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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.

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What Are the Consequences for a DUI Charge?

The potential penalties of a DUI charge 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.

License 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.

DUI 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.

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What Our Clients Have To Say

“Thank you all for the help during the time of uncertainty , very attentive and very professional group of individuals especially Julian who is a very great part of the team. Took time out of his day to reach out to you either through email or phone call. Your questions will be answered. Thank you all for the great help. 🙏🏽”

Juan Pesina
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”

Vanessa
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

“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

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:

The 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.

The 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.

The 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.

Reasonable 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 over.

Alternative 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.

Faulty 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.

Inaccurate 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.

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.

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/ Areas We Serve

Convenient Offices Across Georgia

Atlanta

678-846-3161

Law Offices of Matthew C. Hines 1900 The Exchange SE, Building 500 Atlanta, Georgia 30339

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Austell

678-359-6025

Law Offices of Matthew C.Hines 5000 Austell-Powder Springs Road, Suite 282 Austell, GA 30106

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Gainesville

678-990-8905

Law Offices of Matthew C. Hines 175 John W. Morrow Junior Pkwy Gainesville, GA 30501

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Jonesboro

678-972-1521

Law Offices of Matthew C. Hines 6463 Tara Blvd, Jonesboro, GA 30236

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Marietta

678-679-4076

Law Offices of Matthew C. Hines 639 Powder Springs Street, Unit D Marietta, GA 30069

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Dalton

706-661-8263

Law Offices of Matthew C. Hines 1614 E Morris St, Dalton, GA 30721

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Areas We Serve
Acworth
Alpharetta
Atlanta
Austell
Braselton
Cumming
Dalton
Doraville
Gainesville
Jonesboro
Lawrenceville
Marietta
Norcross
Sandy Springs