More Than 93.1% of Our DUI Cases Have Resulted in No Conviction Over the Past 13 Years
More than 15 years of experience challenging the Supreme Court in DUI cases.
Atlanta First DUI Lawyers
Tirelessly Protecting Your Constitutional Rights in Georgia
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Greg Willis has been successful at defending DUI cases (over 93.1% without a conviction)
He's the only lawyer in the State of Georgia to ever be recognized for all three of these accomplishments.
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Best Lawyers In America
2025 Atlanta's Best - Defense Law Firm
BadAss Attorney Award
10 Consecutive Years Selected to Super Lawyers
AVVO 10
AV Preeminent
"Attorney Greg Willis is someone I am truly thankful to have had in my corner during one of my most stressful times. He goes above and beyond and has your best interest at heart. I couldn’t recommend him more to anyone in need of someone to represent them as they deal with a DUI."
- Juan Castilla
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Atlanta Criminal Trial Attorney Greg Willis Testifying in front of the Georgia House of Representatives
Atlanta First DUI Lawyers
A first DUI in Georgia is a misdemeanor, but do not let that word fool you: it is a criminal conviction that remains on your permanent record, that will be visible to employers and professional licensing boards, that will significantly increase your auto insurance premiums, and that will make any future DUI charge more severe. The time to fight a DUI is the first time.
Georgia offers no diversion program, no deferred adjudication, and no first-offender act for DUI. There is no mechanism for a first-time DUI to be automatically removed from your record after probation. The only clean outcome is not being convicted of DUI in the first place — which is exactly what Willis Law Firm works toward on every single case.
First DUI penalties: 24 hours minimum in jail (up to 12 months); $300–$1,000 fine plus surcharges; 12 months probation; 40 hours community service; mandatory DUI School; clinical evaluation; 120-day license suspension; possible ignition interlock.
Our approach:
We review every element of the state’s evidence — the traffic stop, the field sobriety tests, the chemical testing, and the implied consent procedure. We file suppression motions where warranted. We negotiate from a position of strength because prosecutors know we will take a case to trial and to the appellate courts. We pursue a reckless driving reduction or outright dismissal in every case where the facts support it.
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Penalties for Refusing a DUI Test in Atlanta, GA
If you are pulled over on suspicion of DUI and you refuse to submit to a chemical test, you can face additional charges and penalties, including:
- License Suspension: Your license will be suspended for one year, regardless of whether you are convicted of a DUI.
- Fines: You may be required to pay a fine of up to $1,000.
- Criminal Charges: You can be charged with a separate crime for refusing a chemical test.
It is important to note that the penalties for a DUI in Atlanta, GA can vary based on the circumstances of your case and the discretion of the court. Our experienced Atlanta first DUI lawyers can help you understand the charges against you and the potential consequences of a conviction.
Your ALS Hearing
Following your DUI arrest, you have only 30 calendar days to request an Administrative License Suspension hearing, or an ALS hearing. If you do not request and attend this hearing, your license is automatically suspended for 120 days. You will also be subject of a $210 fine and be compelled to attend a drug and alcohol abuse class. If you are under 21, your administrative license suspension may last six months or—in cases where there was a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of over .08—a full year.
However, it may be possible to not only avoid these penalties, but to also reinstate your license. With representation from a Atlanta first DUI lawyer who can emphatically put forth any relevant information that proves you should continue to be able to drive, you may retain some driving privileges. Your prior driving record, transportation needs, and the circumstances of your DUI arrest may all be part of a convincing argument to avoid a suspension.
You may already know about the possible jail sentence and heavy fines you could face if you have been arrested for DUI in Atlanta. These penalties in and of themselves may cost you years of your life and deal you a huge financial blow. If you are convicted of these charges, you could further be faced with job loss, driver’s license suspension or revocation, probation, mandatory DUI school, and even problems with immigration.
Georgia DUI Point System
Having a license suspended indicates to employers, insurance companies, and others that a driver may be a liability behind the wheel. Georgia looks at the past 24 months of a driver’s record and the points they have accumulated in that time. If there have been 15 or more accumulated points (if the driver is under the age of 21 it is just 4 points) can lead to a suspension. Those that have a license suspension due to a points violation will have their driving privileges revoked and be ordered to pay an appointed fine.
