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Paulding County DUI Lawyer

REPRESENTING THOSE IN BARTOW, COBB, CHEROKEE, FULTON, PAULDING, AND DOUGLAS COUNTIES.

If you or someone you know has been charged with a DUI in Paulding County Georgia, contact our office at Frye Law Group today to begin your defense.
As a former prosecutor and lifelong advocate for justice, Kim Frye knows that the State does not always fight fair. Finding an aggressive and experienced DUI lawyer can be one of the biggest challenges after a person has been accused of driving under the influence.

That’s why she has dedicated her practice to defending her clients and their rights to the fullest degree.

PAULDING COUNTY GEORGIA DUI DEFENSE

If you’re pulled over in Paulding County Georgia for a DUI and an officer asks you to take a breathalyzer test, there’s not much use in saying no. Georgia is an implied consent state, which means that by driving on Georgia’s roads, you consent to a blood alcohol test.

A DUI in Paulding County Georgia is a serious criminal offense and has significant consequences for those convicted. It could affect how much you pay for car insurance, and that conviction will stay on your criminal record forever.

It’s also important to note that this includes 1st time offenders – Georgia does not have an exception for DUI first offenders. That means that, if convicted, even your first-time DUI can’t be expunged (cleared from your record).

The blood alcohol levels that can lead to a DUI are like those in most states in the US:

  • If you are over the age of 21, driving a passenger vehicle: 0.08 or higher
  • If you are driving a commercial vehicle: 0.04 or higher
  • If you are under 21: 0.02 or higher

THE 30-DAY WARNING FOR DUI ARREST IN PAULDING COUNTY GEORGIA

Anyone arrested in Paulding County Georgia for a DUI has to appear in two separate courts. First, you’ll appear in criminal court (the State of Georgia v. you). But after that, you’ll also have to appear in a civil court to determine whether your driver’s license will be suspended – also known as an administrative license suspension hearing.

When you are arrested in Paulding County Georgia, the police officer will fill out a form called DDS (Georgia Department of Driver’s Services) Form 1205. When DDS views your form, they’ll send you what’s commonly known as the 30-Day Letter. That’s because you only have 30 days to request a hearing after you receive the letter. If you don’t request a hearing, your license will automatically be suspended.

DUI Court Process

After a DUI arrest in Paulding County, the legal process usually begins with an arraignment. At this first court appearance, the charges are formally presented, and the defendant may enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest.

If the case proceeds, the next stages may include pre-trial motions and hearings. During this time, the court reviews evidence, and legal counsel may challenge how that evidence was obtained. Issues such as the validity of a traffic stop or the accuracy of chemical testing can be addressed at this stage.

If no resolution is reached, the case may proceed to trial, where both sides present evidence and arguments. A judge or jury then decides the outcome. Each step in the DUI court process matters because it determines how evidence is reviewed and what penalties or consequences of DUI may apply if there is a conviction.

Call 770-919-9525 or fill out our online contact form to set up a case evaluation today.

 

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Potential Penalties

1ST TIME RECEIVING A DUI

If you get arrested for a DUI, you may face different penalties depending on your past arrests. If it’s your first time receiving a DUI, the penalties may include any of the following:

  • 1-10 days in jail (sometimes can be waived)
  • 12 months of probation
  • Suspended driver’s license (limited permit is sometimes available, potential to drive with an ignition interlock device)
  • DUI Risk Reduction School (20 hours of class)
  • $300-$1000 fine plus surcharges
  • At least 40 hours of community service
  • Clinical substance abuse evaluation and any recommended treatment
  • Going to a MADD Victim Impact Panel

2ND DUI

If it’s your second time receiving a DUI, the penalties may include any of the following:

  • 3-15 days in jail and up to 12 months of probation
  • 30 days (240 hours) of community service
  • DUI Risk Reduction School (20 hours of class)
  • Suspended driver’s license for 4-18 months (limited permit is sometimes available after 4 months, potential to drive with an ignition interlock device)
  • Photo published in news
  • $600-$1000 fine plus surcharges
  • Clinical substance abuse evaluation and any recommended treatment
  • Going to a MADD Victim Impact Panel
  • Surrender license plate

3RD DUI 

If it’s your third time receiving a DUI, the penalties may include any of the following:

  • High and aggravated misdemeanor
  • 15 days to 12 months in jail
  • 30 days (240 hours) of community service
  • DUI Risk Reduction School (20 hours of class)
  • Minimum 2 year suspended driver’s license with no permit
  • Photo published in news
  • Habitual violator designation
  • $1000-$5000 fine plus surcharges
  • Clinical substance abuse evaluation and any recommended treatment
  • Going to a MADD Victim Impact Panel
  • Surrender license plate

FELONY DUI

Most of the time, being arrested for DUI is considered a misdemeanor offense. People deemed “habitual violators” that are arrested for a 4th DUI within a 10 year period are charged with felony DUI though. Felony DUI convictions carry very severe penalties, including:

  • Minimum 90 days in jail and maximum of 5 years
  • 60 days (480 hours) of community service
  • DUI Risk Reduction School (20 hours of class)
  • Suspended driver’s license with no permit
  • $1000-$5000 fine plus surcharges
  • Clinical substance abuse evaluation and any recommended treatment
  • Going to a MADD Victim Impact Panel
  • All other punishments associated with being a convicted felon

What Should I Do If I Get Stopped For A DUI?

