Client Testimonials
Hear It From The People That Matter
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"I recommend him to anyone"
Mr. Brannen is the best in the boro! He was very patient and understanding with my case. The outcome was better than I expected. I recommend him to anyone that needs a good lawyer! Thank you Mr Brannen for all your time and patience. I'm forever grateful. I would also like to add that Mrs. Paige was very nice and professional. She answered all my questions and helped me out so much. Thanks again you two 🥰
- Selina P. -
"If I could give ten stars I would again and again."
Choosing Brannen Law Office to represent me was the best choice I could have made! Mr. Brannen and Paige made sure to make me feel comfortable right away dealing with custody of my daughter. I was nervous thinking of all the possible outcomes prior to meeting with any lawyers being new to the area, but Mr. Brannen and Paige walked me through the entire process and answered any questions I had. Mr. Brannen explained how my case would be handled and the outcome that would be the best for my daughter and my family. He delivered on that outcome and exceeded it! Paige is fantastic and extremely thorough in her work, truly amazing person. If I could give ten stars I would again and again. They both helped me and my family! Thank you again for all that you both did I’m forever grateful!
- MC -
"Professional yet personable."
If you're looking for professional yet personable counsel then Mr. Scott is your guy. He was there for me and my family and we are very grateful for the outcome. I felt he was a good listener and I highly reccomend him! Thank you again guys!
- Becca H. -
"By far the best criminal attorney I know."
The DA wanted me to do 10 years to life,Scott got me probation.No time to serve.He is by far the best criminal attorney I know.If you need a good lawyer,I strongly recommend Scott Brannen.He knows what he’s doing,good w the judges & kept me informed each move& decision that was being made.
- Jimmy S. -
"I am grateful to have had his support, guidance, and defense in my case."
I highly recommend Scott Brannen to defend your criminal law case. He and his legal secretary, Paige, are both professional and personal in their communications and interactions. I felt at ease while facing an otherwise uncomfortable situation.
Scott's knowledge of criminal law and legal procedures was evident from the initial consultation through the trial hearing. His prior experience and expertise in his field was clearly demonstrated in his approach and through his strategic responses in court.
He was careful to ensure that he shed light on all critical elements as well as circumstantial aspects of my case.
I am beyond pleased with the outcome of my trial hearing. I am grateful to have had his support, guidance, and defense in my case. I felt was in good hands from the beginning to the end. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟- Amy D.
Penalties for a Drug DUI Conviction in Georgia
A first drug DUI conviction in Georgia is a misdemeanor, but its consequences reach well beyond a fine. Sentencing includes a fine of $300 to $1,000, up to 12 months of incarceration, 12 months of probation less any time served, and at least 40 hours of community service. Completion of a DUI Drug or Alcohol Risk Reduction program (DUI School) is required, and a clinical substance abuse evaluation, along with any recommended treatment, may also be imposed as a condition of probation.
One consequence sets drug DUI apart from most alcohol DUI penalties: a drug DUI conviction triggers a hard license suspension with no limited driving permit or work permit available for the full suspension period. If a child under 14 was in the vehicle at the time of arrest, a separate child endangerment charge can be added for each child present. A fourth or subsequent drug DUI conviction within 10 years is charged as a felony, carrying up to five years of incarceration and fines up to $5,000. A DUI conviction in Georgia stays on the driver’s criminal record permanently and can’t be expunged.
The 30-Day ALS Deadline & Where Your Case Is Heard
A drug DUI arrest triggers two separate proceedings: the criminal case and an administrative license suspension (ALS) process. When an officer issues a DDS Form 1205, it acts as a temporary license and starts a clock. You generally have 30 days from the date of arrest to file a written request for an ALS hearing and pay the required filing fee. Miss that deadline, and the suspension takes effect automatically. Because requirements can change, verify the current process with an attorney as soon as possible after arrest.
Where your case is heard depends on where the stop occurred. Misdemeanor drug DUI charges for incidents in unincorporated Bulloch County, or where a jury trial is demanded from a municipal court, are handled by Bulloch County State Court in Statesboro. Charges arising within Statesboro city limits begin in Statesboro Municipal Court. Felony charges (a fourth or subsequent conviction) go to Bulloch County Superior Court, part of the Ogeechee Judicial Circuit.
Defense Strategies in a Bulloch County Drug DUI Case
Every drug DUI defense starts before the chemical test results. We examine the basis for the traffic stop itself: if the officer lacked reasonable articulable suspicion, evidence gathered during and after that stop may be subject to suppression.
From there, the analysis moves through each layer of the investigation:
- DRE evaluation protocol: We review whether the evaluation was conducted according to required procedures and whether the officer’s training and observations hold up under scrutiny.
- Chemical test integrity: Blood and urine results are examined for chain-of-custody gaps, collection errors, and lab analysis deficiencies. We also distinguish between metabolite presence and actual impairment at the time of driving.
- Implied consent compliance: Reading the wrong notice or failing to advise the driver of independent testing rights can affect the admissibility of test results.
- The less safe standard: Because the state must prove actual impairment rather than mere presence of a substance, we scrutinize the officer’s observations, the driver’s conduct, and the overall reliability of the impairment conclusion.
Scott Brannen spent nearly eleven years on the other side of these cases. He understands how prosecutors assess the strength of their drug impairment evidence and where defenses gain traction in Bulloch County courts. That knowledge directly informs how we evaluate each client’s situation.
Talk to a DUID Lawyer in Bulloch County Today
A drug DUI charge carries consequences that can follow you for life. The Brannen Law Office P.C. offers personal consultations to review your situation, explain your options, and develop a strategy tailored to your specific charge. We serve clients in Statesboro, Bulloch County, and the surrounding communities. Don’t let the 30-day ALS deadline pass without speaking to an attorney.
Call The Brannen Law Office P.C. at (912) 225-0066 to schedule your consultation.