Newnan DUI Defense Attorneys: Protecting Your License, Your Record And Your Future
For almost twenty years, at Hunnicutt, Taylor, & Millians, we have been the advocates of choice for Newnan and Coweta County. We are your DUI arrest attorneys, so we understand the implications of your situation. We give you the immediate attention and reassurances you require at this stressful time.
Consequences Of A DUI Conviction In Georgia
DUI prosecutors in the state will vigorously prosecute anyone who is charged with alcohol-related offenses. The penalty can be severe, especially for commercial drivers in Georgia who work for manufacturing or logistics companies in the area. If you are a CDL driver and have a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .04%, you may be disqualified from driving. If it is the first time that you are arrested for a DUI in Georgia or if you have multiple prior DUI offenses, the laws regarding DUI will severely affect your ability to earn a living. The consequences of a DUI conviction in Georgia include:
- License suspension
- Fines
- Jail time
- Ignition interlock
- Insurance impact
- Employment consequences
Those DUI penalties can affect your finances, your career and your freedom, but the negative consequences don’t automatically follow. By taking fast action and employing a strong Georgia DUI defense, you can defend yourself and beat the state in many ways.
How Our Firm Approaches DUI Defense
We do not believe in simply accepting whatever plea deal the state offers. Led by Nicholas Barker, whose extensive background as a special assistant attorney general gives our clients a unique advantage, we understand exactly how prosecutors build their cases. Because we know their playbook, we know how to dismantle it. Here is how we approach your defense:
- Evidence review: We investigate the totality of your traffic stop for violations of your rights, challenge the field sobriety test and inquire about the calibration of the breathalyzer.
- Administrative License Suspension (ALS) hearings: If you submitted to testing or were accused of refusing testing, we will urgently file the necessary appeals for your administrative license hearing to halt an automatic suspension of your driver’s license.
- Negotiation: Drawing on our unique knowledge of the state’s impaired driving prosecution system, we use our formidable negotiating power to reduce your impaired driving charges. In some cases, we can negotiate your charges down to a lesser offense, such as reckless driving, or we can seek a complete dismissal of the charges against you.
- Trial: If a fair agreement cannot be reached, we are fully prepared to take your case to court and challenge the validity of any chemical test or BAC test before a judge or jury.
- Having a skilled first-offense DUI lawyer or repeat-offense advocate in your corner means no stone is left unturned.
We will stand between you and the prosecution at every stage of the legal process.
Frequently Asked Questions About DUI In Georgia
We offer free initial consultations to give you clear, plain-language answers tailored to your specific criminal defense case. Here are answers to the most common questions we receive.
What happens after a DUI arrest in Georgia?
After an arrest, you actually face two separate legal battles: a criminal court case that determines fines and jail time, and a civil case with the Department of Driver Services that determines your driving privileges.
What is the 30-day ALS deadline, and why does it matter?
You have exactly 30 days from the date of your arrest to formally request an ALS hearing or install an ignition interlock device. If you miss this strict deadline, your license will be automatically suspended before you even go to criminal court.
Can I lose my license after a first DUI in Georgia?
Yes. Even a first offense can trigger a suspension of your driving privileges for up to one year. However, we can often help clients secure a limited driving permit so they can still get to work and school.
Will a DUI conviction affect my job or professional license?
Yes. A conviction creates a permanent criminal record. This will show up on background checks and can lead to immediate termination or license revocation for CDL drivers, nurses, teachers and other licensed professionals.
What are the penalties for a first DUI offense in Georgia?
The standard penalties for these charges include up to 12 months of probation, mandatory fines, 40 hours or more of community service, a DUI Risk Reduction course, and possibly a suspension of your license.
Can a DUI charge be reduced or dismissed in Georgia?
Yes. An experienced attorney can identify procedural flaws in how your traffic stop was conducted, a lack of sufficient probable cause to make the stop or flawed test results that might cause the prosecutor to lessen or dismiss the charges.
What should I do if I was charged with DUI, but I wasn’t over the legal limit?
Georgia law allows officers to arrest you for a “less safe” DUI even if your BAC is below .08%, as long as they believe alcohol or drugs impaired your ability to drive safely. You still need an attorney to immediately contest the officer’s subjective opinions.
Don’t Wait – Protect Your Freedom Today
The 30-day ALS deadline is working against you. Don’t allow a single bad decision to define the rest of your life. At Hunnicutt, Taylor, & Millians, your committed and local advocates, we are ready to roll. Call us at 770-744-1363 or use our online contact form to set up a free consultation.