Can a DUI Be Dropped to a Lesser Charge in Georgia?

By: Ex-Cop Turned DUI-DWI Defense Lawyer Cory Yager and AVVO Superstar Larry Kohn, Atlanta DUI Attorneys and DUI Law Book Co-Authors

Georgia enforces stringent DUI laws and related license suspension regulations, making it essential to comprehend the repercussions and legal avenues at your disposal. When most DUI callers reach our office on a first offence DUI, their focus is usually about reducing the charge from DUI to a less serious crime.

The difference between a cheap DUI attorney and affordable DUI lawyers. Low-cost DUI lawyers may charge exceptionally little, but there is a good reason for that.

That usual "reason" is that these bargain lawyers for DUI cases are either going to do little to no work on your case – or they are having to charge very little due to their lack of credentials and the lack of a lengthy track record for winning. This article explains that the likelihood or odds of getting a DUI dropped depends primarily upon the quality and skills of your legal counsel.

In over 35 other states, some kind of "record restriction" or expunction of a 1st DUI can eventually be sought, but not in the State of Georgia where a person takes that negative record to the grave.

A DUI conviction under OCGA 40-6-391 can result in harsh penalties (e.g., a DUI stays on your RECORD FOR LIFE), plus mandatory license suspension, substantial fines, potential jail time, serving probation for at least 12 months (with credit for days served in jail) and potential imprisonment.

Like all states, DUI attorneys in the Peach State vary widely in their knowledge and prior track record on how to get DUI charges dropped. In about 10 other states, the question would be "how to beat a DWI" since many states used that acronym (e.g., LA, NC, NM, NY, and NH).

What percentage of dui cases get reduced? The chances of reducing first DUI charges (such as being downgraded to reckless driving) increase when Atlanta DUI lawyers are well-versed in the various tactics to secure a positive result in these cases. In some cases, we have been successful in getting the DUI dropped altogether.

Can a DWI be dismissed? Yes, but the most common outcome (at least on first offense DUI cases) is a reduction from DUI to some less serious traffic crime.

In 1991, our senior partner (William Head) co-authored a best-selling book, 101 Ways to Avoid a Drunk Driving Conviction. The book outlined how to get a DUI dismissed for a variety of different police errors and omissions in following state laws.

Today in 2025, our three law partners have co-authored Georgia's leading law book on GA DUI laws for 31 years. THINK ABOUT THAT! Plus, all three partners have also been co-authors on other national criminal defense publications that related to getting impaired driving charges dropped to reckless driving, or a lesser crime. No other criminal law Firm in Georgia can match those credentials for ALL their partners.

Finally, in a poll of its 800 members in 2003, the National College of DUI Defense reported that William C. Head was named by his peers to be the nation's top DWI-DUI lawyer. No other such national poll has ever named any other DUI defense attorney in the ensuing years.

How often are DUI charges reduced? This number differs greatly in Georgia. The chances of getting a D.U.I. reduced to reckless driving on a DUI 1st offence are much higher than for a repeat offense, particularly if within 10 years (using dates of arrest to measure).

Moreover, a DUI remains on your record to the GRAVE, impacting background checks, rental property screenings and job prospects. Grasping the value of a first offense DUI plea bargain is your initial step in selecting an attorney who can competently advocate for you.

A DUI charge can have long-lasting effects on your life. Beyond the immediate legal consequences, it can impact your insurance rates, professional licenses, and personal reputation. Insurance companies often view DUI offenders as high-risk, leading to significant premium increases or policy cancellations.

Furthermore, if your profession requires a clean record, such as teaching or law enforcement, a DUI can jeopardize your career. Acting swiftly and wisely to mitigate these effects is essential, and a skilled attorney comes into play here.

The consequences of a DUI conviction in Georgia are both serious and complex. Individuals convicted for the first time might incur fines between $300 and $1,000, be required to perform community service, and attend a DUI Alcohol or Drug Use Risk Reduction Program.

Those with prior offenses face stricter penalties, such as extended license suspensions and possible incarceration. For individuals with multiple DUI offenses, Georgia law permits felony charges, leading to even harsher repercussions. Recognizing these potential outcomes highlights the critical need for a strong legal defense team.

A DUI conviction doesn't simply vanish after you've completed your penalties; it stays on your criminal record. This can have enduring consequences, influencing your job opportunities, housing applications, and educational prospects.

Employers frequently perform background checks, and a DUI conviction might raise concerns, possibly disqualifying you from specific roles. Similarly, landlords and educational institutions may perceive a DUI unfavorably, complicating housing applications or admission processes.

Therefore, comprehending the long-term effects is essential for thoroughly evaluating our attorneys’ collective credentials will help you to frame your options and go over the possible circumstances needed for winning. An Atlanta DUI lawyer with vast prior litigation of these cases is important for defending your rights.

Our litigation professional will look at the details of your arrest. This includes determining if the officer's field sobriety tests were conducted correctly. All of our lawyers are INSTRUCTORS in these evaluations, and will "flyspeck" all details of these tests, to show the Prosecutor any mistakes made by your arresting officer during the roadside SFST process.

The goal for our attorneys is to find weaknesses in the prosecution's case. Then, we will seek to leverage that error or omission and work tirelessly to reduce to a lesser charge or drop the charges against you.

Negotiating a DUI to a "wet reckless" reduces penalties and improves your record. A good attorney will negotiate with prosecutors and review evidence to strengthen your case.

Attorneys may contest your case's arrest process errors to advocate for reduced charges. Furthermore, ask if the Firm has had any prior case dismissals in your Court when a client originally was accused of D.U.I.

Understanding the legal process and the costs to fight your case can help you feel more prepared and less anxious. Here's a brief overview:

1. After a DUI arrest, you will face formal charges. Your lawyer will look at the details, including police reports and evidence, to create your defense. They will check the circumstances of your arrest. This includes whether there was a good reason for the traffic stop and if sobriety tests were done correctly. This careful review can find mistakes that may help challenge the charges. Your lawyer will keep you updated on your case and explain each step of the legal process.
2. In Georgia, a DUI arrest can lead to an automatic license suspension. Your lawyer can help you ask for a hearing to challenge this suspension. If you call us in time, our Firm will prepare your case for the Administrative License Suspension (ALS) hearing.

   Your lawyer from our DUI Firm will argue for your right to keep your license. Winning this hearing can stop the suspension of your driving privileges. This allows you to keep your job and meet personal obligations during the legal process.

3. If your case goes to trial, your lawyer will present your defense and challenge evidence. They will work for the best outcome. Whether it’s a trial or plea deal, their skills are key in lessening the effects of a DUI conviction. During the trial, your lawyer will question witnesses and object to bad evidence. They will also make strong arguments for you. Your lawyer will look for settlement options with the prosecution. They will aim for a solution that reduces penalties and protects your future.

Only hire a lawyer with experience, a stellar reputation, and strong communication skills, if you want to have your best chance at a great outcome. Our three lawyers for DUI near me not only know how to get out of a DWI-DUI but are also happy to provide all callers with a top-ranked DUI lawyer FREE consultation. Dial 404-567-5515 anytime, 24 hours a day.

With the right legal support, you can handle the challenges of DUI charges. You can also work toward a positive outcome. Remember, time is important, so act fast to get the best defense.

Your future relies on it. A strong defense can change the result from a conviction to a positive outcome. Don’t delay even a few days in getting the legal help you need, since a related “implied consent law” driver’s license suspension issue is likely already started.