Atlanta DUI Lawyer

Arrested for Drunk Driving in Atlanta, GA?

If you have been arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) in Atlanta, Georgia, the decisions you make immediately following your arrest can have a significant impact on your driver's license, your criminal record, and your future. A DUI charge is serious, but an arrest does not automatically mean you will be convicted. The prosecution must prove its case, and there may be opportunities to challenge the evidence, the traffic stop, the arrest, or the testing procedures used by law enforcement.

At The Law Offices of Richard S. Lawson, we have spent more than 30 years defending individuals charged with DUI throughout Atlanta and the surrounding areas of Georgia. Attorney Richard S. Lawson has handled more than 5,000 DUI cases and brings valuable experience as a former Georgia DUI prosecutor. Our practice is dedicated to DUI defense, allowing us to focus on the legal, scientific, and procedural issues that can make a difference in these cases.

Whether you are facing your first DUI, have prior DUI convictions, refused a breath or blood test, or were arrested following an accident, our Atlanta DUI defense attorneys are prepared to evaluate your case and explain your legal options.

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If you have been arrested for DUI in Atlanta, contact our office as soon as possible. Important deadlines involving your driver's license begin immediately after your arrest. We are available 24/7 to discuss your situation.

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We've Handled Over 5,000 DUI Cases

Why Hire an Experienced Atlanta DUI Lawyer?

A DUI case involves much more than determining whether you consumed alcohol before getting behind the wheel. Georgia DUI laws allow prosecutors to pursue charges based on alcohol, drugs, prescription medication, and other substances that may impair a person's ability to drive safely.

Successfully defending a DUI charge requires an understanding of Georgia criminal law, DUI testing procedures, law enforcement practices, and the scientific evidence used to establish impairment.

At The Law Offices of Richard S. Lawson, DUI defense is our primary focus. Attorney Lawson has more than three decades of experience handling DUI cases and has resolved more than 5,000 cases during his legal career.

There are several reasons why experience matters when choosing an Atlanta DUI attorney:

• Former DUI prosecutor: Attorney Lawson previously prosecuted DUI cases in Georgia. His experience on the prosecution side provides valuable insight into how the state investigates and builds DUI cases.
• Field sobriety testing knowledge: Attorney Lawson graduated from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Field Sobriety Test Instructor Course. This specialized training provides an understanding of how standardized field sobriety tests should be administered, evaluated, and interpreted.
• Extensive DUI case experience: Having handled more than 5,000 DUI cases, Attorney Lawson has encountered a wide range of circumstances involving traffic stops, chemical testing, field sobriety evaluations, and DUI arrests.
• Dedicated DUI defense practice: Our firm concentrates on defending DUI charges rather than treating DUI cases as just another type of criminal matter.

Every DUI arrest has its own circumstances. We take the time to examine the evidence, identify potential weaknesses in the prosecution's case, and determine the most appropriate defense strategy for each client. If arrested for DUI in Atlanta, you will want the help of an Atlanta DUI lawyer like Richard Lawson.

What Happens After a DUI Arrest in Atlanta, Georgia?

One of the biggest concerns after a DUI arrest is not knowing what happens next. A Georgia DUI case involves two separate legal proceedings: the criminal DUI case and an administrative proceeding involving your driver's license. Understanding the difference is important because the deadlines and potential consequences are not the same.

1. The Criminal DUI Case

Following a DUI arrest, you will generally be required to appear in court to answer the criminal charge. Depending on where you were arrested, your case may be handled in a municipal, state, or superior court.

The prosecution must establish the elements of the DUI offense beyond a reasonable doubt. The evidence may include:

• The arresting officer's observations and testimony.
• The results of standardized field sobriety tests.
• Breathalyzer or other breath-testing results.
• Blood or urine test results.
• Dash camera and body camera recordings.
• Statements made by the driver.
• Witness statements and accident reports.

Our experienced Atlanta DUI defense attorneys can examine how this evidence was obtained and whether it can legally and reliably be used against you.

2. The Administrative License Suspension (ALS)

A DUI arrest will also trigger an administrative action against your driver's license through the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS). This process is separate from your criminal case and your license or driving privileges can be subject to suspension even before your criminal DUI case has been resolved.

Georgia law establishes a limited period to challenge an administrative license suspension. In Georgia the deadline to request an ALS hearing is 30 calendar days. The applicable deadline and available options depend on the circumstances of your arrest and the notice you received. Missing the deadline can result in losing your opportunity to challenge the administrative suspension.

