First Offense DUI Lawyer in Marietta

Fighting First-Time DUI Charges in Cobb, Fulton, Cherokee, Bartow, and Paulding Counties

Even if it’s your first offense, being convicted of driving under the influence (DUI) within the state of Georgia will have serious long-term consequences. This is because Georgia has little tolerance for driving while impaired by drugs or alcohol and punishes violations with extremely harsh penalties. 

As a former prosecutor who has now operated her own practice for over a decade, our founder, Attorney Kim Frye, knows how to take on the state’s criminal justice system to defend your rights and fight for the justice you deserve. 

One of the most important things to know about Georgia’s DUI laws is the state’s “implied consent” rule. This rule means that drivers consent to alcohol or drug tests anytime they operate a vehicle on a Georgia roadway. Law enforcement officers may employ several tests to determine whether someone was too physically impaired to safely operate a motor vehicle or to measure their blood alcohol content (BAC). The most common tests are field sobriety evaluations, breathalyzers, and urine tests. If you are found to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol, you could be immediately arrested and your car impounded. 

Penalties for First-Time DUI Offenses

One of the most important consequences of a DUI arrest is that a conviction will go on your permanent criminal record, even if you’re a first-time offender. This means your conviction can neither be restricted nor expunged under any circumstances. 

Other first-offense DUI penalties may include: 

• Jail time (up to 10 days)
• Probation (12 months)
• Fines (up to $1000)
• Community service (at least 40 hours)
• Alcohol or drug risk courses 
• Treatment programs
• Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Victim Impact Panels
• Suspension of your license or driving limitations (limited permit)
• Installation of an ignition interlock device at your expense

In addition to these penalties, you could face enhanced punishments if you had a child in the car, had a BAC of .15% or higher, or were involved in an accident. There are also collateral consequences, such as being required to pay for high-risk insurance and having limited job opportunities due to your criminal record. 

If you’ve been arrested for driving under the influence, we invite you to schedule a free case evaluation with our first offense DUI attorney in Marietta by calling (770) 637-4555.