The more points a traffic violation incurs, the more severe the traffic incident. Unlawfully passing a school bus, speeding more than 34 mph over the posted speed limit, and reckless driving all carry the highest amount of points. If the driver has engaged in a serious violation, their license will be automatically suspended. These violations include driving under the influence, hit and runs, and attempting to evade a police officer.
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What to Do if You Have Been Charged with a First-Time DUI in Atlanta, GA
If you have been charged with a first-time DUI in Atlanta, GA, it is important to take the charges seriously and seek the advice of an experienced DUI attorney. A DUI conviction can result in serious penalties and have a lasting impact on your life, so it is important to have a strong legal defense.
Our Atlanta first DUI lawyers can help you understand the charges against you, evaluate the evidence against you, and build a strong defense. They can also negotiate with the prosecution on your behalf and work to have the charges reduced or dismissed.
A first-time DUI charge in Atlanta, GA is a serious matter that can result in serious consequences. If you have been charged with a DUI, it is important to seek the advice of an experienced DUI attorney as soon as possible.
It is also important to keep in mind that a DUI conviction can have long-term consequences, such as increased insurance rates, difficulty finding employment, and a criminal record. To minimize the impact of a DUI charge, it is important to take proactive steps to protect your rights and your future.
Some steps you can take include:
- Refrain from discussing the details of your case with anyone other than your attorney.
- Gather all relevant information, including the details of your arrest and any witness statements.
- Document any physical injuries or property damage from the incident.
- Keep a log of any expenses related to the DUI, such as court fees, fines, and legal expenses.
- Attend all court appearances and follow any conditions of your release, such as abstaining from alcohol or drugs.
With the right legal representation and a strong defense, it may be possible to reduce or dismiss the charges against you and protect your future.
Mistakes to Avoid After a DUI
If you are facing a first DUI charge in Atlanta, Georgia, it’s important to understand the consequences and take steps to mitigate them. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
- Failing to hire an experienced DUI attorney: A DUI attorney with experience in the Atlanta area can help you navigate the complex legal system and minimize the consequences of your charges.
- Ignoring the charges: Ignoring your DUI charges or failing to show up in court can result in additional penalties, including fines and a warrant for your arrest.
- Talking too much to the police: It’s important to be polite and cooperative with the police, but you should also exercise your right to remain silent and not incriminate yourself.
- Refusing a chemical test: In Georgia, you have the right to refuse a chemical test, but doing so will result in an automatic license suspension and can be used as evidence against you in court.
- Plead guilty without considering all options: Pleading guilty to a DUI charge may seem like the easiest option, but it can result in serious consequences, including a criminal record, fines, and even jail time. An experienced DUI attorney can help you understand your options and make the best decision for your case.
Remember, if you are facing a DUI charge, it’s important to seek the help of an experienced DUI attorney as soon as possible to protect your rights and minimize the consequences.
What to Do Immediately After a First DUI Arrest in Atlanta
The steps you take in the hours and days following a first DUI arrest in Atlanta can significantly affect the outcome of your case. Here is what matters most:
- Stay silent. You have the right to remain silent beyond providing basic identifying information. Do not explain yourself, apologize, or answer questions about where you were or what you had to drink. Anything you say can and will be used against you.
- Document everything you remember. As soon as you are able, write down every detail — why you were pulled over, what the officer said, how tests were administered, whether you were read your Miranda rights, and the approximate times of everything. These details can be critical to your defense.
- Act on your license within 30 days. In Georgia, you have only 30 days from the date of your arrest to request an administrative license suspension hearing with the DDS. Missing this deadline results in automatic suspension with no ability to contest it. Contact an attorney immediately so this deadline is not missed.
- Do not post about the arrest on social media. Posts, stories, and even deleted content can be retrieved and used as evidence. Keep the matter entirely off all platforms until your case is fully resolved.
- Contact a DUI attorney as soon as possible. Dashcam and bodycam footage has a limited retention window. Witnesses are easier to locate close to the event. The earlier an attorney is involved, the more tools they have to build a strong defense.
Facing charges for DUI? Call us at Willis Law Firm today.
DUI Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about first-time DUI charges in Atlanta, Georgia:
The legal limit for drivers 21 and older in Georgia is a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. For commercial drivers the limit is 0.04%, and for drivers under 21 the limit is 0.02%. You can also be charged with DUI less safe even if your BAC is below the legal limit if the officer believes your driving ability was impaired by alcohol or drugs.
