First Offense DUI Attorney in Statesboro

Facing Your First DUI? Get Reliable Guidance in Statesboro

If you recently received a first DUI charge in Statesboro, you likely have questions about what happens next and how to protect your future. At The Brannen Law Office P.C., we support individuals who need a clear path forward during a challenging time. 

With over two decades of experience and a strong presence in the Statesboro area, our first offense DUI attorney helps clients understand the process and their options. Attorney Scott Brannen’s unique perspective as a former prosecuting attorney and part-time judge allows us to approach each case with an understanding of both sides of the law, giving clients a strategic advantage.

We know how a DUI charge can affect your everyday life—including your ability to work, attend school at Georgia Southern University, or manage family obligations. Our team focuses on minimizing the impact these charges may have, ensuring you stay informed from beginning to end.

Secure the advantage of thousands of DUI and criminal cases handled by retaining a top first offense DUI attorney in Statesboro from The Brannen Law Office, P.C. Contact us now at (912) 225-0066 to schedule your case evaluation.

Understanding First Offense DUI Laws in Georgia

In Georgia, the law governing driving under the influence (DUI) is found under O.C.G.A. § 40-6-391. For the purpose of sentencing, a first offense DUI is defined as one where the arrest date is not within ten years of the date of arrest for a prior conviction. Critically, Georgia law recognizes two main categories of DUI, and you can be charged with both simultaneously:

DUI Per Se (O.C.G.A. § 40-6-391(a)(5))

This charge is based purely on a chemical test result. A person is guilty of DUI Per Se if they are driving or in actual physical control of a moving vehicle and their Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) is 0.08 grams or more within three hours of driving, from alcohol consumed before driving. This is a scientific measure and requires no proof of impaired driving ability. The limit is even lower for commercial drivers (0.04%) and drivers under 21 (0.02%).

DUI Less Safe (O.C.G.A. § 40-6-391(a)(1)-(4))

This charge is based on impairment, regardless of the BAC result. A person is guilty of DUI Less Safe if they are under the influence of alcohol, drugs (including prescription or illegal drugs), or intoxicating vapors to the extent that it is less safe for them to drive. 

This is a subjective charge based primarily on the arresting officer's observations, such as:

• Erratic driving (weaving, speeding, slow acceleration)
• Physical symptoms (slurred speech, odor of alcohol, bloodshot eyes)
• Performance on Standardized Field Sobriety Tests (SFSTs)

A conviction for a DUI Less Safe charge carries the exact same penalties as a DUI Per Se conviction. A skilled first offense DUI attorney in Statesboro must be prepared to defend against both theories of the case.

Penalties of a First Offense DUI Conviction in Georgia

Many people assume a first offense DUI is a minor traffic violation. In Georgia, it is a serious misdemeanor that carries harsh, mandatory minimum penalties that a judge cannot waive.

Direct Criminal Penalties

• Jail Time: Minimum of 24 hours, with a maximum sentence of up to 12 months.
• Fines: At least $300, up to $1,000, plus additional surcharges and court costs.
• Probation: 12 months total, reduced by any jail time already served.
• Community Service: 40 hours required.
• DUI School: Mandatory completion of a state-approved Risk Reduction Program.
• Clinical Evaluation: Mandatory alcohol and drug evaluation, along with any recommended treatment.

Administrative License Suspension (ALS)

This is a separate action handled by the DDS, independent of the criminal case. At the time of your arrest, the officer likely seized your license and issued a temporary permit. This triggers a critical 30-day window.

We must file an appeal for an Administrative License Suspension (ALS) Hearing within 30 business days of your arrest, or your license will automatically be suspended for up to 12 months. 

If you refused the state-administered chemical test, the suspension is a "hard" suspension, meaning no limited permit is available for a full year without opting for an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) permit. A timely and aggressive action by your first offense DUI attorney in Statesboro in this 30-day window is essential to preserving your right to drive.

