Key Takeaways
- Facing both DUI and domestic violence charges in Georgia can drastically increase your legal risk.
- These charges are often connected when a domestic dispute leads to driving under the influence or vice versa.
- Combined charges can result in jail time, loss of driving privileges, and a permanent criminal record.
- Non-U.S. citizens face additional immigration consequences, including possible detention or deportation.
- If you were arrested for DUI and domestic violence in Cobb, Fulton, DeKalb, Clayton, Gwinnett, or Hall County, call Hines Law Firm at 678-336-6161 for immediate help.
How DUI and Domestic Violence Charges Happen Together
In many Georgia cases, DUI and domestic violence arrests occur during the same incident.
A typical scenario might involve a heated argument between partners where one person, under the influence, drives away—or worse, returns home intoxicated and an altercation occurs. Law enforcement may charge both DUI (driving under the influence) and battery or family violence simple assault.
These cases are emotionally charged and complex, often involving conflicting accounts and alcohol-related judgment errors. But one mistake or misunderstanding can lead to multiple serious criminal charges—even if no one was seriously injured.
Georgia’s Laws on DUI and Domestic Violence
Under Georgia law:
- DUI (O.C.G.A. §40-6-391) is charged when a driver’s blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.08% or higher (0.02% for underage drivers). A first offense can carry up to 12 months in jail, fines, community service, and license suspension.
- Family Violence (Domestic Violence) (O.C.G.A. §19-13-1) includes any physical harm, threats, or intimidation against a spouse, romantic partner, or household member. Even minor injuries or verbal altercations can result in an arrest.
When these charges occur together, the courts treat them very seriously—often assuming a pattern of dangerous behavior involving both impaired judgment and aggression.
Because both are “moral turpitude”–type offenses, prosecutors may be less willing to negotiate lenient outcomes unless a defense attorney intervenes early.
The Serious Consequences of Combined Charges
Being charged with both DUI and domestic violence can affect every part of your life:
- Jail or Prison Time: The judge may impose consecutive sentences.
- Loss of Driver’s License: A DUI conviction automatically suspends your license; probation conditions can make reinstatement harder.
- Permanent Criminal Record: Domestic violence convictions cannot be expunged in Georgia.
- No-Contact Orders: You may be prohibited from contacting your spouse or partner—even if they don’t want to press charges.
- Employment and Housing Issues: Many employers and landlords reject applicants with these offenses on record.
- Child Custody Impact: A domestic violence finding can influence family court decisions.
When alcohol and violence allegations overlap, prosecutors often pursue maximum penalties to “send a message.” Having a skilled criminal defense attorney can make the difference between dismissal and a life-changing conviction.
How These Charges Affect Immigrants and Non-Citizens
If you are not a U.S. citizen, being charged with both DUI and domestic violence can trigger immigration enforcement.
Even a single DUI can complicate your visa or green card status. But a domestic violence conviction—especially one involving injury or threats—can be grounds for deportation under federal immigration law.
In Cobb, Fulton, DeKalb, Clayton, Gwinnett, and Hall Counties, local law enforcement frequently shares arrest data with federal immigration agencies. That means a simple arrest—even before conviction—can result in an ICE hold or deportation proceedings.
For non-citizens, it’s critical to have a bilingual defense attorney who understands how to handle both the criminal and immigration implications of your case.
Building a Strong Defense Strategy
Defending a case involving both DUI and domestic violence requires careful coordination. At Hines Law Firm, our attorneys:
- Examine every detail of your arrest: We look for errors in how police handled the DUI stop, sobriety testing, or domestic incident.
- Challenge evidence and testimony: We identify inconsistencies in police reports and witness statements.
- Negotiate with prosecutors early: We work to separate or reduce charges where possible.
- Protect immigration status: We coordinate with immigration attorneys to minimize long-term consequences.
- Prioritize your future: Our goal is to help you protect your family, your freedom, and your record.
Whether the incident happened in Marietta, Atlanta, Decatur, Jonesboro, Lawrenceville, or Gainesville, you deserve a defense that fights back—and respects your rights.
Why Choose Hines Law Firm
The Law Offices of Matthew C. Hines proudly defends clients charged with DUI, domestic violence, and related criminal offenses across:
- Cobb County – Marietta, Smyrna, Kennesaw, Austell
- Fulton County – Atlanta, Sandy Springs, Roswell, College Park
- DeKalb County – Decatur, Stone Mountain, Brookhaven
- Clayton County – Jonesboro, Riverdale, Morrow
- Gwinnett County – Lawrenceville, Norcross, Duluth
- Hall County – Gainesville, Oakwood, Flowery Branch
We understand that good people can find themselves in bad situations. Our bilingual legal team listens without judgment and fights tirelessly to protect your freedom, your reputation, and your immigration future.
At Hines Law, we defend you like family—because your future matters.
Contact Hines Law Firm Today
If you’re facing both DUI and domestic violence charges in Georgia, the time to act is now.
Call Hines Law Firm today at 678-336-6161 or contact us online to schedule your confidential consultation.
Our experienced criminal defense lawyers serve Cobb, Fulton, DeKalb, Clayton, Gwinnett, and Hall Counties.
We’ll stand by you from the moment of arrest to the final verdict—protecting your rights every step of the way.