A DUI charge in Brunswick can have serious, long-term consequences on your life, including license suspension, steep fines, and even jail time. Georgia’s strict DUI laws mean that even a first-time offense can impact your job, reputation, and financial stability. When you are facing DUI charges, you need an aggressive defense strategy, and that is exactly what your Brunswick DUI lawyer at J. Ryan Brown Law is prepared to provide.
Call our office today for a free consultation, and let us start building your defense. Our Brunswick criminal defense lawyer has extensive experience handling DUI cases in Georgia, and we understand the complex legal and procedural challenges that come with these charges. Our DUI lawyers will fight to protect your rights, challenge the evidence against you, and work toward
DUI charges in Georgia are prosecuted under O.C.G.A. § 40-6-391, which makes it illegal to drive with a BAC of 0.08% or higher or while under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or controlled substances. Law enforcement does not need to prove that you were above the legal limit if they can show that alcohol or drugs impaired your ability to drive safely. Our DUI attorneys can help evaluate the evidence against you and determine whether law enforcement followed proper procedures during the arrest.
Law enforcement uses multiple methods to determine impairment, including field sobriety tests, breathalyzers, and blood tests. If you refuse to submit to chemical testing, you may face automatic license suspension under Georgia’s implied consent laws. Even if you comply with testing, breathalyzers and blood tests are not always accurate, and errors in administration or equipment calibration may lead to false readings that your DUI attorney can challenge in court.
The penalties for a DUI conviction in Georgia vary based on prior offenses and aggravating factors. A first-time conviction can result in fines, jail time, and a suspended license, while multiple offenses carry increasingly severe consequences. Judges may also require mandatory alcohol education programs, community service, and ignition interlock device (IID) installation for repeat offenders.
A first-time DUI conviction in Georgia carries penalties that include:
The penalties increase significantly for second and third offenses, especially if aggravating factors are involved:
Drivers may also face enhanced penalties if children were in the vehicle. The charges may be felony offenses if the DUI involved an accident that resulted ininjuries or fatalities. These aggravating factors can lead to additional charges, longer jail sentences, and higher fines.
Georgia enforces a zero-tolerance policy for drivers under 21 years old, meaning a BAC of just 0.02% can result in a DUI charge. This strict standard aims to prevent underage drinking and driving, even if the driver does not appear impaired. Underage DUI lawyers can help challenge the evidence, negotiate reduced penalties, or seek alternative sentencing options.
An underage DUI conviction can carry serious penalties, including:
Your underage DUI attorney can evaluate options to minimize penalties, fight for a hardship license, or seek dismissal if law enforcement made errors during the arrest.
DUI laws in Georgia apply to both alcohol and drugs, meaning you can be charged with DUI if you are impaired by illegal drugs, prescription medications, or over-the-counter substances. Unlike alcohol-related DUIs, drug-related charges do not require a BAC level, so officers rely on field sobriety tests, blood tests, and Drug Recognition Experts (DREs) to determine impairment.
A conviction for driving under the influence of drugs could be devastating. Some potential penalties you could face include:
If you or a loved one are facing DUI drug charges, it is crucial to seek legal representation. Your Brunswick drug lawyer can help you learn more about drug-related criminal charges and your rights if you are arrested.
A DUI conviction carries serious collateral consequences beyond fines and jail time, including damage to your employment prospects and financial stability. Many employers conduct background checks, and a DUI on your record can limit job opportunities, especially for roles that require driving. Additionally, car insurance companies view DUI offenders as high-risk, leading to significantly increased premiums.
A DUI conviction can lead to dramatic increases in your car insurance premiums, often doubling or tripling your rates. Insurance companies classify DUI offenders as high-risk drivers, which means they may require expensive SR-22 insurance as proof of financial responsibility. This designation can last for three to five years, significantly increasing your financial burden.
Some insurance providers may cancel your policy altogether, forcing you to find coverage through high-risk providers at even steeper rates. If you are considered an extreme liability, securing coverage may become nearly impossible, leaving you without the ability to drive legally. This can make daily life significantly more difficult, particularly if you rely on a car for work or family responsibilities.
A DUI on your record can limit job opportunities, particularly in industries where a clean driving record is required. Many employers conduct background checks, and a DUI conviction may make you ineligible for certain jobs, particularly in government, education, or financial services. Some companies have zero-tolerance policies for employees with criminal convictions.
For those who drive for a living, a DUI can result in immediate job loss and difficulty finding future employment. Commercial driver’s license (CDL) holders are subject to stricter regulations per the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), and a DUI conviction can lead to a one-year suspension or permanent disqualification. Rideshare and delivery drivers may also face deactivation from Uber, Lyft, or major delivery platforms.
Certain professions require licensing boards to review criminal convictions, and a DUI can result in disciplinary action. Doctors, nurses, lawyers, and educators are among those who may need to report a DUI conviction, which can lead to suspension, revocation, or probationary status on their license. A conviction can also delay initial licensing for new professionals.
For individuals in fields such as aviation, real estate, and finance, a DUI can impact credibility and trustworthiness, making it difficult to secure clients or maintain employment. Employers in these industries may view a DUI conviction as evidence of poor judgment or irresponsibility, making it harder to advance in your career. Even self-employed professionals may lose clients or business opportunities due to reputational damage.
Under Georgia’s implied consent law, O.C.G.A. § 40-5-67.1, drivers automatically agree to submit to chemical testing if they are lawfully arrested for a DUI. Refusing a breath, blood, or urine test can result in an automatic license suspension, regardless of whether you were over the legal limit. A first-time refusal can result in a 12 month license suspension if you do not take action within 30 days of your arrest.
Drivers do have the right to challenge implied consent violations, especially if officers fail to inform them of the legal consequences of refusal. If law enforcement made procedural errors or conducted an unlawful stop, your attorney may be able to challenge the admissibility of chemical test results in court. You can learn more about us and how we can help determine your best defense strategy once we know more about the specific circumstances of your case.
Challenging the arrest process, evidence, or testing methods can be key to reducing or dismissing DUI charges. Law enforcement must follow strict procedures when conducting traffic stops, administering breathalyzer and sobriety tests, and making arrests. If mistakes were made at any stage, your DUI lawyer in Brunswick may be able to dispute the validity of the charges. Some of the most common defenses include:
The steps you take immediately following a DUI arrest can significantly impact your case. Police and prosecutors will gather evidence to convict you, but exercising your rights and securing legal representation can improve your chances of a favorable outcome. Here are the immediate steps you should take after a DUI arrest:
Failing to act quickly after a DUI arrest can limit your legal options and result in severe penalties. Consulting a knowledgeable DUI lawyer near you from J. Ryan Brown Law can help you fight license suspension, challenge the prosecution’s evidence, and explore potential defense strategies. Taking immediate action gives you the best chance at reducing charges, minimizing penalties, or even having your case dismissed.
A DUI charge can have serious consequences, but you do not have to face it alone. With the right legal defense, you may be able to reduce penalties, challenge the evidence against you, or even get the charges dropped. Contact J. Ryan Brown Law today by phone or through our quick contact form to schedule a free consultation and learn how we can fight for your rights and protect your future.
J. Ryan Brown Law, LLC
J. Ryan Brown Law, LLC