Our firm handles both the criminal DUI case and the administrative license suspension (ALS) process. An ALS hearing gives your attorney an opportunity to challenge the administrative action and examine issues involving the arrest, testing procedures, and the officer's compliance with applicable legal requirements. Do not assume that your driver's license is safe simply because your criminal DUI case is still pending. The administrative license process operates separately, and waiting too long to speak with an attorney could limit your options.

If you were arrested for DUI in Atlanta or anywhere in Georgia, contact our office promptly so we can evaluate the applicable deadlines.

Types of DUI Cases We Handle in Atlanta 

At The Law Offices of Richard S. Lawson, we tackle all types of Atlanta DUI charges, ranging from child endangerment to drug-related DUIs. We also work with out-of-state clients who have been arrested for DUI while visiting Georgia.

We understand that no two DUI cases are exactly alike. The circumstances of your arrest, your prior driving history, the type of testing performed, and the allegations made by law enforcement can all affect your defense.

Other types of DUI cases we handle include, but are not limited to:

• Underage DUI: Drivers under 21 are subject to different alcohol concentration limits and potentially serious consequences.
• First DUI offense: A first DUI arrest can carry serious criminal and administrative consequences, even if you have never been in trouble before.
• Second DUI offense: A second DUI charge may involve enhanced penalties and additional license consequences depending on the timing of prior convictions.
• Third DUI offense: Multiple DUI convictions can expose a driver to significantly increased penalties under Georgia law.
• DUI accidents: We defend individuals charged with DUI following a motor vehicle accident.
• Vehicular homicide: We represent individuals facing serious charges involving allegations that a DUI contributed to a fatal accident.
• DUI Drugs:  Georgia DUI charges can involve marijuana, illegal drugs, prescription medications, and other substances.
• DUI checkpoint arrests: We investigate whether the checkpoint and resulting stop complied with applicable legal requirements.
• Prior DUI convictions: We evaluate prior DUI convictions and whether they may be properly considered in the current case.
• Suspended license: We help individuals understand and address the driver's license consequences associated with DUI arrests and convictions.

We know that these charges are very serious and can have lifelong effects on you both criminally and financially, which is why we put forth every effort to ensure that your rights are protected. If you are still wondering if you need a lawyer, let our team provide you with a free consultation to evaluate your legal situation.

Our team will walk you through the entire DUI process, from the arrest to the decision of plea bargain vs. trial to any post-trial relief you may need. We are on your side, and we are here to help. If you are charged with DUI, it would be in your best interest to hire an Atlanta DUI defense lawyer as soon as possible.

What Are the Penalties for a DUI in Georgia?

Georgia DUI penalties depend on several factors, including whether the charge is a first, second, or subsequent offense within the applicable lookback period, the driver's age, the circumstances of the arrest, and whether the offense involved an accident or injuries.

A DUI conviction can result in consequences such as:

• Jail time.
• Significant fines and court costs.
• Probation.
• Community service.
• Mandatory DUI Risk Reduction Program attendance.
• Driver's license suspension.
• Alcohol or drug evaluation requirements.
• Increased insurance costs.
• A permanent criminal record, subject to applicable record-restriction and other legal rules.

Repeat DUI convictions can result in substantially harsher penalties. Certain circumstances can also elevate a DUI-related offense to a felony. A DUI conviction can affect far more than your ability to drive. It may create complications with employment, professional licensing, education, and other aspects of your life. Before entering a guilty plea or making decisions about your case, it is important to understand the full range of potential consequences and what defenses may be available. That is why it is critical that you hire an experienced Atlanta DUI Lawyer before making any decisions about your case!

What If I Was Arrested for DUI in Atlanta but Live in Another State?

You do not have to be a Georgia resident to face DUI charges in Atlanta. We regularly assist individuals who were visiting Georgia when they were arrested for DUI. If you live in another state, you may be concerned about whether you must return to Georgia for court, what happens to your out-of-state driver's license, and whether a Georgia DUI conviction will affect your driving privileges where you live. These are important questions that should be addressed early in your case.

A DUI arrest in Georgia can have consequences beyond the state where the arrest occurred. Georgia may report certain DUI-related information to your home state, and your home state may impose additional licensing consequences under its own laws. Our DUI Lawyers in Atlanta can evaluate your Georgia DUI charge, explain the court process, and help you understand the potential impact on your driving privileges.

