Smyrna GA DUI Lawyer – Kohn & Yager

When dealing with a DUI charge, hire a lawyer with top-level credentials in the field of criminal defense, DUI, and traffic offenses (or all three categories). Obtaining skilled and experienced legal assistance is essential to obtaining a favorable case resolution. Having familiarity with Smyrna’s local court processes and the background and training of your prosecutor may provide your defense with a strategic edge.

Our Firm’s attorneys in the Smyrna court are experts in handling the intricacies of DUI cases (and other serious traffic crimes like hit and run GA) within the Smyrna municipal court framework. Their knowledge of all aspects of criminal defense can greatly impact the result of your case.

Initial Consultation: Most DUI attorneys provide an initial consultation to talk about your case. This is a chance to see their experience and approach. During this meeting, you can ask about their work with similar cases, their strategy for your case, and their success rate. This consultation also helps you feel comfortable with the attorney. Feeling at ease is important when choosing legal help.

• Flat Fee vs. Hourly Rate: Legal fees can be structured in different ways. Some lawyers charge a flat fee for DUI cases, while others bill by the hour.
• It is important to understand these costs ahead of time. A flat fee gives you a clear number and helps you budget, whereas incremental fees (e.g., a retainer fee to seek a favorable negotiated deal), but a different fee if the case must be transferred to the State Court of Cobb County to conduct pre-trial motion hearings and a possible trial.
• Many less experienced attorneys gravitate toward an hourly fee rate. While that may work better when your case gets resolved quickly (since some cases require fewer trips to court). It has been our Firm’s experience that most clients are uneasy with hourly billing, so we will quote you flat rates, and (if the case must be transferred to a jury trial court) we still do not charge you more unless your case requires a trial, which is rare, with our experienced and knowledgeable legal team.

• Court Representation: A skilled DUI attorney will represent you in court. They will protect your rights and work for the best outcome. They will manage all legal paperwork and negotiate with prosecutors. They will also create a defense strategy just for your case. Their legal knowledge and courtroom experience can be very helpful, especially if your case goes to trial.

The cost of hiring a lawyer for a first DUI offense in Smyrna can vary. Several factors affect this cost. Knowing these factors can help you plan your budget and make smart choices. Hiring a good attorney can greatly impact your case's outcome. It may even save you money later by lowering fines or avoiding tougher penalties. “Been there, done that” HUNDREDS of times.

• Experience and Reputation: Lawyers with more experience and a good reputation usually charge higher fees. However, their skills can be very helpful in complex cases. An attorney who has successfully handled DUI cases can provide valuable insights and a strong defense. This can lead to better results. Their strong reputation can also add credibility to your case, which helps in talks with prosecutors.

• Case Complexity: If your DUI case has serious issues, like a high BAC or an accident, legal fees may go up. Complex cases need more time for investigation, gathering evidence, and going to court. Understanding your case will help you see how much work your attorney must do, and the costs involved.
• Flat Fee Arrangements: Some attorneys (including our Firm) charge a flat fee for DUI cases. This can make all costs (for any stage of the litigation) clear and predictable. Knowing what you will pay can help reduce stress and let you focus on your family and work.

Make sure to ask what services are included when that law firm sets a flat fee, as extra services (e.g., if no favorable deal is possible in the Municipal Court, the case would be bound over the Cobb County State Court) or what court appearances, possible trial, or appeal could cost.

Legal fees for defending traffic crimes in a municipal court like Smyrna Municipal Court GA will not be the same for all attorneys. Highly experienced firms charge more because they have decades of proven prior successes that give them an edge by being able to relate prior case success stories in your traffic court.

These costs can go up if the case must go to trial or has extra legal issues. For example, if an expert witness must be hired to explain your special health issues (as might be needed in some cases) or if the case needs the help of a private investigator, such costs may be something extra for our client to pay, in rare cases. It is important to talk about any extra fees with your attorney to avoid surprises, and such an agreement needs to be put in writing.

The following are common questions (asked by prior clients facing a Smyrna arrest) that have been asked of our legal professionals:

1. In Smyrna traffic court cases, what percentage of City of Smyrna municipal court cases for DUI have been transferred to Cobb County? Less than 2%.
2. Is the City of Smyrna Municipal Court less punitive or more punitive than Cobb County State Court? While several different judges in Smyrna may preside over your court cases, these judges overall seem to be very fair and very experienced. If transferred to Cobb State Court, the range of tendencies to punish more severely can be harsher, especially if a repeat DUI offender is in front of some of these Judges.
3. Can Smyrna court records be sealed, since these expunction rules are available in State courts? Yes, but not for all crimes, since DUI cannot ever be expunged in the Peach State.
4. What single “credential” sets your Firm apart from all others in Georgia? Our three law partners write the State’s definitive book on Georgia DUI Laws, and that book also deals with all other traffic crimes like hit and run, attempting to elude a law enforcement officer, and reckless driving.