Being arrested for a DUI for the first time can feel like your world is collapsing. If you’re facing a first DUI in Alpharetta, you’re likely overwhelmed by uncertainty, fear, and anxiety about how this one moment might affect the rest of your life.
These feelings are completely valid—and you’re not alone. As an Alpharetta DUI lawyer who has helped countless first-time offenders, I know how daunting this situation can be. The good news? With the right legal strategy, support, and representation, you can take control of what happens next.
If you’re facing a DUI charge in Alpharetta and aren’t sure what to do next, call our criminal defense lawyers at 1-888-839-4384 or use our online contact form to schedule a FREE CONSULTATION with a top rated Georgia DUI lawyer today!
This guide is here to give you a clear roadmap of what to expect, what steps to take, and how to protect your rights and future after a DUI arrest in Alpharetta, Georgia.
Understanding the Legal Consequences of a First DUI in Alpharetta
Georgia DUI laws are strict, even for first-time offenders. Under O.C.G.A. § 40-6-391, you can be charged with DUI if your BAC (Blood Alcohol Concentration) is 0.08% or higher (0.02% for drivers under 21, and 0.04% for commercial drivers). But even if your BAC is lower, you can still be arrested if an officer believes your ability to drive was impaired.
A first DUI in Alpharetta is typically classified as a misdemeanor, but DUI penalties can be significant and long-lasting. If convicted, you may face:
- A mandatory minimum fine of $300 to $1,000 (plus court costs and surcharges)
- 10 days to 12 months in jail (with at least 24 hours of mandatory jail time if BAC was over 0.08%)
- 12 months of probation
- 40 hours of community service
- Mandatory attendance in a DUI Alcohol or Drug Use Risk Reduction Program
- Driver’s license suspension for up to 12 months
- Installation of an ignition interlock device (in certain cases)
- Mandatory DUI Classes
In addition to these penalties, a DUI conviction creates a permanent criminal record, which can negatively impact your employment, housing, insurance rates, and professional licensing.
The Importance of Working with an Experienced Alpharetta DUI Lawyer
One of the most critical decisions you’ll make right now is who you hire to represent you. Not all DUI defense attorneys are equally equipped to defend against DUI charges. You need an Alpharetta DUI lawyer who understands the nuances of Georgia DUI law and has hands-on experience with the Forsyth and Fulton County court systems as well as Alpharetta Municipal Court.
As someone deeply familiar with the Alpharetta legal landscape, I can anticipate how local prosecutors operate, understand which defense strategies may resonate with specific judges, and know how to navigate the administrative processes of the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS).
Whether we’re challenging the validity of the traffic stop, the results of the breathalyzer, or the procedures followed during your arrest, I will aggressively defend your rights every step of the way.
Our Top Rated Alpharetta DUI Law Firm
Kohn & Yager, LLC
33 S Main St # 302
Alpharetta, GA 30009
Phone: (770) 629-9614
DrunkDrivingDefense.com is proud to be associated with one of the best criminal law firms in the North Fulton area, Kohn & Yager. Alpharetta DUI Lawyer Cory Yager is a former police officer for the Cobb County Police Department and a police officer for the City of Roswell Police Department. Thanks to his nine years in law enforcement, he understands how law enforcement agents think, and can use that to his client’s benefit.
Alpharetta DUI lawyer Lawrence A. Kohn is an experienced criminal defense attorney in Georgia. He received his undergraduate degree from Emory University and his law degree from Georgia State Law School. Mr. Kohn has handled thousands of criminal and DUI cases with successful results, and will handle your case as if you were a family member or a close friend.

Key Steps to Take Immediately After a DUI Arrest in Alpharetta
If you’ve just been arrested, time is not on your side. Here are the first actions you should take to start building a strong defense:
1. Stay Calm and Exercise Your Rights
It’s natural to be scared, but avoid arguing with police or admitting guilt. You have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney. Use them.
2. Request a DDS Hearing Within 30 Days
In Georgia, you only have 30 calendar days to file an appeal with the Georgia Department of Driver Services to prevent the automatic suspension of your driver’s license. This is a separate administrative process, and it’s vital not to miss this deadline.
3. Write Down Everything You Remember
As soon as possible, jot down all the details you can recall: where you were pulled over, what the officer said, whether you took a field sobriety test or breath test, and any other relevant information. This can be crucial to your defense.
4. Contact an Alpharetta DUI Lawyer Immediately
Don’t wait to seek legal counsel. The earlier you involve an Alpharetta DUI attorney, the more time we have to investigate the circumstances of your arrest, gather evidence, and build your DUI defense strategy.
How a DUI Lawyer Can Help You Fight the Charges
If you’re facing your first DUI in Alpharetta, you may be eligible for certain legal alternatives or plea options. These might include:
- Reduction to reckless driving (which avoids a DUI conviction on your record)
- First-offender programs or diversion programs, if available
- Suppression of evidence due to unlawful stops, improper testing procedures, or violations of your rights
Your attorney can also negotiate with prosecutors, provide legal representation in administrative license suspension hearings, and defend you at trial if necessary. Every case is unique, and the right legal strategy depends on the facts at hand, but you don’t have to figure that out alone.
Get the Legal Help You Deserve
If you’re facing a first DUI in Alpharetta, now is the time to take action. The decisions you make today can shape the rest of your life.
As an Alpharetta DUI lawyer, I’m here to provide the experience, advocacy, and support you need to move forward with confidence.
My legal team and I have many years of experience defending DUI cases in Alpharetta and the Metro Atlanta area.
Contact me today at at 1-888-839-4384 to schedule a confidential consultation and let’s start building your defense.
More Georgia DUI Resources
If you need a DUI lawyer in a specific city, we also have pages for DUI lawyers in cities across the state of Georgia. Read our helpful and informative articles below to find a DUI lawyer near you.
- Albany, GA DUI Lawyer
- Athens-Clarke County DUI Lawyer
- Atlanta, GA DUI Lawyer
- Augusta, GA DUI Lawyer
- Brookhaven, GA DUI Lawyer
- Columbus, GA DUI Lawyer
- Dunwoody, GA DUI Lawyer
- Gainesville, GA DUI Lawyer
- Johns Creek, GA DUI Lawyer
- Macon, GA DUI Lawyer
- Marietta, GA DUI Lawyer
- Roswell, GA DUI Lawyer
- Sandy Springs, GA DUI Lawyer
- Savannah, GA DUI Lawyer
- Smyrna, GA DUI Lawyer
- South Fulton, GA DUI Lawyer
- Stonecrest, GA DUI Lawyer
- Valdosta, GA DUI Lawyer
- Warner Robins, GA DUI Lawyer
You can also use our online contact form to schedule a free consultation anytime.