Multiple DUIs

Savannah Multiple DUI Attorneys

Aggressive Legal Representation Focused on Protecting Your Rights and Freedom

A DUI charge is never something that should be taken lightly. Even a first offense can result in jail time, fines, and spin-off consequences that include spiraling insurance costs. With each subsequent offense, however, the penalties escalate significantly. Anyone who has been charged with a fourth DUI offense could face felony charges. If convicted of a felony, you could lose your right to vote, legally own and possess firearms, and hold a professional license.

Defendants facing multiple DUI charges may need an experienced lawyer to help them fight the charges or at least mitigate the consequences. Scheer, Montgomery & Call, P.C. has highly experienced DUI attorneys who have a proven record of securing favorable client outcomes. Based in Savannah, we serve clients throughout Chatham, Bulloch, Liberty, and Effingham Counties. Contact our law office today to schedule a free case evaluation, and we will determine your legal options.

What are the Benefits of Hiring a Multiple DUI Attorney?

If you are facing multiple DUI charges, you most likely are feeling scared and unsure where to turn for help. Due to the harsh penalties and legal complexities associated with multiple DUI offenses, the most effective solution is to hire an experienced attorney immediately.

If you have prior DUI convictions, having a lawyer in your corner is essential. One of the most significant benefits of hiring a DUI lawyer is their ability to negotiate with the prosecutor to attempt to have the case dismissed or have the charges reduced. Your lawyer will thoroughly evaluate the evidence to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case. For example, your legal representative may be able to challenge the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) test results. In many instances, police officers or others do not conduct tests properly or make procedural errors that invalidate test results. A knowledgeable DUI lawyer can file motions asking that this evidence be excluded, weakening the state’s case.

Additionally, having an attorney increases your chances of being able to win your case. A DUI attorney can create custom-tailored defense strategies that yield the best possible results. When you hire an attorney to defend you, it also helps alleviate stress, knowing they are working diligently to resolve your case.

What are the Penalties for a 2nd DUI Conviction?

After a first-time DUI offense, each subsequent charge can result in increased criminal penalties and fines. Georgia’s DUI laws take a tough stance on repeat offenders. Repeat offenses are viewed as a threat to public safety, and prosecutors are often eager to pursue criminal charges against individuals who commit such offenses.

If you have been charged with a second DUI, you could face severe penalties, including a mandatory minimum jail time of 72 hours and a possible one-year jail sentence. Fines range from $600 to $1,000, in addition to court fees and surcharges.

Additional consequences of a 2nd DUI include:

  • Probation for 12 months and at least 240 hours of community service
  • A driver’s license suspension could be for up to 18 months
  • Mandatory installation of an ignition interlock device, which requires drivers to pass a breathalyzer test before their vehicle starts. This installation is done at the driver’s expense
  • Participation in a substance abuse treatment program
  • An offender’s photo in the local newspaper

What Type of DUI Defense Does Your Law Firm Offer to Clients?

Scheer, Montgomery & Call, P.C. is a law firm dedicated to helping individuals who have been charged with multiple DUIs. Our Savannah DUI attorneys know that, often, good people sometimes find themselves in challenging situations.

Some of the other DUI legal services we offer to clients include:

  • Aggravated DUI
  • CDL DUI
  • DUI Accidents
  • DUI Field Breath & Blood Tests
  • DUI License Suspensions
  • Felony DUI
  • Multiple DUIs
  • Underage DUI

Get the Legal Help You Deserve

Let us help you navigate your legal challenges. Schedule a no-obligation consultation with our experienced attorneys today, and take the first step toward justice.

What are the Penalties for a 3rd DUI Conviction?

A third DUI conviction within ten years pushes penalties to the high end of the misdemeanor scale and can result in aggravated charges. For example, if you are convicted of a third DUI, you could be sentenced to serve a minimum of 120 days in jail with a maximum of 12 months. However, you must serve at least 15. You will also be ordered to pay steep fines, ranging from $1,000 to $5,000, in addition to court costs.

Additional consequences include:

  • Probation can last up to 36 months, with 240 hours of community service still required
  • A five-year driver’s license suspension. Limited permits are not available for the first two years of this period
  • Ignition interlock devices may be required after a limited permit is obtained
  • Probation of 12 to 36 months and a mandatory 240 hours (30 days) of community service
  • Mandatory drug or alcohol treatment counseling for at least 17 weeks
  • Offenders must again publish a public notice with personal details. They are officially labeled “habitual violators.” While not a formal legal charge, it can have a lasting impact on one’s career and credit opportunities

Is a Fourth 4th (or More) DUI a Felony In Georgia?