Challenging Evidence in Your DUI Case

Georgia enforces strict drunk driving laws. In Atlanta and jurisdictions throughout the state, impaired drivers are prosecuted and penalized harshly. This does not mean, however, that accused drivers don't have options to defend themselves and challenge the government's case against them. Law enforcement officers must have probable cause to stop and arrest you, and they must comply with proper protocol. Our lawyers investigate and challenge all aspects of your arrest to ensure your rights are protected and to secure the best possible outcome.

Frequently Asked Questions About Atlanta DUI Charges

Should I hire a lawyer after a DUI arrest in Atlanta?

Yes. A DUI arrest will trigger both a criminal court case and a separate administrative driver's license proceeding. Our experienced Atlanta DUI lawyers will evaluate the evidence, explain the potential consequences, identify available defenses, and help you meet important legal deadlines.

Can a DUI charge be dismissed in Georgia?

Yes, a DUI charge can sometimes be dismissed when legal or evidentiary issues undermine the prosecution's case. For example, an attorney may challenge an unlawful traffic stop, improper testing procedures, unreliable chemical test results, or constitutional violations. Whether dismissal is possible depends on the specific facts and evidence.

Can I be convicted of DUI in Georgia if my BAC was below .08?

Yes. Georgia recognizes both DUI per se and DUI less safe offenses. A driver may be charged with DUI less safe if the prosecution alleges that alcohol or drugs made the driver less safe to operate a vehicle, even if the driver's blood alcohol concentration was below .08 or no chemical test was performed.

What happens if I refuse a breathalyzer or blood test in Georgia?

Refusing a state-administered chemical test can have significant consequences for your driver's license. Depending on the circumstances, the refusal may trigger an administrative license suspension and may also be used as evidence in the criminal DUI case, subject to applicable law. 

How long do I have to challenge a DUI license suspension in Georgia?

Georgia drivers have 30 calendar days to request an Administrative License Suspension hearing. The deadline depends on the circumstances and applicable notice requirements. It is important to have our DUI Attorneys in Atlanta review your paperwork immediately after an arrest so that you do not miss an applicable deadline.

Will I go to jail for a first DUI in Georgia?

A first DUI conviction can carry a jail sentence, even if you have never been arrested before. The actual consequences depend on the circumstances, applicable sentencing requirements, and the outcome of the case. Our team can explain the potential penalties and evaluate possible defenses.

Can I fight a DUI if I failed the field sobriety tests?

Yes! Field sobriety test results do not automatically establish guilt. The officer must administer and evaluate the tests appropriately, and there may be factors that affect their reliability. Our experienced Atlanta DUI defense attorneys can examine how the tests were conducted and whether the results accurately support the allegations.

Do I need to return to Georgia if I live out of state and was arrested for DUI in Atlanta?

That depends on your case, the court's requirements, and whether your attorney can appear on your behalf for particular proceedings. Some court appearances may require your presence. An attorney can help you understand which appearances are necessary and how to manage a Georgia DUI charge while living elsewhere.

Contact Our Atlanta DUI Defense Attorneys

If you have been arrested for driving under the influence in Atlanta, GA, please do not hesitate to contact our firm. A DUI conviction not only affects your ability to drive, but it also acts as a mark on your criminal record. Criminal penalties you could face might include imprisonment, heavy fines, and community service. Fortunately, there are many lines of defense available to you.

At The Law Offices of Richard S. Lawson, we are able to call into question the evidence being used against you. We can fight to prove inaccurate blood alcohol reading, faulty breath tests, unlawful police stops, and any other type of evidence that may be used in your case. Our firm has a record of success in using these strategies to get our clients' charges reduced or outright dismissed.

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Contact The Law Offices of Richard S. Lawson today for a free consultation. Our Atlanta DUI defense team is available 24/7 to discuss your arrest, answer your questions, and help you understand what steps to take next.