A first-time DUI conviction in Georgia can result in jail time of 24 hours to 12 months, fines from $300 to $1,000, a 12-month license suspension, a minimum of 40 hours of community service, up to 12 months of probation, mandatory completion of a DUI Risk Reduction Program, and a permanent criminal record. The conviction can also affect employment, insurance rates, and professional licensing.
Yes, in many cases. An experienced DUI attorney can challenge the legality of the traffic stop, the administration of field sobriety tests, the accuracy of breathalyzer or blood test results, and whether your constitutional rights were respected throughout the arrest. If weaknesses are identified in the prosecution’s case, charges can be dismissed, reduced to reckless driving, or result in an acquittal at trial.
Yes. A DUI conviction in Georgia is permanent and cannot be expunged. It will appear on background checks indefinitely and can affect employment, professional licensing, housing applications, and more. This is one of the most important reasons to fight a first DUI charge aggressively rather than accepting a plea without fully understanding the consequences.
After a DUI arrest in Georgia, you have only 30 days from the date of your arrest to request an administrative license suspension hearing with the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS). Missing this deadline results in automatic license suspension with no ability to contest it. This deadline runs completely separately from your criminal case and is one of the first things your attorney should address.
Yes. After serving the mandatory suspension period, you can apply for reinstatement by completing the required DUI Risk Reduction Program, paying a $210 reinstatement fee, and meeting any other conditions imposed by the court or DDS. For a first offense involving a BAC-over-the-limit suspension, reinstatement may be possible after 120 days with a limited permit. An attorney can help you navigate the reinstatement process.
The Administrative License Suspension (ALS) hearing is a separate civil proceeding through the Georgia DDS that determines whether your license will be suspended before your criminal case is resolved. At the hearing, an administrative law judge reviews whether the officer had lawful grounds to request the chemical test and whether proper procedures were followed. Winning the ALS hearing can prevent or rescind the pre-conviction suspension. It also gives your attorney an opportunity to question the arresting officer under oath before the criminal trial — which can be strategically valuable.
Yes, absolutely. First-time offenders often assume a clean record will lead to a lenient outcome without legal help — but that is not always the case. Prosecutors still pursue convictions on first offenses, and a conviction creates a permanent criminal record. An experienced first DUI attorney can evaluate the evidence, identify defenses, challenge the stop or test results, and work toward dismissal or reduction — protecting your record and your future in ways that are very difficult to undo after the fact.
A first DUI conviction typically results in significantly higher insurance premiums — in many cases two to three times your current rate — or outright cancellation of your policy. You will likely be required to file an SR-22 certificate of financial responsibility with the state, which signals high-risk status to insurers and can affect your rates for several years. This long-term financial impact is another reason why avoiding a conviction matters.
Yes, it can. Many licensed professions in Georgia — including law, medicine, nursing, pharmacy, real estate, and education — require disclosure of criminal convictions to the relevant licensing board. A DUI conviction can trigger a disciplinary review and potentially affect your ability to hold or renew a professional license. If your career involves a professional credential, fighting the charge aggressively from the start is especially important.
It’s important to remember that every DUI case is unique – and the consequences can vary depending on the circumstances. If you have been charged with a DUI in Atlanta, it’s important to seek the help of an experienced DUI attorney.
Call Our Atlanta First DUI Lawyers
A first DUI charge in Atlanta is serious — but it is not the end of the road. With the right legal representation, many first-time DUI charges are reduced, dismissed, or result in acquittal. The key is acting quickly, understanding your options, and not assuming the worst outcome is inevitable.
At Willis Law Firm, we have spent over 20 years defending DUI cases across Atlanta and the surrounding area. We know the Atlanta Municipal Court, the Fulton County prosecutors, and the judges. We know how to challenge stops, suppress evidence, and build defenses that work. Our 93.1% no-conviction success rate reflects that commitment.
Your first DUI does not have to define your future. Contact Willis Law Firm today to schedule your free consultation and let us start building your defense.
Client Reviews
If you’re facing legal troubles and want to make sure you’re hiring the best lawyer to fight your case, the Willis Law Firm is the place to call. Their attorneys are extremely knowledgeable and go above and beyond to make sure their clients receive the best outcome possible. The office staff has always been extremely helpful and compassionate through each step of the way. Greg has helped me and my family with a few cases over the years and we’ve always received a great outcome. He and his staff are the best in the field. There’s a reason why other attorneys hire Greg to handle their cases! Highly recommend their services. You won’t be disappointed.