Finding a DUI Lawyer Atlanta Who Is Top-Rated for Criminal Defense in Georgia

By: Larry Kohn, Criminal Defense Attorney and Atlanta DUI Lawyer

Overcoming the Terror of a Georgia Arrest for DUI or Other Crime in Atlanta

Few things are more frightening or potentially life-changing than having to face criminal charges for a DUI in Georgia. The panic, confusion and utter fear that arise can be truly overwhelming. These emotional responses are quite justified, and ridding this problem from your life is the #1 goal in your family’s existence. Your starting point is to hire an experienced, proven criminal defense attorney in Atlanta, and not just be satisfied with talking to “lawyers near me.”

The often devastating consequences of a criminal conviction (e.g., license suspension, lifetime criminal record that cannot be expunged), and sometimes the mere accusations against a citizen, can be crippling. For many, a felony or misdemeanor conviction would be far-reaching and must be fought with every tool available. From costly fines and restitution to potential jail time, the implications of being found guilty must not be taken lightly.

To maximize the likelihood of having a criminal charge reduced or perhaps even dismissed altogether, it is vital to obtain the assistance of a criminal defense lawyer Atlanta with the highest attorney ratings and legal industry recognition. Our DUI lawyers Atlanta Georgia are all rated among the best in the State.

Compare legal advocates for their criminal law excellence as well as for top lawyer ratings for aggressively representing clients. Then, meet with and hire the criminal attorney in Atlanta who is ready and willing to protect your legal rights and your driver’s license, and who provides the most vigorous defense possible against a DUI conviction.

Criminal Attorneys in Atlanta Georgia Who Fight Felonies and Misdemeanors

The strategies employed by a Georgia criminal defense lawyer will likely depend on three major factors:

1.    The specific classification of the DUI charges, felony or misdemeanor, with which a given client is charged. For instance, O.C.G.A. 17-10-3 sets forth the statute of limitations for bringing misdemeanor charges, the sanctions which can be imposed for misdemeanor crimes, as well as the monetary fines and incarceration limits for a Georgia misdemeanor offense; and…

2.    When it comes to Georgia DUI laws, the prior criminal history of the client is taken into account, for relevant types of crimes to the current one. Drunk driving convictions from other states can play a huge, devastating role if a new driving under the influence offense in Georgia is now pending. For example, a first offense DUI is defended quite differently in Georgia from a 2nd DUI in GA within the past 5 years; and…

3.    The type and quality of the evidence (e.g., field sobriety tests, which are 100% optional and are DESIGNED FOR YOU TO FAIL) collected or obtained by the State of Georgia, from video evidence, police officer witnesses, citizens who are witnesses, and any alleged victims of the crime. In addition, forensic evidence from blood tests, urine tests, DNA analysis, drugs kits, breathalyzer tests, or fingerprints, either must be refuted or otherwise contradicted for the case to have a chance for acquittal.

Under Georgia law, the misdemeanor category of crimes has a maximum term of imprisonment of up to one year to serve. Felony offenses are the more serious crimes for which state prison time of more than a year is a part of Georgia laws. Felonies in Georgia can result in incarceration, up to and including life sentences, with a handful of the most egregious crimes (e.g., murder) possibly producing a death sentence.

Clearly, anyone who has been charged with a crime, whether misdemeanor or felony, owes it to themselves and their families to take prompt action to secure the legal services of the most capable and comprehensive criminal defense attorneys available. At our Atlanta GA law office, our three most common misdemeanor cases are:

1.    DUI under O.C.G.A. 40-6-391, whether alcohol or drug impairment is accused;

2.    Domestic Violence (Domestic Battery) which is also called Family Violence or Family Battery, under O.C.G.A 16-5-23.1 (f)(1); and…

3.    Other serious driving offenses that cause loss of all driving privileges, such as hit and run GA, driving on a suspended license, attempting to elude an officer, driving in violation of a habitual violator permit, or child endangerment of multiple children passengers.

Finding a criminal justice attorney who is committed to preserving the rights of an accused citizen and tracking down every avenue of defense is the best way to increase the chances of reduction or dismissal of criminal charges. If exhaustive investigation, pursuing suppression motions, and efforts to negotiate a favorable resolution fail, two paths remain. One is for your DUI lawyer Atlanta GA to negotiate the best deal available (if acceptable to the client) – or take the case to trial.