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Our main office is located for the convenience of our clients at:

3455 Peachtree Road NE
Suite 500
Atlanta, Georgia 30326

We serve clients in

Athens-Clarke County:

Athens GA, Winterville

Baldwin County:

Milledgeville

Banks County: 

Baldwin GA

Barrow County:

Auburn GA, Statham, and Winder

Bartow County:

Adairsville, Cartersville GA, Emerson, Euharlee, Kingston

Bibb County:

Macon

Butts County:

City of Jackson GA

Carroll County:

Bowdon, Carrollton, Mount Zion, Temple GA , Villa Rica, and Whitesburg 

Catoosa County:

Ringgold

Chattooga County

Summerville GA and Trion

Cherokee County: 

Ball Ground GA, Canton, Holly Springs, Nelson GA, and Woodstock

Clayton County GA:

Forest Park, Jonesboro, Lake City GA, Lovejoy, Morrow, and Riverdale

Cobb County:

Acworth, Austell, Kennesaw, Mableton, Marietta, Powder Springs, and Smyrna

Coweta County:

Grantville GA, Newnan, and Senoia

Crawford County:

Roberta GA

Dade County:

Trenton GA

Dawson County: 

Dawsonville

DeKalb County:

Avondale Estates, Brookhaven, Chamblee, Clarkston, Decatur, Doraville, Dunwoody, Lithonia, Pine Lake, and Stone Mountain

Douglas GA County: 

Douglasville

Elbert County:

Elberton

Fannin County:

Blue Ridge and McCaysville

Fayette County GA:

Fayetteville GA, Peachtree City, Tyrone

Floyd County:

Cave Spring GA, Rome GA

Forsyth County:

Cumming GA

Franklin County GA:

Canon, Franklin Springs, Lavonia, and Royston

Fulton County:

Alpharetta, Chattahoochee Hills, College Park, East Point, Fairburn, Hapeville, Johns Creek, Mountain Park, Palmetto, Roswell, Sandy Springs, South Fulton, and Union City

Gilmer County

East Ellijay and Ellijay

Gordon County:

Calhoun, Fairmount, and Resaca

Greene County:

Greensboro GA, Union Point GA and Woodville GA

Gwinnett County:

Berkeley Lake , Buford, Dacula, Duluth, Lawrenceville, Lilburn, Mulberry, Norcross, Peachtree Corners, Snellville, Sugar Hill, and Suwanee

Habersham County

Alto, Baldwin GA, Clarkesville GA, Cornelia GA and Demorest GA

Hall County: 

Flowery Branch, Gainesville GA, and Oakwood

Harris County GA:

Hamilton GA, Pine Mountain GA, Shiloh GA, and Waverly Hall 

Haralson County: 

Bremen, Buchanan, and Tallapoosa

Hart County:

Hartwell

Heard County:

Ephesus and Franklin GA

Henry County: 

Hampton, Locust Grove, McDonough, and Stockbridge

Houston County:

Centerville GA, Perry GA, and Warner Robins

Jackson County GA: 

Arcade GA, Braselton, Commerce Ga, Hoschton, Jefferson GA, Maysville, and Pendergrass

Jasper County

Jones County:

Gray GA

Lamar County: 

Barnesville GA

Lumpkin County:

Dahlonega

Madison County

Comer and Danielsville

Meriwether County:

Greenville GA, Luthersville GA, Manchester GA , Warm Springs GA, and Woodbury GA

Monroe County:

City of Forsyth GA

Morgan County GA: 

Madison GA and Rutledge GA

Murray County:

Chatsworth and Eton

Muscogee County:

Columbus GA

Newton County:

Covington, Oxford GA, and Porterdale

Oconee County:

Watkinsville

Oglethorpe County

Paulding County: 

Braswell, Dallas GA, and Hiram

Peach County:

Byron GA, Fort Valley GA

Pickens County: 

City of Jasper GA

Pike County:

Concord Ga and Zebulon GA

Polk CountyPolk County: 

Aragon and Cedartown GA

Putnam County:

Eatonton GA 

Rabun County

Clayton GA, Dillard GA, Mountain City, Sky Valley and Tallulah Falls 

Rockdale County: 

Conyers

Spalding County: 

Griffin GA

Stephens County:

Toccoa

Talbot County:

Talbotton GA and Woodland GA

Towns County

Hiawassee

Troup County: 

Hogansville, LaGrange GA, and West Point GA

Twiggs County:

Jeffersonville GA

Union County

Blairsville

Upson County:

Thomaston GA

Walton CountyWalton County: 

Loganville, Monroe GA, Social Circle, and Walnut Grove

Walker County:

Chickamauga, LaFayette GA, Lookout Mountain, and Rossville

White County GA:

Cleveland GA and Helen

Whitfield County:

Cohutta, DaltonTunnel Hill and Varnell

We look forward to hearing from you.