Multiple DUI Attorney in Gwinnett County

Serious Help For 2nd & Repeat DUI Charges

If you are facing a second DUI or another DUI charge after a prior conviction in this county, you already know this is different from a first arrest. Georgia law increases the penalties with every additional offense, and a repeat charge can threaten your freedom, your license, and your job. You need the support of an experienced multiple DUI defense lawyer in Gwinnett County.

At Crawford and Boyle, LLC, we represent people in exactly this position. Our attorneys understand how stressful it is to wonder about jail, how you will get to work, and what this will mean for your future. Our team has more than 50 years of combined legal experience, and our lawyers include former prosecutors who know how DUI cases are built and prosecuted in Gwinnett County courts.

We invite you to talk with us about what happened and what you are facing. We offer free consultations, and we are available 24/7 to take your call, so you can get clear information before making any decisions.

A second or third DUI doesn't have to mean the end of your freedom. Reach out to a Gwinnett County multiple DUI lawyer at Crawford and Boyle, LLC by calling (678) 726-5400 or contacting us through our online form.

Understanding Multiple DUI Laws in Georgia

Georgia’s DUI laws are found under O.C.G.A. § 40-6-391, and they utilize a specific "look-back" period to determine how a charge is classified. For criminal sentencing, Georgia typically looks at a 10-year window from the date of the previous arrest to the date of the current arrest. However, for administrative purposes—specifically your driver’s license—the state often looks at a 5-year window.

Our firm classifies multiple offenses as follows:

• Second DUI Within 10 Years: This is a misdemeanor, but it carries a "high and aggravated" nature. The mandatory minimums for jail time, fines, and community service jump significantly compared to a first offense.
• Third DUI Within 10 Years: This is designated as a High and Aggravated Misdemeanor. At this stage, the state may declare you a "Habitual Violator," which triggers a five-year revocation of your driver's license.
• Fourth or Subsequent DUI Within 10 Years: In Georgia, a fourth DUI within a 10-year period is a felony. This is a life-changing event that can lead to years in state prison rather than months in the Gwinnett County Jail.

It is crucial to note that Georgia’s "Less Safe" statute applies even more aggressively to repeat offenders. A prosecutor does not necessarily need a breath or blood test result of 0.08% to convict you; they only need to prove that you were "less safe" to drive due to alcohol or drugs. A Gwinnett County multiple DUI lawyer from our team is well-versed in challenging these subjective "less safe" assessments.

Penalties and Collateral Consequences of Multiple DUI Convictions in Georgia

The penalties in Georgia are structured to become progressively more punitive. Our firm fights to keep our clients out of custody, but the statutory minimums are a serious threat.

Criminal Penalties

• Mandatory Jail Time: A second DUI requires a minimum of 72 hours in jail, though judges often sentence much more. A third DUI requires a minimum of 15 days, and a fourth DUI, a felony, can result in one to five years in prison.
• Significant Fines: Fines can range from $600 to $5,000, not including court surcharges that can nearly double the total cost.
• Ignition Interlock Devices (IID): For a second or subsequent offense within five years, an IID is mandatory for at least 12 months for any vehicle you operate.
• Community Service: You will face a minimum of 30 days (240 hours) of community service for repeat offenses.

Collateral Consequences

The "hidden" costs are often what haunt our clients the most:

• Habitual Violator Status: This status can lead to a five-year license revocation and the confiscation of your license plates.
• Publication: For a third DUI, Georgia law requires your photo, name, and address to be published in the local Gwinnett County newspaper at your expense.
• License Revocation: Unlike a first-time suspension, repeat offenders may face years of "hard" suspension with no permit eligibility.
• Professional Impacts: A felony or multiple misdemeanors can lead to the loss of commercial driver's licenses (CDL), nursing licenses, and other professional certifications.

Our attorneys stay current on Georgia DUI laws through memberships in organizations such as the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and the DUI Defense Lawyers Association. We draw on that knowledge when we explain the range of possible penalties and when we help you weigh your options.

Why Gwinnett County Clients Choose Crawford and Boyle, LLC

Our firm has handled thousands of criminal cases since 2010, and we bring that courtroom experience to repeat DUI defense. Our attorneys have earned recognition that includes Superb Avvo Ratings and selection to The National Trial Lawyers Top 40 Under 40 for some members of our team. Those are outside confirmations of the work we have done for clients.

As former prosecutors, our attorneys have seen how DUI cases are put together from the inside. We understand how officers are trained to conduct stops, field sobriety tests, and arrests, and we know how prosecutors often approach repeat DUI charges in this area. We use that insight to identify weaknesses in the case, such as questionable traffic stops, problems with testing, or inconsistencies in the reports.

How Our Team Defends Multiple DUIs in Gwinnett County

When you work with us on a 2nd or multiple DUIs, we start by getting a clear picture of your situation. That means looking not only at the most recent arrest, but also at your prior DUI history, the dates of those cases, and how they were resolved. We also review the police reports, videos when available, and any breath or blood test records to see whether the state can prove what it is alleging.

Every client’s situation is different, especially when there are prior convictions on the record. Some people are most concerned about staying out of jail because of work or family responsibilities. Others are focused on saving their driver’s license or protecting a professional license. We take the time to understand your priorities so we can focus our efforts on the issues that matter most to you.

Our firm takes a comprehensive, two-pronged approach to defending multiple DUI charges by addressing both the legal weaknesses in the case and the underlying issues involved.

• Evaluates the full history and circumstances surrounding the arrest, not just the current charge
• Challenges the legality of the stop, arrest, and evidence collection
• Scrutinizes breath or blood testing equipment calibration and maintenance records
• Reviews whether field sobriety tests were administered in compliance with National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) standards
• Identifies procedural or constitutional errors that may justify reduced charges or dismissal
• Encourages clients to proactively complete clinical evaluations and treatment programs
• Presents evidence of accountability and rehabilitation to the court
• Negotiates for reduced sentences or alternative resolutions to minimize mandatory penalties

In some cases, we may recommend filing motions that challenge parts of the traffic stop, the arrest, or the admissibility of test results. In others, we may focus on negotiating with the prosecutor to seek a more favorable outcome that takes your background, treatment efforts, or other factors into account. 

When negotiations do not produce a result that aligns with your goals and risks, we are prepared to take cases to trial and present your defense to a judge or jury.

Talk With Our Lawyer About Your 2nd, 3rd, or Subsequent DUI in Gwinnett County

If you are facing a 2nd or multiple DUIs, you do not have to sort through the legal system alone. Meeting with a 2nd DUI attorney in Gwinnett County can help you understand what you are up against and what can be done. When you contact Crawford and Boyle, LLC, we take the time to learn about your history, answer your questions, and discuss possible strategies for your case.

We offer free consultations, including virtual options, and our phones are answered 24/7 so you can reach us when you need to. 

To talk directly with a multiple DUI lawyer in Gwinnett County, reach out today. Call (678) 726-5400 now to schedule your free consultation.