Felony vs Misdemeanor: Classification of Crimes in Georgia

Articulations of criminal offenses and their potential penalties are found under O.C.G.A. Title 16. Given that the criminal code provisions are so expansive and encompass offenses that run the gamut from assault and battery to check forgery, anyone facing allegations of criminal activity needs to enlist the assistance of a legal practitioner with broad-based defense experience as a trial lawyer in Georgia. Among the most commonly-lodged criminal charges in Georgia are:

• Alcohol-related offenses such as consumption by minors, and operating vehicles under the influence
• Traffic-related offenses including driving on a suspended or revoked license, and distracted driving
• Property crimes such as trespassing and arson
• Drug offenses including manufacturing, distribution and simple possession
• Sex crimes encompassing rape, prostitution and obscenity, as found in O.C.G.A. Title 16 Chapter 6 and O.C.G.A. Title 16 Chapter 12
• Crimes against the person including child abuse and assault and battery, as enumerated in O.C.G.A. Title 16 Chapter 5
• White collar crimes including embezzlement, forgery, fraud and bribery, articulated in O.C.G.A. Title 16 Chapter 9

These and other criminal offenses listed in the Georgia Code are all characterized by their distinctive elements, each of which must be fully proven and established by the prosecution for a conviction to be obtained. Our criminal defense lawyers work to attack the State’s arguments at every possible level. By challenging the reliability of law enforcement evidence gathering techniques and exposing weaknesses in a prosecutor’s offer of proof, our criminal attorneys can achieve a positive outcome for our clients.

For some defendants, it may even be possible for your DUI attorney Atlanta to have charges reduced or dismissed altogether, but should that prove exceedingly difficult, an Atlanta criminal attorney will endeavor to mitigate the sanctions to be imposed upon sentencing through effective plea bargaining. Our lawyers for DUI know when attending DUI schools may be needed by our clients, to get a DUI reduced to reckless driving and avoiding license suspension. Our DUI lawyers are also highly-trained on preparing a criminal case for pretrial motions with an eye toward eliminating the breathalyzer test or defeating the DUI less safe charge.

Contact an Aggressive Georgia Criminal Defense Attorney in Atlanta Today

The life-altering impact of a criminal conviction almost always acts to reduce the future quality of life of that person. This can be evidenced by a loss of personal freedom, by being in jail, owing costly fines and surcharges, and possible restitution requirements of a judicial sentence. Beyond court penalties, being unable to drive, job loss, and future inability to secure high-paying, gainful employment are just a few of the lasting consequences of a criminal record.

Under Georgia implied consent law, you are under a deadline to opt for a GA DDS appeal of the administrative suspension, or installing a 12-month interlock device. This critical decision must be made quickly, so ask us for more information about the likelihood of eliminating your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) “numbers” from the chemical test of breath alcohol at the police station, how ignition interlock devices work, and the “pros and cons” of taking the implied consent refusal option when your ability to drive is at risk.

Since our law office always gives prospective clients a FREE consultation, what do you have to lose?

The personal implications of a conviction, either misdemeanor vs felony, can be equally devastating, ranging from irreparable reputation damage, family discord, loss of child custody, and possibly divorce. Being convicted of a crime is something that can cause negative ripple effects in employment opportunities, travel plans, and insurance rates for years.

Meet our DUI attorneys Atlanta GA at our North Fulton County office or set up a time for a Facetime conference, or other conferencing method. If you face an Atlanta DUI, this is our “honey hole” and most regularly visited court: Atlanta Municipal Court. Similarly, Fulton County State Court is our busiest jury trial court.

When it comes to fighting back against serious criminal charges, no substitute exists for zealous, knowledgeable, and experienced representation. The stakes are simply too high to leave your prospects for winning in the hands of a novice. To learn more about your rights and to discover how an Atlanta criminal lawyer with our law firm can help protect them, contact us today. DIAL our 24-HOUR NUMBER: 404-567-5515. Obtain a FREE lawyer consultation and ask about payment plans for legal fees.

Get FREE legal advice from former cop and top-rated Atlanta DUI attorney Cory Yager or speak with the best criminal defense attorney Atlanta for driving under the influence or vehicular homicide cases: Bubba Head. Both Mr. Yager and Larry Kohn have been criminal lawyers with Mr. Head since LAW SCHOOL.

For over 42 years, the Atlanta criminal defense attorney William C. “Bubba” Head has set the standard for uncompromising criminal defense at the highest level. The veteran DUI attorney organized and started the National College for DUI Defense at his Atlanta office in 1995, and he is Board-certified by the ABA through the NCDD.

Our Atlanta criminal defense lawyers can explain Miranda rights, the Georgia implied consent law, illegal search and seizure at traffic stops, defenses to your criminal charges, and the likely path that the pending criminal accusation or indictment will take. What do you have to LOSE? The appointment and no-cost, initial attorney consultation may help you get a good night’s sleep for the first time since your arrest.

These Are the Main Practice Areas of Our Lawyers in Atlanta:

• Assault
• Conspiracy
• Domestic Violence
• DUI
• Expungement
• H1B Visa Immigration
• Juvenile Crimes
• Prostitution
• Sex Crimes
• Solicitation
• Speeding Tickets
• Student Defense
• Theft
• Traffic

Our Criminal Defense Law Firm covers these GA cities and counties:

• Alpharetta
• Athens
• Atlanta
• Chamblee
• Cherokee County
• Cobb County
• DeKalb County
• Dunwoody
• Forsyth County
• Fulton County
• Gwinnett County
• Henry County
• Johns Creek
• Lawrenceville
• Marietta
• Milton
• Roswell
• Sandy Springs
• Smyrna
• Walton County

REVIEW RECENT CASE WINS.