Lisa P.
“We had a positive experience working with Garner Law Office in regard to a traffic citation case. A situation that can be stressful and difficult was made easier working with a knowledgeable lawyer and one who was great in presenting to us and the court just what was needed. Kindness, encouragement and wisdom describe David who represented us so well! Thank you!”
Timothy P.
“Great Experience. Mr. Garner provided a very thorough explanation on the process to get a faulty traffic citation from an automobile accident overturned by the courts. He followed up with us regularly because the case was delayed by the courts for over a year due to Covid. Finally, we had our day in court and received a judgement in our favor relieving us from liability and financial loss. Many kudos for his personal and professional approach to our situation. I can tell this is how he treats all of his clients. Thank you to David Garner”
Matt S.
“David garner was very very helpful in my traffic case. His office, including himself, was very personable and surprisingly fast with there responses. Any info that I needed, there was no lack of. Not only did my case get resolved in a way that was beyond my expectations, I learned a ton about Georgia traffic law. Honestly an actual 5 star experience. And as pleasant as a criminal traffic case could be.”
Experienced DUI Defense for Drivers in Paulding County
Being arrested for DUI in Georgia is frightening, and the decisions you make in the next few days can affect your license, job, and future. As a DUI lawyer Dallas GA drivers trust, Attorney David Garner brings more than 25 years of courtroom experience to every case, including deep knowledge of Georgia DUI law and local Paulding County courts. We focus on protecting your record, limiting license consequences, and looking for every opportunity to get charges reduced or dismissed. Whether you were stopped in Dallas, Hiram, or anywhere in West Georgia, our goal is to give you a clear plan and a strong defense from day one.
Comprehensive Georgia DUI Defense Services
01
First-Time DUI Charges
A first arrest can be overwhelming, but it does not have to define your future. We explain the penalties, help you understand options like reductions to reckless driving, and build a defense strategy focused on protecting your record and license.
02
Repeat and High-Risk DUI Offenses
If this is your second, third, or subsequent DUI, the stakes are much higher, including longer license suspensions and potential jail time. We analyze every aspect of the stop, testing, and prior record to look for leverage, mitigation, and ways to minimize the long-term damage.
03
Under-21 and CDL DUI Defense
Younger drivers and commercial drivers face stricter rules and serious consequences for even small amounts of alcohol. We are familiar with the special standards for under-21 drivers and CDL holders and work to protect schooling, employment, and future opportunities.
04
Field Sobriety & Breath Test Challenges
Many DUI cases hinge on field sobriety tests, breathalyzer results, or blood tests that may be flawed or improperly administered. We evaluate whether the officer followed proper procedures, whether the equipment was maintained correctly, and whether the results can be challenged or excluded.
05
Administrative License Suspension (ALS) Hearings
After a DUI arrest, you typically have a short deadline—often around 30 days—to request a hearing to fight an automatic license suspension. Our firm handles this urgent step, prepares you for the DDS hearing, and coordinates the ALS strategy with your criminal DUI defense.
06
Local Court Representation in Paulding & Surrounding Counties
DUI cases in Paulding County are often handled in courts right here in Dallas, with additional proceedings in neighboring counties like Cobb, Douglas, Carroll, Bartow, and Polk. We regularly appear in these courts, understand local procedures and programs, and tailor your defense to the specific court and prosecutor on your case.
How a Georgia DUI Case Moves Through the System
A DUI case is more than a single court date—it is a process that includes arrest, license issues, court appearances, and potential negotiations or trial. Understanding that process helps you make smart decisions and avoid missing critical deadlines or opportunities to improve your outcome.
Traffic Stop & Investigation
Your case begins with the stop, including the officer’s reason for pulling you over and any field sobriety tests performed on the roadside. We look closely at whether the officer had lawful grounds to stop you and whether roadside testing was conducted fairly.
Arrest & Implied Consent Notice
If the officer believes they have probable cause, they may arrest you and request a breath, blood, or urine test under Georgia’s implied consent law. We examine whether the implied consent warning was read properly and whether you were given a real choice about testing.
Administrative License Suspension (ALS) Deadline
After arrest, you face a strict deadline to challenge the automatic suspension of your license. We act quickly to request the ALS hearing and develop a license strategy that fits your work, family, and school needs.
Arraignment & Early Court Dates
Your first court appearances set the tone of the case and are where we enter a plea, request discovery, and begin negotiations. Our role is to protect your rights, communicate with the prosecutor, and keep you informed about what each appearance means.
Negotiation, Motions, and Trial
Many cases involve motions to suppress evidence, negotiations for reductions, or preparation for trial if needed. We focus on finding weaknesses in the state’s case, exploring alternatives like reckless driving, and making sure you understand the risks and benefits of every option.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Common Questions About DUI Charges in Georgia
Can I refuse a breathalyzer or field sobriety test in Georgia?
You can refuse both field sobriety tests and the state-administered breath or blood test, but doing so has serious consequences. Refusing the roadside exercises usually does not carry an automatic license suspension, but the officer may still arrest you based on other observations. Refusing the official chemical test after arrest can trigger a lengthy license suspension under Georgia’s implied consent law and may limit your ability to get a limited permit. Before deciding how to handle testing in the future or what to do after a refusal, it is important to talk with a DUI lawyer about your specific situation.
Will a DUI conviction stay on my record forever in GA?
In Georgia, a DUI conviction generally cannot be expunged or restricted from your criminal history. That means a DUI on your record can affect employment, insurance, and professional opportunities for many years to come. Because of this, fighting the charge—or seeking a reduction to a lesser offense when dismissal is not possible—is extremely important. Our job is to help you pursue the best result the facts allow so you are not living with the harshest version of a mistake.
Can I get a limited driving permit after a DUI arrest?
In many first-offense DUI cases (especially where you did not refuse the state test), you may be eligible for a limited driving permit that allows you to drive to work, school, medical appointments, and other essential places. Eligibility depends on your prior history, test results, and how your suspension is handled. We guide clients through the DDS paperwork, help them understand timing issues, and coordinate permit applications with the broader defense strategy. Every case is different, so you should not assume you are ineligible without a legal review.
What are the chances of avoiding jail for a first-time DUI?
For many first-time DUI offenders in Georgia, any additional jail time beyond the initial arrest can often be minimized or avoided, depending on the facts, court, and judge. Courts still impose mandatory conditions such as probation, fines, DUI School, community service, and alcohol or drug evaluations. With an experienced Paulding County DUI attorney on your side, there may be opportunities to negotiate a more favorable sentence or even reduce the charge to reckless driving. We will give you honest feedback about jail exposure and how we can work to limit it.
Can a DUI be reduced to Reckless Driving in Georgia?
Yes, in some cases a DUI can be negotiated down to reckless driving, which carries serious penalties but avoids a DUI conviction and some of the harshest license consequences. Factors that can support a reduction include a borderline blood alcohol level, no accident or injuries, good driving history, and problems with the stop or testing. Our firm evaluates every case for dismissal arguments first and then, where appropriate, fights for a reduction that better protects your future. We have successfully obtained reductions for clients when the facts and circumstances allowed it.
Ready to Fight Your Georgia DUI Charge?
If you have been arrested for DUI in Dallas, Hiram, Rockmart, Carrollton, Douglasville, Marietta, Cartersville, Rome, or anywhere in Paulding County, you do not have to face the system alone. Garner Law Office is here to explain your options, protect your license, and build a DUI defense tailored to your life and your goals.