services is a significant factor. Similar to medical procedures, the expense of DUI attorney fees can be substantial, particularly if your case proceeds to trial. Fortunately, many DUI cases are resolved without a trial through negotiated settlements achieved by your criminal defense attorney.
The Importance of a DUI Defense Specialist
The partners at our award-winning DUI law firm in Atlanta, GA, are not only experienced trial lawyers but also recognized legal authors. William “Bubba” Head has authored or co-authored over 18 books on DUI law. Law partners Larry Kohn and Cory Yager have also contributed to legal publications, further demonstrating their expertise in DUI defense.
William Head’s extensive experience in DUI defense dates back decades. A 1998 article in the National Law Journal highlighted a case where he served as a DUI lawyer in Athens, GA.
His pioneering book, initially published in 1991, “101 Ways to Avoid a Drunk Driving Conviction,” remains a leading resource on DUI defense strategies and gained international attention upon its release. Furthermore, he self-published “The Georgia DUI Trial Practice Manual” in 1995, which has become an essential resource for DUI defense in Georgia.
Today, in 2023, the three partners co-author the definitive guide for DUI defense in Georgia, “The Georgia DUI Trial Practice Manual.” This comprehensive legal manual, priced around $1000 per copy, is approximately 1300 pages long and is widely used by legal professionals in the field.
What Is the Cost of a DUI Attorney Lawyer Near Me in Georgia?
When searching for “The Best DUI defense attorney near me”, understand that losing your job due to a DUI can make affording any DUI defense attorney challenging. Our firm’s founder, Bubba Head, often recognized as one of the best DUI lawyers in America, has always offered a free initial case evaluation to those recently arrested.
The “best DUI defense attorneys” typically charge higher fees because of the in-depth investigation and comprehensive defense they provide. This includes meticulous review of police videos, law enforcement documents, and the legality of any search warrants. Top lawyers also scrutinize the arresting officer’s training, experience, and past case record.
Before opting for a “cheap DUI attorney near me”, consider whether you might qualify for a public defender. In the United States, individuals charged with crimes have the right to legal representation, even if they cannot afford a private attorney. Therefore, if you lack the financial resources for a top-tier private lawyer, a public defender can provide experienced courtroom representation at no cost to you.
Flexible DUI Attorney Payment Plans
Our DUI law firm offers payment plans, allowing most clients to pay their DUI defense attorney fees in manageable monthly installments. Given that DUI cases often extend over several months or even years, this payment structure accommodates the financial situations of most clients.
If you wish to discuss our DUI attorney payment options with our legal team, please call us anytime, 24/7, including holidays and weekends.
Call today to speak directly with a law partner. Following your free consultation, you will receive a FREE PDF copy of Mr. Head’s 430-page client guide, “The DUI Book”.
By taking advantage of a FREE DUI case evaluation and a FREE lawyer consultation with our award-winning DUI attorneys, many of our clients find they can regain peace of mind. Contact us now at 404-567-5515. Our attorneys are committed to protecting your privacy.
Additional Resources
For DUI/DWI legal assistance in other states, you may find the following resources helpful:
For North Carolina DWI arrests, locate top DWI lawyers near me in North Carolina.
For OWI lawyers in Michigan, Wisconsin, Iowa & Indiana.
For DUI-OUI attorneys in Maine, Massachusetts & Rhode Island.
For affordable attorneys near me for DUI-DWI defense in other states.
Our Law Office Locations in Georgia:
Sandy Springs (Main Office): 5600 Roswell Rd, Building H, #210, Sandy Springs, GA 30342, (404) 567-5515
Downtown Atlanta: 235 Peachtree Street NE, Suite 400, Atlanta, GA 30303, (404) 567-5515
Marietta: 55 Atlanta St SE, Suite 400, Marietta, GA 30060, (888) 274-6288
Alpharetta-Roswell-Milton: 33 S Main St, Suite 302, Alpharetta, GA 30009, (844) 867-2889