Collateral Consequences

Beyond the direct court penalties, a conviction can create a permanent record with long-term impacts:

• Employment: A criminal record, especially a DUI, can affect job prospects, particularly in fields requiring driving, professional licensing, or security clearance.
• Insurance: Your auto insurance premiums will likely skyrocket, and you may be forced to obtain an expensive SR-22 certification.
• Financial Aid/Student Status: Students at Georgia Southern University or other institutions in Statesboro may face disciplinary action or lose eligibility for certain scholarships or financial aid.
• Permanent Record: A DUI conviction remains on your criminal history permanently in Georgia and cannot be expunged. This is why having a top-tier Statesboro first offense DUI lawyer fighting for a dismissal or reduction to a lesser charge is so vital.

The Georgia Criminal Defense Process for First Offense DUI Charges

We provide representation through every phase of the DUI process in Bulloch County, ensuring your rights are protected from the moment you call our firm.

1. The 30-Day ALS Hearing Window: As noted, this is the most immediate and critical step. We will determine the best course of action: filing the ALS appeal to fight the administrative license suspension or immediately installing an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) to secure an Interlock Permit. This decision must be made quickly.
2. Arraignment and Pre-Trial Hearings: At the arraignment, you enter a formal plea of "not guilty." Following this, our firm engages in the discovery process, meticulously reviewing all evidence gathered by the State, including:
   • Police dashcam and bodycam footage.
   • The officer's training and certification records for the SFSTs and the breathalyzer device (Intoxilyzer 9000).
   • Maintenance and calibration logs for the chemical testing equipment.
3. Motions and Negotiation: We use the evidence gathered to file critical pre-trial motions, such as a Motion to Suppress Evidence, arguing that the initial traffic stop lacked probable cause, or that the chemical test was administered improperly, violating your rights under Georgia's Implied Consent Law. The success of these motions often leads to the prosecutor being forced to dismiss or significantly reduce the charges.
4. Trial: While many cases are resolved through negotiation, our firm prepares every first offense DUI case for trial. If necessary, we will passionately advocate for you before a judge or jury, challenging the reliability of the SFSTs and the officer's subjective testimony. Our firm’s extensive trial experience ensures you have the most persuasive defense possible in court.

Our Comprehensive Approach to First Offense DUI Defense

Our firm’s defense strategy is rooted in decades of experience defending clients against DUI charges in Statesboro and throughout Southeast Georgia. We have successfully handled thousands of DUI and criminal cases handled, giving us unparalleled insight into the best way to challenge the prosecution’s case.

Our defense methodology focuses on:

• Challenging the Stop: We analyze the traffic stop video to determine if the officer had the necessary reasonable suspicion to initiate the stop. If the stop was illegal, all subsequent evidence (FSTs, BAC results) can be suppressed.
• Attacking the Field Sobriety Tests: These tests are highly subjective and easily misinterpreted. We challenge the officer's administration of the tests, arguing that common factors like fatigue, nervousness, or medical conditions—not impairment—caused poor performance.
• Scrutinizing the Chemical Test: Whether it was a breath, blood, or urine test, we investigate the adherence to the complex rules and protocols mandated by Georgia law. We look for errors in the calibration, operation, and timing of the test that could render the BAC result inadmissible.
• Challenging "Less Safe" Evidence: In DUI Less Safe cases, we focus on humanizing the client and providing alternative explanations for the physical signs the officer claimed were evidence of impairment. Our firm’s goal is to show the jury that the police interpretation of the evidence does not meet the standard of beyond a reasonable doubt.

Why Choose Our Statesboro DUI Defense Services

Selecting the right first offense DUI lawyer in Statesboro can make a major difference in how your case proceeds and how confident you feel. Our firm blends a strong legal background with a personal commitment to the Statesboro and Bulloch County community. 

Here’s what sets us apart:

• Two decades of criminal law experience guiding every decision we make
• Former prosecutor’s perspective to anticipate and counter prosecution tactics
• Personal, one-on-one consultations that lead to tailored legal approaches
• Local roots and relationships with the community and courts, helping us navigate unique Statesboro processes
• Recognition for service and advocacy, including a 9.4 Avvo Rating and Avvo Clients’ Choice Award

Our experience with the Statesboro Municipal Court and Bulloch County legal system allows us to help clients understand important local timelines and procedures. 

We approach each case with compassion and transparency, sharing realistic guidance about what you can expect. If you need a trusted first offense DUI lawyer who knows the Statesboro area, our office is here to help you move forward.

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