Smyrna DUI Defense Lawyer
Facing a DUI charge in Smyrna, Georgia, can be a life-altering experience. If you have been arrested for DUI in Smyrna or anywhere in Cobb County, you need an experienced and aggressive advocate who understands the local legal system and is committed to defending your rights. At The Mazloom Law Firm, L.L.C., we have helped countless clients in Smyrna navigate the complexities of DUI charges. We know that a DUI conviction can carry serious consequences, including fines, jail time, loss of your driver’s license, and a permanent criminal record, which is why we are here to help you fight for the best possible outcome.
Our founder, Mazi Mazloom, is a skilled criminal defense attorney with over 20 years of experience. We take pride in providing personalized legal services for every client and building a defense strategy tailored to your specific circumstances. If you are facing a DUI charge in Smyrna, we are here to stand by your side, ensure your rights are protected, and offer you the guidance you need to make informed decisions about your case.
Why Choose The Mazloom Law Firm?
When you’re dealing with DUI charges in Smyrna, experience matters. You need an attorney who understands the law, the court system, and how to handle complex DUI cases. At The Mazloom Law Firm, we bring more than two decades of experience to your defense, helping clients throughout Cobb County, including Smyrna, avoid the harsh consequences of DUI convictions.
What sets us apart from other firms is our dedication to providing personalized, hands-on attention to each client. When you hire us, you will work directly with a highly skilled attorney who is committed to achieving the best possible results for your case. Our team works tirelessly to challenge the evidence, investigate your arrest, and defend your rights in and out of the courtroom.
As a recognized leader in the legal community, I have earned numerous accolades for my work in criminal defense, including recognition by Super Lawyers, Atlanta Magazine, and Cobb Life Magazine. Our clients trust us because we are known for our integrity and unwavering commitment to achieving the best results.
DUI Charges in Smyrna: What You Need to Know
In Georgia, a DUI (Driving Under the Influence) charge is a criminal offense that occurs when a driver operates a motor vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs. The state has a per se law, meaning that a driver with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher can be arrested for DUI, regardless of how impaired they may appear. A DUI conviction can lead to a range of penalties, including fines, license suspension, mandatory alcohol education programs, and even jail time. The severity of the penalties depends on several factors, including whether you are a first-time offender, if there are any aggravating factors such as injury or property damage, and whether you have a prior history of DUI offenses.
Penalties for DUI in Smyrna and Cobb County
The penalties for DUI in Georgia can vary depending on the circumstances surrounding the arrest. However, common penalties for a first, second, third, or subsequent DUI offense include:
First DUI Offense in Smyrna
A first-time DUI conviction in Georgia can result in the following penalties:
- Fines ranging from $300 to $1,000.
- A maximum jail sentence of one year (but jail time is typically suspended for first-time offenders).
- License suspension for a minimum of 120 days, though you may be eligible for a limited driving permit after 30 days.
- Completion of a DUI Risk Reduction Program.
- Probation and community service hours.
While a first DUI offense may seem less severe than subsequent offenses, it is still a serious criminal charge. At The Mazloom Law Firm, we will carefully examine the facts of your case and develop a defense strategy to reduce or eliminate the penalties you face.
Second DUI Offense (Within 10 Years)
If you are convicted of DUI for a second time within ten years, the penalties are significantly more severe:
- Fines ranging from $600 to $1,000.
- A mandatory minimum jail sentence of 48 hours, with the possibility of up to one year in jail.
- License suspension for a minimum of three years, with eligibility for a limited driving permit after 18 months.
- Completion of the DUI Risk Reduction Program.
- Community service and probation.
A second DUI offense is a serious matter and can have long-lasting effects on your personal and professional life. We will aggressively work to challenge the charges and help mitigate the penalties to ensure that you can move forward with as little disruption to your life as possible.
Third DUI Offense (Within 10 Years)
A third DUI offense within ten years carries the following penalties:
- Fines ranging from $1,000 to $5,000.
- A mandatory minimum of 15 days in jail, with the possibility of up to one year in jail.
- License suspension for five years, with no eligibility for a limited driving permit.
- Completion of the DUI Risk Reduction Program.
- Community service and probation.
If you have been charged with a third DUI offense, you need a lawyer with extensive experience in DUI defense. We will examine the evidence carefully, challenge the arrest procedures, and work with you to reduce the penalties to minimize their impact.
Fourth DUI Offense (Felony DUI)
A fourth DUI conviction within ten years is considered a felony under Georgia law, which can result in:
- Fines ranging from $1,000 to $5,000.
- A mandatory minimum of 90 days in jail, with the possibility of up to five years in prison.
- License revocation for ten years, with no chance for a limited driving permit.
- Completion of the DUI Risk Reduction Program.
- Community service and probation.
A felony DUI conviction carries severe consequences, including the potential for a long-term loss of your driving privileges and significant jail time. If you are facing felony DUI charges, contact us immediately so we can begin building a defense strategy tailored to your case.
Aggravating Factors in DUI Cases
In addition to the standard penalties for DUI offenses, certain aggravating factors can increase the severity of the charges and penalties. Some of the most common aggravating factors include:
- Injury or death caused by impaired driving.
- Property damage resulting from a DUI accident.
- Having a minor passenger in the vehicle at the time of the arrest (under 14 years old).
- A high blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level (0.15% or higher).
If any of these aggravating factors are present in your case, it is critical to work with an experienced DUI defense attorney who can advocate on your behalf and challenge the prosecution’s case.
DUI with Injury or Property Damage in Smyrna
If you are involved in an accident while driving under the influence that causes injury or property damage, you can face more severe penalties. These can include higher fines, longer license suspensions, and longer jail sentences. In cases where someone is injured, you may face charges of Vehicular Assault or even Vehicular Homicide in the most serious cases.
Defending Against a DUI Charge in Smyrna
A DUI charge is not a conviction, and it’s important to remember that you have the right to fight back. There are a number of defense strategies that we may use in your case, including:
- Challenging the legality of the traffic stop – If the police officer did not have probable cause to stop your vehicle, any evidence obtained during the stop could be inadmissible.
- Disputing the results of the breathalyzer test – Breathalyzer tests can be inaccurate, and there are many potential issues with how they are administered and maintained.
- Questioning field sobriety tests – These tests are subjective and can be influenced by factors other than intoxication, such as fatigue, medical conditions, or poor weather conditions.
- Challenging the blood test results – Blood tests can be subject to errors in testing and handling, and we can investigate whether any mistakes were made.
- Negotiating a reduced charge – In some cases, we may be able to negotiate a reduced charge or penalty, such as reducing your DUI to reckless driving.
Contact Us Today for Help With Your Smyrna DUI Case
If you are facing a DUI charge in Smyrna or anywhere in Cobb County, don’t wait to get the legal help you need. The consequences of a DUI conviction are serious, but with the right legal representation, you may be able to reduce or eliminate the penalties you face. At The Mazloom Law Firm, we have the experience, knowledge, and dedication to fight for your rights and achieve the best possible outcome for your case.
Call us at 770-590-9837 to schedule a free initial consultation and learn more about how we can help with your DUI defense.