DUI Defense Attorney in Dunwoody, Georgia


Protect Your License, Rights & Future

Being pulled over for a suspected DUI can happen suddenly and unexpectedly. In many cases, it happens to people who have had no previous interactions with law enforcement, which can make the experience all the more frightening.

On top of that, the legal and financial consequences of a conviction may be significant, making it critical to obtain experienced legal representation. In many situations, there are ways to defend against these charges that may help you move on with your lives.

Contact Schwartz Trial Law online to schedule your free consultation.

At Schwartz Trial Law, Dunwoody DUI attorney Ryan Schwartz has helped defend many residents of Georgia against drunk driving charges. As a criminal defense lawyer with prior experience as a prosecutor, he can use insights gained earlier in his career to anticipate the other side's strategies and fight back against them on your behalf.

Why Choose Schwartz Trial Law for Your Defense?

  • Former Prosecutor who Knows How the Other Side Thinks
  • Individualized Defense Tailored to Meet Each Client's Needs
  • One-on-One Time Guaranteed with our Attorney
  • In Good Standing with Prosecutors, Judges & the Courts
  • Cases Begin with a FREE, Confidential Consultation

DUI Laws in Georgia

The state of Georgia has strict DUI laws. Intoxication is measured by evaluating a driver's blood alcohol content (BAC). If the BAC is higher than .08%, a driver is considered legally intoxicated and may be arrested for driving under the influence.

However, BAC is not the only basis for a DUI arrest. Under Georgia's drunk driving law, a driver may also be arrested if they have any type of illegal drugs in their system or if the arresting officer believes that, regardless of their BAC, the driver presents a safety risk and should not be allowed to drive. This adds an element of subjective assessment to an arrest for a DUI and sometimes may result in unfounded or inaccurate charges.

What Are the Penalties for DUI in Georgia?

Whether it is your first offense or your sixth, Georgia law imposes a mandatory 24 hours of jail time upon a conviction for DUI. The law also requires that all individuals convicted of a DUI:

  • have their license suspended for at least one year, although it may be possible for a DUI lawyer in Dunwoody to help you get the license reinstated after several months if the conviction was not based on illegal drug use.
  • Additional punishments for a first-time DUI may include extended jail time of up to a year,
  • and fines of $300 -$1,000.

Punishments typically increase with additional DUI convictions and may depend on the city or county where you reside. Repeat offenses can result in:
  • extended mandatory jail time, including an initial 72-hour hold and the possibility of a further 90-day to one-year period in jail.
  • Community service requirements,
  • mandatory drug and alcohol evaluation,
  • and probation may also be imposed.

The Possibility of Reduced Charges

Georgia law allows individuals charged with drunk driving to seek reduced charges for their offense as one defense strategy for dealing with a DUI. The reduced charge of reckless driving may result in lesser penalties. This requires you to enter a plea of not guilty and convince the court of your eligibility for a reduced charge. Our experienced Dunwoody DUI defense attorney can help you navigate this route if you decide that it is an appropriate option for you.

Trust Schwartz Trial Law to Be There When You Need Us Most

If you have recently been arrested on suspicion of DUI our experienced advocate will fight on your behalf. Ryan Schwartz is committed to protecting the rights of individuals, whether they are first-time or repeat offenders. Schwartz Trial Law can help determine whether you may be eligible for an alternative charge or whether you should argue that your charges should be dropped entirely.

Contact our office to set up a consultation by calling us.

Schwartz Trial Law represents residents of many cities throughout the Atlanta metro area, including Woodstock, Decatur, Lawrenceville, Gainesville, Jonesboro, Kennesaw, and Smyrna, as well as other Georgia communities.