Contact Our DUI Attorney In Marietta, GA Today

REPRESENTING THOSE IN COBB, BARTOW, CHEROKEE, FULTON, PAULDING AND DOUGLAS COUNTIES.

Because you have such a limited amount of time to contest your suspended license and the seriousness of DUI charges in Paulding County Georgia, you should call an attorney as soon as you receive notice of your charge.

If you or someone you know has been charged with a DUI, contact our office at Frye Law Group today to begin your defense.

Got a DUI? Call 770-919-9525.

Frequently Asked Questions About DUI Lawyers

 

What should I do immediately after a DUI arrest?

Stay calm, remain silent, and request legal counsel before answering questions. This helps avoid statements that could later weaken possible DUI defenses.

Can I refuse a breathalyzer test?

Under Georgia’s implied consent law, refusing a breath test can trigger an automatic license suspension, even if the DUI charge is dismissed.

What are common mistakes people make after a DUI arrest?

Missing the 30-day deadline to request a license hearing, posting about the case on social media, or confusing charges like DUI vs. reckless driving. Another mistake is misunderstanding how DUI checkpoints work, since arrests from these stops must follow specific rules.

Why is understanding the DUI process important?

Knowing the steps after a DUI arrest—such as arraignment, hearings, and trial—helps individuals prepare and make informed decisions. Each stage of the DUI court process affects how evidence is presented and what defenses may be available.

How long does a DUI stay on your record in Georgia?

A DUI conviction in Georgia remains on your criminal record permanently and cannot be expunged. It may also impact your driving history for years.

Can a DUI charge ever be reduced?

In some cases, prosecutors may reduce a DUI charge to reckless driving or another offense. Whether this applies depends on the evidence and available DUI defenses.

Tell Us About Your Marietta Criminal Defense Case

MOST SITUATIONS AREN’T BLACK AND WHITE. WE’LL LISTEN TO YOUR STORY AND HELP YOU FIND THE BEST POSSIBLE OUTCOME FOR YOUR MARIETTA CRIMINAL DEFENSE CASE

What Should I Do If I Get Stopped For A DUI in Marietta?

Contact Our Criminal Defense Attorney today

REPRESENTING THOSE IN COBB, BARTOW, CHEROKEE, FULTON, PAULDING AND DOUGLAS COUNTIES.

Because you have such a limited amount of time to contest your suspended license and the seriousness of DUI charges in Paulding County Georgia, you should call a Marietta criminal defense attorney as soon as you receive notice of your charge.

If you or someone you know has been charged with a DUI, contact our office at Frye Law Group today to begin your defense.

Got a DUI? Call a Marietta criminal defense attorney today: 770-919-9525.

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What Our Clients Are Saying About Us

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JT McCracken
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Kim, Michael, and Kera did an outstanding job helping my family out. They were well organized and kept us informed every step of the way. We would highly recommend the Frye Law Group to anyone in need of their legal services. 5⭐️
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lee cohen
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Kim and her staff guided me through the most stressful period of my life. The word gratitude does not begin to express what having them in my corner meant. From my first phone conversation, I was assured that Kim and her team would go to bat for me and boy did they. They handled all interactions with the detective and advised me all along the way. I finally got the call from Kim that my case was closed. Up until this morning I could only pray for that call and bingo I got it. None of us know what is coming for us in this life but when we are hit hard, we need a solid fearless advocate. The Frye Law group is that advocate. Bless them I’m forever grateful for them I can breathe now!!!!!!!!!!
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C. McCall
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I'm incredibly grateful to the Kim Frye Law Group for guiding me through a long-overdue legal matter. Working with Kyle as my lead counsel, along with the entire team, they delivered an excellent outcome-my case was dismissed, ending a long and stressful situation. I can finally sleep easier. Thank you, Kyle, for your hard work and patience, and to the rest of the team for handling my case with such care. Highly recommend!
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Ed Shugga
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The team at Frye Law group is the best law firm. They work together as a team and very collaborative. They listen to the client and very supportive in every way to make sure great outcomes results. Kyle Denslow one amazing lawyer and very encouraging. Thank you the Frye Law group.
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Meg Nuns
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Awesome team. Highly recommend them.
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J T
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Kyle did an amazing job on my case, he and the Frye Law Group were always available when I had questions about my case. He was able to get me a great outcome, better then anything I was expecting.
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Penny McCrory
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Frye Law Group was the best choice for my traffic citation in Marietta Municipal Court. Michael was amazing at walking me through the steps of what was going to happen in court and his paralegal, Jillian, was so helpful with answering all my questions. I appreciate their help so much!
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Kim Wilkinson
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Testimonial for Frye Law Group I am writing to express my profound gratitude and satisfaction with the Frye Law Group. My experience with this organization was exceptional, far exceeding any expectations I had initially. The Frye Law Group demonstrated a comprehensive and insightful understanding of the complex bureaucratic landscape. While it is deeply regrettable that families must navigate such challenging, and often unnecessary, legal systems, the Frye Law Group proved to be my saving grace. The level of support, professionalism, and positive results I received stands unmatched compared to other agencies where I regrettably expended resources. I am incredibly thankful that I took the time to read the reviews, connect with previous clients, and ultimately choose the Frye Law Group. Engaging their services has proven to be one of the best decisions of my life. Thank you, Frye Law Group. I sincerely hope that all individuals needing expert representation find their way to your firm, as your service is 100% worth the investment.