Greater Metro Atlanta DUI Lawyer

If you or a loved one has been arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) for alcohol or drugs, our DUI Attorneys in Metro Atlanta are here to help. While getting arrested can be stressful all by itself, the process is far from over. There are multiple court appearances and steps that have to be taken to resolve your DUI case. The good news is that there are numerous legal defenses that our Metro Atlanta DUI Lawyers case raise to prevent a DUI from turning into a conviction. Call us now for a free case evaluation.

30-Day Warning:

If you were arrested for DUI in Georgia, you only have thirty days to request an Administrative License Suspension (ALS) Hearing or request an ignition interlock device to be installed on your vehicle.  The State of Georgia requires a fee of $150 to file the request.  If the request is not made or is not completed within the thirty (30) days, your license will be suspended.  If you have been accused of refusing the State's testing of your breath, blood or urine, you will experience a 12-month suspension with no permit to drive.  

Metro Atlanta DUI Penalties 

One of the first questions we get asked from a client is what penalties are they facing. We will address what the consequences are for a first, second, and third DUI conviction in Metro Atlanta. However, remember this only apply if you are convicted. No one should simply plead guilty and accept these consequences. There are always Atlanta DUI Defenses we can use to support your case.

If convicted of DUI in Metro Atlanta, the penalties you face will vary depending on a number of circumstances. The facts of the case influence whether a judge orders a sentence closer to the maximum or minimum limits. In large part, the sentencing ranges depending on the number of prior DUI convictions.

First DUI Penalty:

• Up to one year in jail
• 12 months of probation
• Fine between $300-$100 plus court costs and surcharges
• At least 40 hours of community service
• DUI school
• Driver's license suspension, with a limited permit to drive
• MADD panel
• Substance abuse counseling

Second DUI Penalty:

• Minimum three days in jail
• 12-36 months or probation
• Fines between $600-$1,000
• 240 hours of community service
• License suspension for at least 1 year
• Installation of an ignition interlock device
• Surrender or license plate
• 17 weeks of alcohol and drug counseling
• Publication of photo in the local newspaper
• DUI Court programs

Third DUI Penalty:

• 12-36 months of probation
• Fine between $1,000-$5,000
• Surrender of license plate
• 5-year license suspension with a limited permit available after two years of ignition interlock device
• 17 weeks of alcohol and drug counseling
• Publication of photo in the local newspaper
• Habitual violator status

Remember, these only come into play if you are convicted. Our Metro Atlanta DUI Lawyers have decades of experience getting DUI charges dismissed or reduced to a lesser charge. Let us help you avoid these consequences by utilizing our decades of knowledge of experience.

Areas We Serve in Metro Atlanta

Barrow County

When facing any type of driving while intoxicated offense, the penalties can be extremely harsh in our state. Even a first charge can result in time spent in jail, expensive fines, mandated alcohol education classes and community service, as well as a suspended license. If there is a prior DUI conviction, the penalties increase and the danger to your future is extreme. Never consider facing a DUI charge without a skilled Metro Atlanta DUI Lawyer. 

Carroll County

Your decision about who represents you can have a significant effect on the outcome of your case. Many law firms advertise that they defend DUI cases, but they rarely handle them. Because of this, they may not have the wealth of experience that our legal team at The Law Offices of Richard S. Lawson provides to clients. As our firm has focused exclusively on DUI defense for over 25 years, we have developed powerful resources to bring to any type of case!

Cherokee County

The chances of you securing a positive outcome for your case are only as good as the team on your side. By retaining our Metro Atlanta GA DUI Lawyers, we promise to use our vast legal knowledge and passion to prove your innocence or reduce your charges. Without our help, expect to face serious penalties such as imprisonment, probation, driver's license suspension, and much more.

Clayton County

Clayton County is a large city in Georgia with numerous cities and multiple municipal courts. When you are arrested for DUI in Clayton County GA, your case will likely begin in one of the municipal courts. However, if you were arrested in an unincorporated part of Clayton County, your case will proceed in Clayton County State Court. If you have been charged with felony DUI, your case will proceed in Superior Court. Our lawyers have been handling Clayton County DUI cases for over 25 years and are prepared to assist with your case today! 

Cobb County

After being charged with DUI, perhaps the scariest part is feeling left in the dark. If you have questions about the Metro Atlanta DUI process and how it works, we would be happy to provide you with answers! When you hire The Law Offices of Richard S. Lawson, our Metro Atlanta DUI Lawyers walk alongside you every step of the way. After being arrested and charged with DUI, you only have 30 days to schedule an ALS Hearing and fight to keep your license. We can help you schedule this hearing and can also search for any evidence that could help convince the DMV that you deserve to keep your ability to drive.

Coweta County

If you were charged with DUI drugs, you should secure legal representation immediately! Driving under the influence of drugs differs in some ways from a standard DUI charge and you should be informed about what to expect and how to combat these charges. Our lawyers have been defending DUI charges for over 25 years. We have obtained excellent results for clients charged with DUI drugs and can do the same for you.

DeKalb County

Out-of-state drivers are sometimes arrested for drunk driving in Georgia, especially in Atlanta, the state capital. If you are arrested DUI in Georgia, the consequences of your arrest will likely follow you back to your home state due to "Interstate Compact" laws. As a result, you could have your driver's license suspended, be fined hundreds or thousands of dollars or even sentenced to prison in Georgia.

