Key Takeaways
- A first-time DUI in Georgia can lead to license suspension, jail time, and hefty fines.
- You must act within 30 days to save your license via an ALS hearing.
- Diversion or plea options may be available — especially in metro Atlanta counties.
- A skilled DUI defense attorney can challenge the stop, test results, or procedure errors.
- Spanish-speaking residents in Cobb, Gwinnett, and DeKalb often face added barriers. Hines Law helps bridge that gap.
Table of Contents
- The DUI Arrest Process
- License Suspension: What Is the ALS Hearing?
- Court Process and Penalties
- Common DUI Defenses in Georgia
- First-Time DUI Outcomes by County
- Get a Bilingual DUI Defense Team on Your Side
The DUI Arrest Process
A DUI arrest in Georgia often begins with a traffic stop. If an officer suspects impairment, they may conduct field sobriety or breath tests. If you fail or refuse, you’ll be arrested and booked — typically at jails in Fulton, Clayton, or Gwinnett counties.
License Suspension: What Is the ALS Hearing?
The ALS (Administrative License Suspension) process begins immediately. If you don’t request a hearing within 30 days, your license will be suspended — regardless of what happens in court.
Court Process and Penalties
First-time DUI is a misdemeanor, but penalties can include:
- Up to 12 months in jail
- Up to $1,000 in fines
- 40+ hours of community service
- DUI school and probation
Judges in Clayton and Hall Counties may be more lenient toward first offenders, while Cobb and DeKalb may impose tougher probation conditions.
Common DUI Defenses in Georgia
- Improper traffic stop
- Inaccurate breathalyzer results
- Medical conditions or improper officer procedure
- Dashcam/video disputes
First-Time DUI Outcomes by County
We’ve helped first-time DUI clients avoid harsh penalties in:
- Marietta (Cobb County) – diversion or reckless driving plea
- Lawrenceville (Gwinnett County) – charges dismissed for breath test error
- Atlanta (Fulton County) – probation and no jail with clean record
- Stone Mountain (DeKalb County) – aggressive defense avoided conviction
Get a Bilingual DUI Defense Team on Your Side
At Hines Law, we proudly defend both English and Spanish-speaking drivers who may fear the process or misunderstand their rights. ¡Sí, hablamos español! Let us help you keep your license and protect your future.