Articles Posted in DUI

Facing a DUI charge can be overwhelming. The thought of losing your license, paying heavy fines, or even going to jail leaves many people feeling hopeless. But here’s the truth: a DUI charge does not always equal a conviction. In fact, many cases never reach trial because the evidence may be flawed or circumstances open the door for dismissal or reduction. If you are searching for answers about your chances of getting a DUI dismissed, you are not alone—and there is real reason to stay hopeful. Whether you choose to work with an Atlanta DUI lawyer or are researching to understand what options are available, know that you have more control over your case than you might think.

Some people even wonder if hiring a lawyer is worth it or if a defense attorney is just a DUI lawyer waste of money. The reality is, the right legal guidance often makes a significant difference in strengthening your defense and improving your odds of a favorable outcome.

What Are the Chances of Getting My DUI Case Dismissed?

Facing a DUI charge can feel overwhelming, but understanding outcomes and legal strategies can provide hope and direction. One of the most common questions for those accused is, “What percent of DUI cases are dropped?” Knowing the odds and exploring every avenue, from seeking a reduction to recognizing a weak case, is vital for anyone confronting these charges. Let’s break down the numbers and the nuances behind DUI dismissals, reductions, and sentencing to help illuminate what you can expect and how to approach your defense.

GA DUI lawyers Larry Kohn, Cory Yager, and Bubba Head have a combined 93 years of courtroom experience defending clients facing DUI, sex crimes, and other criminal charges, both misdemeanor and felony.

When exploring the percentage of DUI cases that are dropped, regional variations are significant. In Georgia, most counties dismiss less than 5% of DUI cases annually. Nationally, studies estimate roughly 10% to 30% of DUI cases might be dismissed or result in acquittals, with California’s rates aligning similarly depending on the county and case specifics.

DUI dismissals often hinge on procedural flaws, lack of evidence, or strong defense strategies. For instance, in Georgia, reports show an annual 5% dismissal or acquittal rate, though conviction rates exceed 70% statewide.

Facing a first offense DUI in Georgia can be overwhelming and frightening. If you’re dealing with your first DUI offense, understanding what you’re up against is crucial for making informed decisions about your defense. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about first time DUI offense charges in the Peach State.

Atlanta DUI lawyers Cory Yager, Bubba Head, and Larry Kohn are all Super Lawyers with a combined 93 years of courtroom litigation experience. Each lawyer has stood by their client accused of a first DUI in Georgia. Don't give in. Free consultation. thousands of arraignments, mostly DUI.

Understanding First Offense DUI in Georgia

A DUI first offense in Georgia is typically classified as a misdemeanor, but don’t let that fool you into thinking it’s not serious. Even a 1st offense DUI can have lasting consequences on your life, career, and finances. Georgia takes impaired driving seriously, and the penalties for a first offence DUI are designed to deter future violations while ensuring public safety.

By: Atlanta DUI Attorneys Larry Kohn and Ex-Cop Turned Atlanta DUI Lawyer Cory Yager

Many potential clients call our lawyers for DUI cases in Georgia and ask a question similar to this one: What percentage of DUI cases get reduced or the DUI charges dropped? or “What are the odds of getting DUI dropped in my court?” or “Can you get a D.U.I. dismissed for me?”

Other callers have read through our website and see many examples of DUI reduced to reckless driving or other lesser charge. One reason that our top-ranked attorneys offer a DUI lawyer FREE consultation is to answer common questions such as “How often are DUI charges reduced, on a 1st DUI offense, for your clients?”

By: Atlanta DUI Lawyer Cory Yager, a former Cobb County police officer. His partner, Larry Kohn, is a top-rated Smyrna DUI lawyer and an AVVO attorney with nearly 600 5-star client ratings. All our legal warriors are law book co-authors of more than one nationally published legal book on DUI laws in Georgia


Understanding the legal process in the Smyrna traffic court is important. Being advised about what consequences to expect (if convicted) helps you know the consequences of a DUI conviction, and will let you know how to fight your case at the Smyrna Police Dept traffic violations bureau.

Gaining this Smyrna court knowledge is the first step in making smart choices about your defense. Whether the City of Smyrna traffic ticket is your first offence DUI, or a repeat DUI offense, the stakes can be very high. But DO NOT MOVE your case out of the Smyrna city court until you have taken advantage of your FREE lawyer consultation with our Firm’s criminal defense attorneys. Dial 404-567-5515 24 hours a day.

