A felony DUI in Atlanta can have profound effects on your freedom, criminal record, and career. You might be dealing with previous DUI charges or even involved in a serious accident—or both. At the same time, you could be trying to protect a business, your professional license, or your family, who depend on you. Going through sentencing options, license penalties, and court dates can feel overwhelming, especially when you are worried about jail time.
When you work with an Atlanta felony DUI lawyer at Rafus Law, we see your case as a serious matter that deserves careful attention right from the beginning. You are not just handed off to a junior team member and left behind. Instead, an experienced DUI attorney from our firm personally reviews the accusations, the traffic stop, your record, and any related crash reports. We then take the time to explain the law, what is at stake, and your realistic options so that you can feel confident and well-informed about your choices.
Most DUI charges start as misdemeanors, which ban driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. However, a fourth DUI conviction within ten years can elevate the case to a felony, with possible prison time and increased fines.
A felony charge can be filed if a DUI results in a serious injury accident. If someone causes serious harm while violating traffic laws, such as DUI, it could lead to a felony conviction with a prison sentence of 1-15 years. Having an experienced felony DUI lawyer in Atlanta can be crucial for mounting a strong defense against the charges.
A felony DUI conviction in Atlanta reaches far beyond a standard sentence. Beyond the prison range and fines, you may see lengthy license revocations, mandatory treatment, strict probation terms, and long-term monitoring. The state’s sentencing framework for repeat DUI offenses increases mandatory minimums as the number of convictions grows, while felony status exposes you to state prison rather than only local jail.
For professionals and high-income earners, indirect consequences of a felony DUI can be just as impactful as the legal sentence. Background checks by licensing boards, regulators, and compliance departments may scrutinize a felony DUI more harshly than a misdemeanor. International travel, firearms, and housing could also be affected. An Atlanta felony drunk driving lawyer must consider these collateral effects alongside courtroom outcomes, as a seemingly acceptable plea might harm important aspects of your life.
A strong defense starts with the traffic stop. An attorney reviews why the officer pulled you over, how sobriety tests were conducted, whether breath or blood testing followed required procedures, and whether any search or seizure violations occurred. Weaknesses in these steps could support motions to suppress evidence or weaken the prosecution’s case.
Prior DUI convictions must be scrutinized because the State must prove valid convictions within ten years to establish a felony for a fourth offense. Records from earlier cases may reveal issues with pleas, sentencing, or documentation. In injury cases, a felony DUI defense lawyer in Atlanta evaluates medical records and crash reconstruction to determine whether the injuries meet the legal standard for “serious injury by vehicle.” Throughout the case, communication and dedication remain essential, with updates provided before major decisions and direct access to your lawyer.
Felony DUI allegations require a careful response. We analyze why the charge is a felony, review supporting evidence, and consider how a judge or jury might view your history and the incident. This whole picture helps determine whether to negotiate, file motions, or prepare for trial with an Atlanta felony DUI lawyer.
If charged with a felony DUI, contact Rafus Law for a confidential consultation. We will review your documents, explain potential consequences, and develop a plan aligned with your legal stakes and future goals.
