One DUI charge can seriously affect your future. Maybe it was one mistake. Maybe it wasn’t even your fault. Either way, you’re now facing something that can follow you for years—loss of your license, steep fines, and even jail time.
If this is your situation, you can seek legal help. A Dawsonville DUI defense lawyer from Speights Law will stand by your side and fight for you. Our former prosecutors and seasoned trial attorneys know how DUI cases are built and how to take them apart.
We will take the time to understand your situation, explain how Georgia law applies, and fight for your best possible outcome. Our Dawsonville criminal defense lawyers have over 120 years of combined experience in handling these cases, so we know what you’re up against. To learn how we will help you face it head-on, call us today for a free consultation.
What Our Dawsonville DUI Attorney Will Do for You
When you work with Speights Law, we will handle your case from start to finish. We will:
- Review all the evidence, including the arrest video and breath or blood test results
- Challenge the traffic stop or arrest if your rights were violated
- Negotiate with the prosecutor for reduced charges or dismissal
- Represent you at all hearings and in court
- File a license appeal if needed
- Help with ALS (Administrative License Suspension) proceeding
- Prepare you for trial if the case goes that far
- Fight for a case resolution that avoids jail, protects your license, or keeps your record clean
Our DUI criminal defense lawyers in Dawsonville don’t use a one-size-fits-all strategy when we determine how to approach your case. To review your legal options, call us today for a free, confidential consultation.
What Does Georgia Consider Driving Under the Influence?
Under state law, authorities can charge you with a DUI (driving under the influence) in Georgia if you’re:
- Driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher
- Under the influence of alcohol, drugs (prescription or illegal), or other substances that impair your ability to drive
- A commercial driver operating with a BAC of 0.04% or higher
- A driver under age 21 with any detectable alcohol (BAC of 0.02% or more)
Examples of DUI Charges
- You had a couple of drinks at dinner and got stopped at a checkpoint.
- You were pulled over for swerving, and the officer claimed you smelled like alcohol.
- You took medication that affected your coordination but didn’t realize it would lead to a DUI arrest.
Even if you were not drunk, Georgia law still allows police to arrest you on a DUI charge if they believe substance use affected your driving in any way.
What Are the Penalties for a DUI in Georgia?
The penalties for a DUI in Georgia can be serious, even if it’s your first offense. A conviction may lead to:
- Jail time
- Fines
- Community service
- License suspension or loss
- Required DUI classes or substance abuse treatment
- A permanent mark on your criminal record
If you have been convicted on a DUI charge before or if someone was hurt, you can face tougher penalties. Some of these cases can even become felonies.
The exact punishment depends on the details of your case, but the effects can last a long time. Here’s what you can do if you are charged with a DUI in Georgia.
Common DUI Myths vs. the Facts You Need to Know
There’s a lot of misinformation about DUI charges in Georgia. Here are a few common myths and the truth behind them:
“You have to be drunk to get a DUI”
False. You can be charged with driving under the influence even if you feel fine. If an officer believes your ability to drive is impaired—by alcohol, drugs, or even prescription medication—they can still arrest you.
“You can’t fight DUI charges”
False. There are many ways to challenge DUI charges. A good lawyer will look at every detail—from why you were pulled over to how the tests were given—to find strong defenses and seek a favorable outcome in your case.
“Refusing a breath test means they have no case”
Not always. Refusing a test can lead to an automatic license suspension under Georgia’s implied consent law. The state may still try to prove DUI based on other evidence like driving behavior or field sobriety tests.
“If I’m polite, the officer will let me go”
Not likely. Being respectful is smart, but it won’t stop an arrest if the officer believes there’s probable cause.
“A first DUI isn’t a big deal”
False. Even a first offense can lead to jail time, fines, a suspended license, and a criminal record that affects your future.
Common Defenses in Georgia DUI Cases
We will carefully look at your case to find the strongest defense. Some examples of DUI defenses include:
- Illegal traffic stop: The officer didn’t have a legal reason to stop you.
- Faulty field sobriety tests: These tests are not always reliable.
- Inaccurate breath or blood test: Machines can break or give wrong results if they aren’t set up the right way.
- Lack of probable cause: There wasn’t enough evidence to justify your arrest.
- Rising BAC: Your blood alcohol level rose after you were stopped, not while you were driving.
As noted earlier, your defense will be based on the facts of your case. We will take the time to investigate everything.
How You Can Prepare for a DUI Case in Dawsonville, GA
Facing a DUI charge can be a stressful experience, so if you feel unsure of what steps to take next, we understand. You can do any of the below as you seek legal counsel for your situation:
- Write down everything you remember from the arrest, including what the officer said.
- Don’t talk to the police without a Dawsonville DUI arrest attorney from our team present.
- Save any documents or test results you receive.
- Attend all required hearings and court dates.
- Follow legal advice from your attorney closely.
The earlier you act, the more we can do to protect your rights.
Our DUI Defense Lawyer in Dawsonville Will Fight for You — Call Us
At Speights Law, we know what’s at stake when you’re charged with DUI. You might be worried about your job, your driver’s license, or what your family will think.
Our DUI defense lawyer in Dawsonville will give you honest answers, skilled legal defense, and constant support. We return your calls. We explain every option, and we fight like it’s our name on the line.
Don’t wait until it’s too late. Get our team on your side today. We’re ready to listen, explain your options, and fight for your future.