If you’ve been arrested for a DUI in Cobb County, Georgia, you need aggressive and knowledgeable representation from top Cobb County DUI lawyers. At George C. Creal, Jr., P.C., our team of dedicated Cobb DUI attorneys—George Creal, Eric Bernstein, Justin Goodman, and Claudia Creal—has over 70 years of combined experience fighting DUI charges across Metro Atlanta, including cities like Marietta, Smyrna, Kennesaw, and Acworth. We specialize in challenging evidence, negotiating reductions, and securing dismissals or acquittals to protect your rights, license, and future.
Don’t face the harsh penalties of a Georgia DUI alone—contact our firm today at (770) 961-5511 for a free consultation. Visit Georgialawyer.com to learn more.
Understanding DUI Penalties in Georgia
Georgia has some of the strictest DUI laws in the nation, and penalties escalate with each offense. A DUI conviction can result in jail time, hefty fines, license suspension, mandatory classes, and long-term impacts on your employment and insurance. Here’s a breakdown of typical penalties for DUI offenses in Georgia (note: penalties can vary based on factors like BAC level, age, and prior convictions):
- First Offense (Misdemeanor): Minimum 24 hours in jail (up to 1 year), fines from $300 to $1,000, 40 hours of community service, 12 months probation, completion of a DUI Risk Reduction Program (DUI school), and license suspension for up to 1 year for administrative refusal suspension and 120 days conviction suspension for a first DUI with a limited permit available if no prior serious driving offenses in the last five years.
- Second Offense (Misdemeanor): Minimum 72 hours in jail (up to 1 year), fines from $600 to $1,000, 240 hours of community service, DUI school, clinical evaluation (and treatment if required), license plate confiscation and license suspension for 18 months (with ignition interlock device required for reinstatement).
- Third Offense (High and Aggravated Misdemeanor): Minimum 15 days in jail (up to 1 year), fines from $1,000 to $5,000, 30 days of community service, DUI school, evaluation/treatment, and license suspension for 5 years.
- Fourth or Subsequent Offense (Felony): 1 to 5 years in prison, fines from $1,000 to $5,000, extended license revocation, and other severe consequences.
Additional factors like a BAC over 0.08%, refusing a chemical test, or involving minors can increase penalties. For drivers under 21, even a BAC of 0.02% can trigger a DUI. As experienced Cobb County DUI lawyers, we at George C. Creal, Jr., P.C. work tirelessly to mitigate these penalties through strategic defense.
Top 5 Things to Do Immediately After a DUI Arrest in Cobb County
Being arrested for DUI can be overwhelming, but quick action can make a significant difference in your case. Here are the top 5 steps recommended by our Cobb DUI attorneys to protect your rights and build a strong defense:
- Exercise Your Right to Incriminate yourself or provide evidence against yourself: Avoid discussing the incident with police beyond providing basic information. Anything you say can be used against you—politely decline to answer questions without a lawyer present and only agree to testing that is mandatory. Refusing tests after arrests can lead to license suspension but suspensions are not automatic.
- Contact an Experienced Cobb County DUI Lawyer Immediately: Reach out to a skilled attorney like those at George C. Creal, Jr., P.C. right away. We can guide you through the process, challenge the arrest, and represent you in court.
- Request an Administrative License Suspension (ALS) Hearing Within 30 Days: In Georgia, you have only 30 calendar days from your arrest to request this hearing to fight automatic license suspension for refusing or testing over the legal limit. Missing this deadline could cost you your driving privileges.
- Document Everything You Remember: Write down details of the stop, arrest, field sobriety tests, and interactions with officers while it’s fresh. If accused of a drug DUI get a blood or urine test as soon as you get out of jail. This can help identify inconsistencies or violations of your rights.
- Preserve Evidence and Avoid Social Media: Gather any relevant evidence available to you (e.g., dashcam footage- if you can get it, witness contacts) and refrain from posting about the incident online, as it could harm your case.
Following these steps can help minimize the impact of your DUI charge. Our team of Cobb County DUI lawyers is here to assist every step of the way.
Why Choose George Creal, Eric Bernstein, Justin Goodman, and Claudia Creal as Your Cobb DUI Attorneys?
When searching for reliable Cobb County DUI lawyers or Cobb DUI attorneys, look no further than the proven team at George C. Creal, Jr., P.C. With over 32 years of firm experience and more than 100 not guilty verdicts in DUI cases, we deliver results through meticulous preparation and aggressive advocacy. Here’s why we’re the right choice for your defense:
- George Creal: As the founding attorney, George brings decades of expertise in DUI defense, challenging everything from traffic stops to breathalyzer accuracy. His track record includes high-profile wins like case reversals and dismissals, making him a top choice for clients in Cobb County.
- Eric Bernstein: An attorney with extensive trial experience ranging from DUI to serious felonies like murder. Specializing in DUI and drug offenses, Eric is a member of the National College for DUI Defense (NCDD) and recognized by Best Lawyers for DUI/DWI Defense. His strategic approach has helped countless clients avoid harsh penalties.
- Justin Goodman: Focusing on criminal defense with an emphasis on DUI and traffic matters, Justin leverages his courtroom skills as a former DUI prosecutor to negotiate favorable outcomes. Also a NCDD member and Best Lawyers honoree, he’s known for his thorough preparation and client-focused representation.
- Claudia Creal: A compassionate yet strategic attorney specializing in DUI and criminal defense. With a degree from Georgia State University College of Law, Claudia excels in building strong defenses tailored to each client’s needs, ensuring personalized attention in Cobb County cases. She had 2 and a half years as a DUI prosecutor before joining our firm.
Our firm provides individualized attention, drawing on over 70 years of combined experience to handle DUI cases in Cobb County courts. We’ve secured dismissals, reductions, and acquittals by exposing flaws in evidence and protecting constitutional rights. Clients trust us for our dedication, accessibility, and proven success—don’t settle for less when your freedom is on the line.
Ready to defend your case? Contact the Cobb County DUI lawyers at George C. Creal, Jr., P.C. today at (770) 961-5511 or visit Georgialawyer.com for a free case evaluation. We’re here to fight for you!