DUI Lawyers Gwinnett County

Aggressive Defense Strategies Backed by Decades of Experience

Flashing lights and the sound of a siren are only the beginning of the problems you face if you are arrested for and charged with drunk driving. DUI convictions are often combined with other enhancements and can result in jail time, loss of driving privileges, heavy fines, and a permanent criminal record.

The Gwinnett County DUI attorneys at Daniels & Taylor, P.C. are dedicated to obtaining a positive outcome in your case. We can help you understand the legal process and the consequences you could be facing. Our lawyers are committed to protecting your rights and are ready to go to battle against the prosecution.

Time is of the essence – call us at (770) 285-1673 now to get started on your case.

Your Legal Advocate & Spokesperson

The first mistake to avoid if you are arrested for driving under the influence is to talk to the police. Be polite, give them your name and driver's license, but do not discuss your case with them unless you have a lawyer present. Let us speak on your behalf and handle all the details in building a strong DUI defense.

What Are the Consequences of a DUI?

Far too much is at stake if you are convicted of a DUI. You could be placed in jail or have your license suspended or revoked. A landlord might deny your rental application based on a background check. An employer with a zero-tolerance policy regarding criminal convictions could fire you in an instant. When you try to look for a new job, you will have to check "the box" stating that you have been convicted of a crime.

Without a job or a license, how are you supposed to pay your fines? And if you can't pay your probation fees, you will be in violation of probation and sent to jail. Our professional DUI defense lawyers in Gwinnett County can help prevent this chaotic tailspin from getting out of control.

If you are charged with DUI drugs, then you may have additional charges related to the drugs. The penalties for drug charges have even more long-term consequences.

What Are the Penalties of a DUI in Georgia?

The penalties you face if convicted of DUI will depend on the circumstances of the incident and whether this is your first or subsequent conviction.

Penalties for a first conviction include:

• Up to a $1,000 fine
• Up to 12 months in jail (no less than 24 hours in jail)
• 40 hours of community service
• 12 months’ probation
• One-year license suspension (limited permit available in some cases)
• DUI school

Penalties for a second conviction within 10 years include:

• Up to a $1,000 fine
• Up to 12 months in jail (no less than 72 hours in jail)
• 240 hours of community service
• Alcohol evaluation/treatment
• 12 months of probation
• Three-year license suspension
• Ignition interlock device (after two years)
• DUI school
• License plate confiscation
• Your photograph published in a local newspaper
• Lifetime CDL disqualification

Penalties for a third conviction within 10 years include:

• High and aggravated misdemeanor charges
• Up to a $5,000 fine
• Up to 12 months in jail (no less than 15 days in jail)
• 240 hours of community service
• Alcohol evaluation/treatment
• 12 months of probation
• Five-year license revocation
• Ignition interlock device
• Five-year loss of car tag
• Your photograph published in a local newspaper
• DUI school

Penalties for a fourth conviction within 10 years include:

• Felony charges
• One to five years in prison (not less than 90 days in custody)
• Fine of $5,000
• One to five years in prison

Besides the penalties listed above, there is one consequence that most lawyers and judges won't tell you about: the shame of being labeled a "criminal.” Your family will be disappointed. You won't be allowed to drink with your friends on weekends or holidays for the term of your sentence. You may feel you have to hide the truth from most people. This impact can take a serious toll on your quality of life.

How Long Does a DUI Stay on Your Record in Georgia?

A DUI will stay on your record for the rest of your life unless you can get it expunged. For sentencing purposes, however, there is what is called a “look-back period.” For many states, this look-back period is only five years. The look-back period for Georgia DUI offenses, however, is ten years. This means that if you are arrested and charged for a DUI in Georgia within ten years of your first conviction, you will be charged as a second offender. So, for example, the punishment for a first DUI conviction in ten years is going to be different than a second DUI conviction in ten years in terms of mandatory required sentencing. A DUI arrest often means possible jail time, steep fines, classes, counseling sessions, and the suspension of your driver’s license. These Georgia DUI consequences can significantly impact your daily life and affect your ability to work, school, and seek future employment.

Crafting a Strong Defense for You

When you retain Daniels & Taylor, P.C., our DUI defense attorneys in Gwinnett County will conduct a detailed investigation of the events that occurred from the moment the police officer pulled you over. We want to know how sobriety tests were conducted and if the officer was properly trained. Breath and other chemical tests can be fraught with faulty equipment or a poorly documented chain of custody. We get to the facts and ensure that your rights have not been violated.

Invest in the services of the right DUI lawyer and give yourself a chance at a positive outcome. Call our firm in Lawrenceville at (770) 285-1673.