Multiple DUI Attorney in Macon

Serious Charges, Real Consequences, Focused Defense

If you are facing a second or multiple DUI charges in Georgia, you already know this is very different from a first arrest. The penalties become harsher, the judge has your history in front of them, and you may feel like you are running out of chances. When your freedom, license, and future are on the line, you need guidance from an experienced multiple DUI attorney in Macon.

At Cooper, Barton & Cooper, we represent people accused of drunk driving offenses who are dealing with prior DUIs and other criminal history. Our attorneys draw on more than 40 years of combined legal experience to evaluate the facts, explain what you are facing, and build strategies that fit your situation and goals. We are based here and are known throughout Middle Georgia for providing personalized, attentive criminal defense.

Protect your license and your liberty by speaking with a Macon multiple DUI lawyer who understands the Georgia court system. At Cooper, Barton & Cooper, we provide free consultations and are available 24/7 for our clients. Call (478) 202-7050 or contact us online to start your defense.

Understanding Multiple DUI Laws in Georgia

Georgia law uses specific "look-back" periods to determine the severity of your charges. While your lifetime driving record matters, the state primarily looks at convictions within the last 10 years for criminal sentencing and the last 5 years for driver’s license administrative penalties.

• Second DUI (Within 10 Years): Typically a misdemeanor, but with significantly increased mandatory jail time and fines compared to a first offense.
• Third DUI (Within 10 Years): Classified as a "High and Aggravated Misdemeanor." This is a serious designation that limits the amount of "good time" credit you can earn while in jail.
• Fourth DUI (Within 10 Years): Since 2008, a fourth DUI in Georgia is a felony. This carries a potential prison sentence of one to five years and a permanent felony record.

It is also vital to distinguish between a "DUI Per Se" (where your BAC was 0.08% or higher) and a "DUI Less Safe" (where the officer claims your driving was impaired by any amount of alcohol or drugs). As your Macon multiple DUI lawyer, we scrutinize these definitions to see if the prosecution has overreached in their classification of your charge.

Penalties and Collateral Consequences of Multiple DUI Convictions in Macon

The penalties for repeat offenders in Georgia are designed to be punitive and life-disrupting.

• Second DUI (within 10 years):
  • Mandatory jail time of at least 72 hours, with a possible sentence of up to 1 year
  • Fines ranging from $600 to $1,000
  • Driver’s license suspension for 3 years
• Third DUI (within 10 years):
  • Mandatory jail time of at least 15 days, with a possible sentence of up to 1 year
  • Fines between $1,000 and $5,000
  • Driver’s license revocation for 5 years
• Fourth DUI (Felony):
  • Mandatory jail time of at least 1 year, with a possible sentence of up to 5 years
  • Fines ranging from $1,000 to $5,000
  • Indefinite driver’s license revocation

Collateral Consequences: Beyond jail and fines, the "collateral" damage can be even more severe. For a second or third offense within five years, you will be required to install an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) at your own expense. For a third offense, you will be declared a Habitual Violator, and your photo, name, and address will be published in the local Macon newspaper at your expense. Furthermore, a felony DUI conviction results in the loss of your right to vote and your right to possess a firearm.

The Georgia Criminal Defense Process for Multiple DUI Charges

The process in Macon typically moves through the State Court of Bibb County or the Superior Court for felonies.

• The 30-Day Letter: This is the most critical first step. You only have 30 days from your arrest to request an Administrative License Hearing. If you miss this deadline, your license may be suspended automatically for up to a year with no permit.
• Arraignment: This is your first formal court appearance where you enter a plea. We almost always advise entering a "Not Guilty" plea at this stage to allow us to review the evidence.
• Discovery: We demand all evidence from the prosecution, including dashcam footage, bodycam video, and the maintenance logs of the Intoxilyzer 9000 breath test machine.
• Motions to Suppress: We file legal challenges to throw out evidence. If the officer lacked a valid reason to pull you over, we can move to have the entire case dismissed.
• DUI Court: In some cases, we may advocate for you to enter the Bibb County DUI Court program. This is a rigorous, treatment-based alternative to long-term jail time.
• Trial: If a resolution cannot be reached, we take your case to a jury of your peers, forcing the state to prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt.