By: Ex-Cop Turned Criminal Attorney Cory Yager and AVVO Superstar Criminal Lawyer Larry Kohn – Law Book Co-Authors With William C. Head

Understanding the Georgia Implied Consent Law is important for drivers arrested for DUI. This law on implied consent in GA applies to anyone driving a vehicle in Georgia, even if licensed in other states. Prosecutors know that forensic DUI test results are important in DUI cases, for the State to more easily obtain a conviction.

Our three best criminal defense lawyers in Atlanta have authored and co-authored many legal books on GA DUI law, and even 101 Ways to Avoid a Drunk Driving Conviction.
This law is administrative (civil) in nature but applied to the crime of impaired or drunk driving. If violated, your right to drive in this state will be suspended for a full year, unless you get legal help in seeking to avoid that harsh suspension. Dial us NOW: 404-567-5515 for a no-cost initial consultation.

Driving under the influence (DUI) is a serious offense in Georgia, with severe legal, financial, and personal consequences. Whether you’re facing your first DUI charge or have prior offenses, Georgia’s DUI laws and complex legal system are overwhelming. Our attorneys are in court every day of the week, and have been doing so for decades.

Georgia DUI lawyers Larry Kohn, Bubba Head, and Cory Yager have over 95 years of combined courtroom experience defending thousands of clients against damaging DUI charges. Free lawyer consultation and payment plans available.
You can call our office and speak with one of our knowledgeable paralegals. This person will gather information about you and your case, including the charges you face, what county and court, your first appearance date if you haven’t already been in front of a judge, and your telephone number. You must take the first step, but are under no obligation to hire us until we meet in person and you decide if we are the right legal team for you.

Should I Get a Lawyer for My First DUI in Georgia?

Facing a DUI charge for the first time can be overwhelming, especially if you’re unsure about the potential consequences. If you’re searching for answers about what to expect, you’re not alone. Many people in Georgia want to know, “What is the most common sentence for a first DUI?” Understanding the typical penalties, license implications, and possible outcomes can help you make informed decisions about your next steps. If you’re navigating this process, consulting with an experienced Atlanta DUI lawyer can make a significant difference in your case. Wondering if hiring a lawyer is worth it? Check out our insights on is a DUI lawyer a waste of money?

DUI Lawyers Atlanta Larry Kohn, Cory Yager, and Bubba Head defend first DUI drivers in many courtrooms around the city including Fulton County courts, City of Atlanta courts, Marietta, GA courts, Johns Creek, Cumming, Alpharetta, and Johns Creek.

What Is the Most Common Sentence for a First DUI?

For most first-time DUI offenders in Georgia, the sentence is a combination of several penalties, rather than just one. The most common sentence for a first DUI in Georgia typically includes:

By: Ex-Cop Turned Criminal Lawyer Near Me Cory Yager, and Larry Kohn, Co-Authors of Georgia’s Leading Book on DUI in Georgia Laws

Navigating the legal landscape of state DUI laws can be complex. In America, no two states have the same DWI-DUI laws. However, many other state laws are like our Georgia drinking and driving laws.

This is because DUI charges in Georgia must follow federal highway safety laws. NHTSA, which is part of the Department of Transportation, helped all states to create these laws. So, Georgia driving under the influence laws will often have about 90% of the same types of laws as nearby states for their impaired driving statutes.

By: William C. Head, Larry Kohn and Cory Yager, Top-Rated DUI Defense Lawyers in Georgia and Legal Book Co-Authors

While no other state has a “wet” reckless statute, the highly publicized case involving Paris Hilton highlights the importance of engaging genuine experts in DUI law to consistently achieve the most favorable outcomes. Settling a client’s case instead of fighting that very “winnable” case is not only not wise, but (as in this example) apparently set up the client for failure within a week’s time.

Atlanta criminal defense lawyers Cory Yager, Bubba Head, and Larry Kohn explain why Georgia has no wet reckless charge like the one Paris Hilton was charged with. Georgia does have a reckless driving charge, and a DUI can be reduced to this lesser offense.
Hollywood influencer Paris Hilton was arrested in Hollywood, California for a DUI on September 7, 2006. Her “reading” was 0.080 grams percent, which was (and still is) the lowest adult BAC level for the State of California allowing for a possible conviction of DUI per se or “driving with an unlawful alcohol level.”

Contact Information