Douglas County

If you get convicted of drunk driving, having a criminal record can create obstacles. It could impact your ability to secure a job, a loan, and housing, and continue to hang over your head during other important moments of your life. That's why it's so critical to get someone in your corner who understands the significance of your case. Our Metro Atlanta DUI Lawyers will aggressively and passionately fight for your rights and serve as a powerful advocate who are dedicated to getting you the best possible outcome to your case.

Fayette County

A DUI attorney can help get your charges minimized, reduced, or dismissed, so it's usually a good idea to speak with an experienced lawyer to go over the details of your case and talk about your legal options. If you're convicted of drunk driving in Metro Atlanta, it can have a dramatic impact on your life. Even if it's your first offense, it can lead to a fine of hundreds of dollars, a six-month license suspension, and other serious DUI penalties. Those consequences escalate on subsequent offenses. You may have an Ignition Interlock Device installed on your vehicle or even have your license suspended.

Forsyth County

Field sobriety tests in Georgia are completely voluntary. You have a right to decline and refuse to participate in field sobriety testing. If you consent to take these tests, the results could be used to charge you with DUI. In Metro Atlanta, police officers often ask people suspected of driving drunk to take one of three field sobriety tests: the horizontal gaze nystagmus (HGN), the one leg stand, or the walk and turn test. Our DUI defense Lawyers in Metro Atlanta are skilled in giving alternative reasons to why you performed poorly on the field sobriety testing. Even if you believe you did poorly on the tests, we can still reach a favorable outcome in your case!

Fulton County

At the Law Offices of Richard S. Lawson, our Metro Atlanta DUI Attorneys take a detail-oriented approach toward every DUI case. We carefully review the evidence and make sure all the rules and regulations were followed throughout the arrest and subsequent legal proceedings. We stay up to date on the latest developments and changes in Georgia's DUI laws to see if anything can apply to your case.  This hands-on approach, among other reasons, is why you can trust us to handle your case.

Gwinnett County

No matter what DUI-related charges you face, each case requires the full attention and evaluation from one of the lawyers at our firm! After an attorney has examined your case, you will be advised about the best defense strategy and how it can be utilized on your behalf. There are often more opportunities for defending cases than is generally known, and with the vast knowledge and resources of the legal team, you will receive the best possible defense in your case. Let our Gwinnett County DUI attorneys guide you through the process and take defense actions from the moment of your arrest. Act quickly, and protect your right to drive and your freedom!

Hall County

Our Metro Atlanta DUI Lawyers have successfully represented numerous clients facing a variety of drug and DUI charges in Georgia. Our experience can help you beat your charges and get back to your life. Call now for a free case evaluation.

Henry County

If you have been charged with a DUI, you need to take crucial steps to protect your rights. You need an experienced Metro Atlanta DUI defense attorney on your side who will fight for you every step of the way. As a former prosecutor, Richard Lawson understands how the system works. He knows how police officers and judges can take advantage of defendants who don't know their rights. Contact us today and find out how our experienced lawyers can help you.

Jackson County

It is critical to understand that when arrested for DUI in Metro Atlanta, there are actually two cases that are started: the criminal case and an administrative case with the Department of Motor Vehicles. If no action is taken within 30 days of your arrest, the DMV can automatically suspend your license. Our Metro Atlanta DUI Lawyers are skilled in handling the administrative hearing as well as the criminal case. Call now.

Newton County

If you are convicted of DUI in Newton County or anywhere else in Metro Atlanta, you face serious consequences. The penalties for even a first DUI conviction can include jail time, large fines, community service, license suspension, alcohol and drug use reduction course, and probation. That is why we urge you to call us today. These penalties can be avoided if you contact our office.

Paulding County

There are so many different kinds of driving under the influence charges in Georgia. Even understanding your traffic citation or arrest report can sometimes be confusing. That's why it's critical that you meet with someone familiar with Georgia's DUI laws and who knows how to handle your DUI charge.

Rockdale County

Do not let a police officer imply that your case is a sealed, slam dunk conviction before you have had your day in court. Our experienced Metro Atlanta DUI Defense Attorneys welcome the opportunity to evaluate your case, with no further obligation unless you choose to proceed. Reach out to our law firm today about your DUI arrest to get the legal advice you need.

Spalding County

Alcohol is not the only thing that can impair your ability to drive. Law enforcement has seen an increase in DUI drug charges over the years. While many people think illegal drugs are the only things that can impair your ability to drive, there are several prescription drugs that can cause drowsiness and give the appearance of impaired driving. Even if you have a legal prescription, you could find yourself charged with DUI drugs in Metro Atlanta. If you have been charged with DUI drugs, call our lawyers now.

Walton County

The Metro Atlanta DUI defense Lawyers at the Law Offices of Richard S. Lawson  are well-equipped to handle the ins and outs of a DUI charge. We are well-versed in the aspects required to defend these charges and are aware of the rules that law enforcement officers must follow in order to be successful in their pursuit of a conviction. Call us  today for your free consultation.

Call Our DUI Attorneys in Metro Atlanta Today

If you have been charged with a DUI in Metro Atlanta, you need an attorney on your side who understands the legal process. Attorney Richard Lawson has worked as a prosecutor and has a vast amount of knowledge of Georgia's complex legal system. With over 25 years of experience and 5,000 clients representation, we understand how to get great results for our clients! Don't take chances with your freedom. Don't try to handle your DUI case alone. Contact us today for a free consultation and find out how we can help.