535 Reviews

DUI Defense Lawyer

If you are charged with driving a motor vehicle under the influence, it’s important to speak with an experienced DUI defense lawyer as soon as possible. At the Hines Law Firm, our team of dedicated and knowledgeable criminal defense lawyers have a proven track record of successfully handling DUI cases throughout the years. We have a deep understanding that you’re going through a difficult time and that your ability to drive may be at risk. Our attorneys will work tirelessly to provide you with the strong legal representation you need, will defend your rights, and will remain by your side from start to finish.

Free Evaluation

Top Rated Lawyers

Our highly experienced lawyers will contact you for a Free Legal Consultation.

What Are the Potential Consequences for a DUI Conviction?

The potential penalties of a DUI conviction in Georgia can involve license suspension, tarnished driving record, counseling, heavy fines, criminal record, and jail time. Additionally, a DUI can be treated as a misdemeanor or a felony. A felony conviction would make it difficult for the convicted driver to find housing and employment.

Because drunk driving can lead to severe consequences, you should speak with an experienced defense attorney at the Hines Law Firm as soon as possible to see if you can get a plea deal. While you may be able to handle this type of legal situation on your own, a qualified attorney has extensive experience and a wide range of legal knowledge when it comes to this field and how to plea bargain to help increase your chances of a favorable outcome.

01License Suspension

When charged with a DUI or impaired driving, the driver will have thirty days to file an appeal to prevent a license revocation. The driver will have the option of installing a release ignition interlock device or requesting an Administrative License Hearing to restore their driving privileges. If the driver fails to follow through with either of these options, they will face a one-year license suspension. Not to mention an increase in insurance premiums for coverage.

The Administrative License Hearing and the DUI case are held separately.

02DUI Penalties for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Convictions

First conviction. The maximum legal consequences for a first-time DUI offense include up to twelve months in jail, a fine up to $1,000, or both. The minimum consequences include a $300 fine, forty hours of community service, an alcohol and illegal drug use course, or drug and alcohol evaluation, twelve months of probation, and up to twenty-four hours of jail time.

Second conviction within ten years. The minimum consequences of a second DUI conviction within ten years can include one year of probation, a fine up to $600, seventy-two hours in jail, and 240 hours of community service. The maximum consequences of a conviction within this period can include up to one year in jail, and a $1,000 fine.

A third conviction within ten years. The minimum consequences include one year of probation, DUI school, a substance abuse evaluation, a $1000 fine, fifteen days in jail, and 240 hours of community service. The maximum consequences include a hefty fine of $5,000 and one year in jail.

Why Choose Hines Law Firm?

We’re Committed to Your Success

Proven Track Record
Personalized Legal Strategies
Compassionate And Dedicated Team
Over 40 Years Of Combined Experience
90% Trial Success Rate

Get Your Free Consultation

/ Testimonials

What Our Clients Have To Say

“Helped me so much during my accident. I recommend this firm to everyone I know and meet they’re just that amazing and I love that their team is bilingual!!”

Mari Gutierrez Happy Client

“They are an excellent team, they always attended to all my concerns, defending my rights and representing me throughout the process. they always made me feel calm and trusting of them. I highly recommend them. They met all my expectations.”

Arianna Carrizo Happy Client

“They are a team of very responsible, kind and dedicated professionals, they were always aware of all the details of the case and keeping us informed about each step we should take, I recommend them 100% Thanks so much, Great job”

Venessa Happy Client

“The staff is amazing and an absolute pleasure to work with. They make the process very smooth. I did not have to do any of the work, and they handled everything and answered every question I had. They pay so much attention to your case that I was able to take care of everything else going on in my life. They honestly are my version of the legal dream team.”

Lauren Mandler Happy Client

“I really enjoyed how well they communicated with me on my case. I had got in a really bad accident and constantly had follow-ups to make sure I was okay and to see if I ever had any questions or doubts. I felt like they really cared. Plus their staff is awesome. “

Esteban Solorio Happy Client

What Are Effective DUI Defense Strategies?

An experienced DUI defense lawyer at the Hines Law Firm can rely on several robust defense strategies to help get a favourable outcome for their case. Our DUI attorneys have an in-depth understanding of the uncertainty and stress that surround drunk driving charges, and they have extensive knowledge and the legal expertise to prepare the best defense strategy for your case.
Defense strategies can include:

01The Driver Wasn’t Driving a Vehicle

When charged with a DUI, the prosecutor has to prove that the defendant was driving the vehicle while under alcohol consumption. If they can’t prove that the defendant was driving, the defendant may be acquitted of the charges at trial, or the charges will be dismissed.

02The Driver Wasn’t Under the Influence

A prosecutor or district attorney has to prove that the defendant was under the influence of alcohol. If the defendant’s blood alcohol concentration, or sometimes referred to as 'BAC,' or 'blood alcohol content,' was lower than the legal limit of 0.08%, the prosecutor needs additional evidence that proves the defendant was under the influence of alcohol.

03The Driver’s BAC Was Under 0.08%

A prosecutor must prove that the driver’s BAC was 0.08% or higher. If the driver’s BAC was under 0.08% this evidence can be used as a potential defense by criminal attorneys.

04Reasonable Suspicion and Probable Cause

If the driver was pulled over unlawfully, the evidence that was obtained during the stop can be suppressed.
If the officer made the stop without reasonable suspicion, it’s unlawful and the evidence obtained at the time of the stop can be suppressed. This means if law enforcement didn’t have a lawful reason to pull the driver o

05Alternative Explanation for Symptoms Of Intoxication

In many cases, there is an innocent explanation for signs that indicate a driver is intoxicated. An officer will document the signs of intoxication that a driver displays at the time of the stop, such as slurred speech and red eyes. Other explanations that can mimic the symptoms of intoxication include fatigue, allergies, nervousness, or eye irritation. A drunk driving lawyer may argue that the combination of reckless driving and the smell of an alcoholic beverage alone cannot prove that a driver was impaired.

06Faulty Testing

A breathalyzer test can be inaccurate for many reasons. The results of chemical tests can be challenged if the testing procedure isn’t administered properly or if the law enforcement agencies fail to follow regulations concerning how to maintain the testing device.
A breathalyzer must be calibrated often to obtain accurate results. However, even when properly calibrated, a breathalyzer can provide as accurate results as a blood test.

07Inaccurate Field Sobriety Testing

Certain individuals, such as those suffering from a medical condition, cannot be evaluated fairly and accurately using standard field sobriety tests. If the police officer administered the field testing on slippery, uneven, or rocky terrain, these factors could have negatively impacted the outcome of the field test results.

Free Evaluation

Top Rated
Lawyers

Our highly experienced lawyers will contact you for a Free Legal Consultation.

Contact Us Today!

If you were injured in an accident that was caused by the negligent actions of another, or find yourself facing criminal charges, contact the experienced attorneys at the Hines Law Firm today to schedule a free consultation. Let our legal counsel guide you through the complex legal process, every step of the way and recover the compensation you deserve, as soon as possible. Contact us today to learn more.