Articles Posted in DUI

What Is a Breath Lock Device? A breath lock device – formally called an ignition interlock device (IID) – is a small breathalyzer wired into a vehicle's ignition system. It stops the engine from starting if the breath sample shows alcohol above the limit Georgia law sets. Courts and the Georgia Department of Driver Services…

Is Impaired Driving a Criminal Offense in Georgia? Yes, impaired driving is a criminal offense in Georgia. The state charges impaired driving as Driving Under the Influence. A conviction creates a permanent criminal record. This distinction matters. A speeding ticket or expired tag is a traffic infraction. You pay a fine, and the matter ends.…

What Is a 1st Offense DWI in Georgia? A 1st offense DWI in Georgia refers to a first-time charge of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Georgia law uses the term “DUI” rather than “DWI,” but many drivers search for both terms. The charge falls under impaired driving offenses, which covers all such…

What Is Considered a Habitual DUI in Georgia? Habitual DUI means a pattern of repeat drunk driving offenses. Each new case brings harsher penalties and license fallout under Georgia law. Georgia does not use the exact statutory term "habitual DUI." Instead, the law gets tougher with each new drunk driving conviction within a ten-year window.…

By Atlanta DUI Lawyer Larry Kohn, a 28-Year Courtroom Veteran Who Has Handled Thousands of DUI Cases The most common sentence for a first DUI in Georgia in 2026 typically includes multiple conviction penalties like community service, an alcohol and drug abuse assessment, court fines, reporting probation, DUI school, suspended license, an ignition interlock, and…

A Motion to Suppress in Georgia DUI Cases A motion to suppress is a pretrial request. It asks a Georgia judge to throw out evidence that came from an illegal stop, search, test, or interrogation. In Georgia, DUI is a criminal charge under Georgia's DUI statute. The same arrest also starts a separate civil case…

Britney Spears was arrested in Southern California this week on suspicion of DUI (driving under the influence), but her case will be prosecuted under California law, not Georgia law. However, her situation is a useful reminder of how strict DUI laws are here in Georgia and what is at stake if you are charged. What…

If you face DUI charges in Atlanta or Georgia, knowing your dismissal odds is critical. In Georgia, a negotiated reduction to a lesser charge is a realistic outcome in many cases. Most often that lesser charge is reckless driving. Outright dismissals are far less common. For a first offense, a reduced charge is often the…

Understanding Georgia’s implied consent law is crucial for every driver—especially if you’re ever stopped or arrested for DUI. Your decision at a DUI stop directly impacts your driving privileges, your criminal case, and your future. This guide covers everything you need to know to protect yourself and help you or your loved one move forward.…

Facing a second DUI offense in Georgia is far more severe than a first. Repeat offenders face harsher penalties, longer jail sentences, extended license suspensions, and heavier financial costs. For many people, a 2nd DUI threatens not only their freedom but also their livelihood. It’s common for clients to tell us, “This 2nd DUI ruined…