Aggressive DUI Defense: Protecting Your Freedom

Georgia CDL Tickets Defense Attorney

Experienced DUI Attorneys Fighting for Dismissals and Reduced Charges Across Georgia's State Courts

A DUI arrest in Georgia triggers two separate legal battles: the criminal case and the DDS administrative license suspension (ALS) hearing. You have only 30 days from the date of arrest to request the DDS hearing or your license will be automatically suspended. Our experienced DUI lawyers move immediately to protect your rights, challenge the evidence against you, and fight tirelessly for the best possible outcome in both proceedings.

Do NOT Wait! Call us immediately to discuss your 30-Day DDS Letter and prevent the automatic suspension of your driving privileges.

Understanding the DUI Case

Handling a DUI charge in Georgia requires a deep understanding of the law, procedure, and the local court system. We bring extensive legal knowledge to bear on your case, ensuring every angle is covered.

 

The Two-Front Fight: Criminal Case vs. DDS Hearing

A DUI case is a multi-faceted challenge. It’s crucial to understand the difference between the two concurrent battles you face:

• The Criminal Case: This is handled in the State or Superior Court and determines your guilt or innocence regarding the DUI charge. A conviction leads to criminal penalties like fines, jail time, and probation.

• The DDS Hearing (Administrative License Suspension): This is handled by the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS). This separate civil proceeding determines the status of your driving privileges. If you lose the DDS hearing or fail to request one, your driver's license will be suspended.

We have deep experience navigating both the Superior Courts (for the criminal charge) and the Department of Driver Services (DDS), providing a unified and aggressive defense strategy.

 

Challenging the Evidence

Specific areas where we challenge the prosecution include:

• Illegal Traffic Stop: We investigate whether the arresting officer had the required reasonable suspicion or probable cause to initiate the traffic stop.

• Field Sobriety Tests: We challenge the administration and scoring of tests like the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN), Walk and Turn, and One Leg Stand, looking for procedural errors and subjective interpretation.

• Breath/Blood Testing: We investigate the accuracy and reliability of chemical tests. This includes verifying if the testing device (such as the Intoxilyzer 5000 or current relevant device) was properly calibrated and if the arresting officer followed all proper procedural guidelines.

Consequences of a Georgia DUI

A conviction for DUI carries severe and life-altering consequences that extend far beyond a simple fine. Understanding the risks is key to motivating an aggressive defense.

 

First Offense Penalties (Misdemeanor)

Even a first-time DUI offense in Georgia can result in:

• Fines: $\$300$ to $\$1,000$ (plus surcharges).
• Jail Time: Mandatory minimum of 24 hours up to 12 months.
• Probation: 12 months (less any time served in jail).
• Community Service: Minimum of 40 hours.
• Required DUI School (Risk Reduction Program).
• Suspension of your driver's license.
• Potential requirement for an Ignition Interlock Device (IID).

 

     

Enhanced Penalties

• Multiple Offenses: Subsequent convictions within a 10-year period lead to escalating mandatory jail time, higher fines, and longer license suspensions, potentially resulting in a Felony DUI.

• High BAC Levels: A Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) of $0.08\%$ or higher carries specific penalties. A BAC of $0.15\%$ or higher, or a refusal to submit to testing, carries more severe sanctions.

• Child Endangerment: Having a minor (under the age of 14) in the car at the time of the offense results in an additional, separate charge of child endangerment.

 

CDL Holders: Protecting Your Career

For Commercial Driver's License (CDL) holders, a DUI conviction (even in a private vehicle) can be career-ending. Your CDL will be disqualified for a minimum of one year for a first offense. A second offense results in a lifetime disqualification. Our team understands the severe threat a DUI poses to your livelihood and will fight to protect your professional driving status.

Local Expertise: Courts Served

We are a Metro Atlanta firm dedicated to providing local expertise. We believe that knowing the people and procedures of the court where your case is held is just as important as knowing the law itself.

 

Familiarity with the Local Prosecutors and Judges

We don't just know the law; we know the people and procedures in the courts where your case will be heard. Our long-standing presence allows us to anticipate strategies, understand local customs, and position your defense for success.

We fight DUI cases across the following courts in Metro Atlanta:

• Fulton County: Atlanta Municipal Court, Fulton State Court
• DeKalb County: DeKalb State Court, Decatur Municipal Court
• Gwinnett County: Gwinnett State Court, Lawrenceville Municipal Court
• Cobb County: Marietta Municipal Court, Cobb State Court

dui defense
Why Choose James E Kee

Why Choose James E. Kee & Associates

When your freedom and future are on the line, you need a defense team with a proven history of success in DUI litigation.

• Experience: Our firm brings over 25 years of focused experience handling complex DUI litigation and high-stakes criminal defense cases throughout Georgia.

• Approach: We employ an aggressive, client-focused approach, ensuring thorough preparation for trial while exploring every possible path to a favorable resolution. We treat you as an individual, not just a case file.

• Results: We have a history of successfully negotiating reduced charges, fighting for alternative sentencing, or obtaining dismissals and Not Guilty verdicts for our clients.

• Client Communication: We keep you informed throughout the legal process and are always available to answer your questions.

 

James E. Kee & Associates Legal Services Areas

Call for your initial appointment. Let’s discuss the details of your case.

Customer reviews

Leah Cote 9/19/2025

James Kee was very helpful in my consultation and provided great advice as to how I should proceed with my case.

Bishop Ken Hardin Sr. 9/2/2025

Mr. James Kee treated me with the utmost respect and was very informative during my consultation with him. If you are looking for an attorney that is very knowledgeable and willing to make sure you are given the best possible advice, please contact attorney James Kee!

raghavender reddy 8/21/2025

Kee is an awesome attorney. If he says, he can handle it, he will definitely do it 100%. I had a traffic citation and he dismissed it easily. I recommend him 100%. He is also available on texts all the time to answer.

Don't let a DUI conviction define your future

Call Now for a Free, Confidential DUI Case Evaluation

The consequences are too great to face alone. Our experienced team is ready to build a powerful defense strategy tailored to your specific case, aggressively protecting your rights from the moment you call.