Marietta Felony DUI Lawyer

Fighting Felony DUI Charges in Cobb, Fulton, Cherokee, Bartow, and Paulding Counties 

Anytime you’re arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol, marijuana, or other drugs, you’re facing an uphill battle against a prosecution that started building a case against you the moment you were pulled over. This is undoubtedly intimidating for anyone facing DUI charges, especially for those accused of a felony offense. 

Whatever the circumstances of your felony DUI arrest, it’s extremely important to have an experienced legal team on your side to defend your rights. Frye Law Group was founded by a former prosecutor who has successfully represented Georgians against felony charges throughout Cobb, Fulton, Cherokee, Bartow, and Paulding counties for 10+ years. If you’ve been charged with a felony DUI offense, contact us today so we can do the same for you. 

Most felony DUI charges are issued to people who have 3 or more DUI convictions within a 10-year period. However, the state may also charge impaired drivers who cause severe car wrecks or fatal injuries with felonies, and they may do the same for people who have 2 DUI convictions but have a child under 14 in the car at the time of their third offense. This specific situation results in 2 separate DUI charges (bringing your total to 4)—one for driving while impaired and one for doing so while endangering a child. 

Furthermore, people who have 3 or more serious traffic violations and have been labeled “habitual violators” can also be charged with a felony if caught driving under the influence while their license is suspended.

Serious traffic violations include: 

• DUI offenses 
• Illegally passing a school bus
• Fleeing the scene of an accident
• Fleeing from law enforcement officers
• Racing or otherwise driving recklessly

Georgia’s Felony DUI Penalties

Georgia already has a reputation for harshly punishing first-time and second-time DUI offenders, but the penalties for felony offenders are significantly more severe. 

Felony DUI penalties vary depending on the circumstances and the court’s discretion, but may include: 

• Prison time (up to 5 years for a standard fourth offense, or 15 years for vehicular manslaughter)
• Steep fines (up to $5,000)
• DUI Risk Reduction Program (RRP) courses (20 hours of class time)
• Community service (up to 480 hours)
• MADD Victim Impact Panels
• Lengthy license suspension periods
• Vehicular impoundment 
• Confiscation of your license plate

In addition, although all DUI convictions go on your criminal record and can potentially result in higher insurance premiums, there are additional collateral consequences for felony offenders. For example, felonies can temporarily cause you to lose your voting rights (while incarcerated) and permanently compromise your parental privileges, right to possess firearms, and professional opportunities. Felonies might also jeopardize your college enrollment and ability to qualify for Georgia’s HOPE scholarship (O.C.G.A. § 20-1-23)! 

Schedule a free case evaluation with a felony DUI attorney in Marietta by calling (770) 637-4555.