Statesboro Felony DUI Attorney

Arrested for a Felony DUI in Georgia? Let Our Firm Help You!

The majority of Georgia DUI cases are charged as misdemeanors, but more serious instances can be elevated to felonies. If you are facing a felony DUI in or around the Statesboro area, you should seek the services of a highly skilled attorney. A felony DUI conviction can have a lasting effect on your life, resulting in a permanent criminal record. Such a record can hinder you in seeking a job, housing, credit, financial aid, and more. At the Brannen Law Office, P.C., we understand the high stakes connected with a conviction for this offense. Our Statesboro felony DUI defense attorney is dedicated to using all of the legal tools and resources at our disposal to help you seek the best possible outcome.

When is a DUI a Felony in Georgia?

Several different scenarios can lead to felony DUI charges carrying penalties based on the facts and circumstances of the case.

Felony DUI charges can involve:

• A fourth or subsequent DUI charge occurring within the last 10 years: punishable by up to five years of incarceration, fines of up to $5,000, 60 days of community service, DUI school, probation, and substance abuse treatment
• A third or subsequent child endangerment charge of driving while under the influence with a child under 14 in your vehicle: punishable by up to three years of incarceration and fines of up to $5,000
• Serious injury by vehicle in which driving while under the influence results in injuring another: carries penalties of up to 15 years and a three-year license suspension
• First-degree homicide by vehicle in which another person was killed due to DUI: First-degree homicide, as well as an unborn baby’s death caused by injuries to the mother in a DUI accident, carry penalties of up to 15 years in prison

Compared to a misdemeanor DUI conviction, a felony DUI can result in harsher criminal penalties, such as a state prison sentence rather than a county jail sentence, fines worth thousands of dollars, and driver's license suspension for years.

Understanding DUIs with Injuries in Georgia

In Georgia, if you cause another person to suffer a serious injury while driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, you will be charged with the crime of “serious injury by vehicle.” Serious injury by vehicle is categorized as a felony punishable by up to 15 years in prison. Having a very high blood alcohol concentration as well as prior DUI convictions can influence how judges will determine the penalties.

According to Georgia law, this occurs when you cause bodily injuries of the following nature:

• Causing another to lose the use of a body part
• Causing another to lose full use of his/her body, as in paralysis
• Causing disfigurement
• Causing brain damage

Under this definition, a serious injury could be a broken bone from which the person recovers. Memory loss could constitute brain damage. Serious injuries do not have to be permanent. They may have occurred to someone in your vehicle, a passenger in another vehicle, or a pedestrian.

Committed and Skilled Felony DUI Support

If you face any of the above felony DUI charges, call the Brannen Law Office, P.C. as soon as possible. As your legal representatives, we will ensure that your legal rights are protected and that you are treated fairly throughout the legal process. Our Statesboro felony DUI defense lawyer has demonstrated excellence in building strong defense cases for our clients. You are innocent until proven guilty and have a right to defend yourself with the best possible legal help available to you. We are committed to providing you with highly-qualified and tenacious legal representation.