How Our Attorneys Help With Second & Repeat DUI Cases

When you come to us after a repeat DUI arrest, our first priority is to understand your full situation. We review the traffic stop, field sobriety tests, breath or blood results, and any video that may exist, and we also look closely at your prior DUI convictions or related charges. This broader picture helps us identify legal and factual issues, as well as opportunities to address concerns related to probation, employment, or family obligations.

With over 40 years of combined experience, our attorneys have handled a wide range of criminal matters, including serious DUI and traffic related cases. We use that background to assess how prosecutors and courts in this region typically approach second and multiple DUIs, then we discuss potential strategies that fit your circumstances.

Trial work is a significant part of our practice, and we spend more time in court than many other firms. This matters in multiple DUI cases, because contested motions, hearings, and trials are common when the stakes are high. Our recognition from institutions such as SuperLawyers and membership in the Georgia Trial Lawyers Association reflect our ongoing commitment to strong advocacy and professionalism.

What To Do Right After A Second DUI Arrest

The hours and days after a second DUI arrest are often confusing and stressful. You may be dealing with bond conditions, missed work, and calls from family, all while trying to figure out what comes next. Taking several concrete steps during this period can protect important rights and give your attorney more to work with.

Key actions to consider as soon as possible:

• Write down everything you remember about the traffic stop, field sobriety tests, and any conversation with law enforcement, including times, locations, and names when you know them.
• Gather all paperwork you received when you were released, such as citations, bond documents, and any notices regarding your driver’s license or an administrative license suspension.
• Avoid discussing details of the incident on social media or with anyone other than a trusted attorney. Casual comments can later be brought into court.
• Pay close attention to any deadlines mentioned on license related paperwork, because Georgia may require prompt action to request an administrative hearing regarding your driving privileges.
• Reach out to a criminal defense lawyer promptly so you can discuss your situation before early court dates or license deadlines pass.

Our firm is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to respond to calls after an arrest. We offer free case evaluations, so you can talk with one of our attorneys about your second or multiple DUI charge, learn about likely next steps, and decide how you want to proceed without adding to your financial stress.

Talk To Our Team About Your Second Or Multiple DUI

At Cooper, Barton & Cooper, we bring decades of experience, respected credentials, and a client centered approach to people accused of repeat DUI offenses here. We are available 24/7, we speak Spanish, and we offer free case evaluations so you can get answers without delay. If you are looking for a multiple dui lawyer Macon clients can call for focused help with a repeat DUI, we invite you to reach out.

To discuss your second or multiple DUI case with our attorneys, call (478) 202-7050 or reach out online today. ¡Hablamos español!

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I Go To Jail For A Second DUI In Georgia?

A second DUI in Georgia often includes mandatory jail time, but the exact outcome depends on your prior record, the facts of the new arrest, and how you have complied with any past probation. Judges have discretion within set ranges, and some sentences may be partially suspended or probated. Reviewing your history helps clarify realistic sentencing risks in local courts.

How Will A Second DUI Affect My Driver’s License?

A second DUI usually leads to a longer driver’s license suspension, with fewer options for limited driving privileges. Georgia DDS decisions depend on prior offenses, the current charge, and whether deadlines are met after arrest. Missing those deadlines can limit your options, so understanding administrative timelines is critical when coordinating license issues with the criminal case.

Can You Help If My First DUI Was In Another State?

Out-of-state DUIs can sometimes be treated as prior convictions in Georgia, depending on how that offense compares to Georgia law. Reviewing records from the earlier case is key to understanding how it may affect your current charge. This analysis can influence both potential penalties and driver’s license consequences in Georgia.

How Can Your Attorneys Help If The Evidence Feels Overwhelming?

Even when evidence seems strong, important legal and factual issues may exist. Attorneys review whether the stop was lawful, how tests were conducted, whether equipment was properly maintained, and if your rights were respected. This detailed review can uncover issues that affect negotiations, motions, or how the case is ultimately resolved.

What Does A Free Case Evaluation Include For A Multiple DUI Case?

A free case evaluation focuses on your arrest, prior DUI history, and immediate concerns like work or license problems. Attorneys review available documents, explain possible penalties, and outline the stages of a Georgia DUI case. You can ask questions, learn what to expect, and decide whether representation makes sense for you.

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