A fourth DUI within ten years is a felony charge in Georgia, unlike the previous three, which are generally classified as misdemeanors. Convicted defendants face a prison term ranging from 1 to 5 years. Judges may suspend some imprisonment but must still require at least 90 days in custody. Work release or house arrest alternatives may be allowed. Fines range from a minimum of $1,000 to a maximum of $5,000 in addition to court costs.

Furthermore, anyone convicted of a fourth felony DUI will also be labeled a convicted felon. Convicted felons encounter many challenges that impede their personal and professional life. Common issues include losing the right to vote, owning and possessing firearms legally, and holding a professional license.

Additional consequences include:

  • A mandatory 10-year license suspension, with limited driving permits typically available after two years
  • 480 hours of community service
  • Five years of probation, supervised by a felony probation officer after incarceration
  • Other sanctions discussed above—from public notice to mandatory treatment, and more.

What is a Habitual Violator in Georgia?

In the context of Georgia’s DUI laws, anyone who has been convicted of three or more major traffic offenses within a five-year period will be designated a “Habitual Violator.” Habitual violators usually face a five-year minimum license suspension.

Habitual violators may be eligible to obtain a hardship license, also known as a limited driving permit, after two years if they meet specific requirements. To obtain a hardship license, some of the requirements include completing all mandatory programs, such as the DUI Risk Reduction Program, providing proof of insurance, and paying a reinstatement fee. You must also prove that you will suffer a hardship by not being able to travel back and forth to work, medical appointments, and mandatory DUI classes. Finally, you must also not have any recent DUI or traffic convictions within the past two years.

The best way to avoid the legal complexities associated with being labeled a habitual violator is to seek legal representation immediately. A skilled Savannah DUI lawyer can help you fight the charges to try to avoid a fourth DUI conviction. If you are facing a possible fourth DUI conviction, do not hesitate to contact Scheer, Montgomery & Call, P.C. today to schedule a free case evaluation.

Can Multiple DUI Offenses Be Expunged in Georgia?

Georgia law dictates that DUI convictions are permanent and cannot be expunged from your record. However, depending on the circumstances, you can request that the record be restricted from public view. For example, if a DUI charge has been dismissed or pursued by the prosecutor, it may be sealed. However, although the general public may not have access to the information, it will likely be available to law enforcement.

Multiple DUI offenses can have a severe impact on your professional life. If you work with children in education or healthcare, you may be required to hold a professional license. Some professional licensing boards require license holders to report DUI offenses immediately, which could result in your license being suspended or revoked. Healthcare workers often risk having to complete mandatory treatment programs or probation to keep their licenses. CDL holders also face losing their jobs as employers in the trucking industry are hesitant to keep drivers who have issues with alcohol or drugs.

Multiple DUI charges can have a devastating effect on your life if not handled by a qualified legal professional. Allow our highly trained legal team to review your DUI case to see if we can assist you.

What Makes Your Multiple DUI Lawyers the Best Choice for My Legal Needs?

Scheer, Montgomery & Call, P.C. is passionately committed to representing clients charged with DUI-related offenses. If we agree to take your case, we will walk you through every step of the legal process to secure the best possible outcome on your behalf.

The Difference Is in Our Dedication

The Scheer, Montgomery & Call Promise:

  • Integrity in Every Action:
    We believe that the foundation of excellent legal work is built on honesty, transparency, and ethical practices, ensuring that your case is handled with the utmost respect and professionalism
  • Committed to Delivering Results:
    We go beyond expectations to achieve successful outcomes, leveraging our years of experience in various practice areas to fight for what’s best for you, whether through negotiation or trial
  • Your Success, Our Priority:
    We put our clients first, dedicating ourselves to understanding your unique needs and providing personalized legal solutions that align with your goals, every step of the way.
  • Decades of Trusted Legal Experience:
    With over 40 years of combined legal experience, Scheer, Montgomery & Call, P.C. brings expert knowledge and proven strategies to fight for your rights and secure the best possible outcomes

Experienced Lawyers You Can Trust

There are several ways to contest DUI charges, even when dealing with multiple offenses. Our attorneys are aware of the common mistakes made by law enforcement, and we recognize that authorities—from police officers to prosecutors—are far from perfect. We never sit in judgment of our clients. Instead, our Savannah DUI attorneys provide straightforward and honest assessments of your case. It’s not always easy for people to hear, but everyone we work with can believe in this—if we take a case, it’s because we think we can deliver positive results.

No one likes the idea of dealing with a DUI arrest, but the sooner you seek legal representation, the sooner we can begin working on your case. Let’s sit down in our Savannah office and discuss your situation. Call (912) 233-1273 for a complimentary consultation.