Can I Get My Georgia DUI Expunged?

Receiving a DUI conviction can have serious long-term consequences, and it’s natural that you would want to do everything in your power to remove it from your record. Unfortunately, DUI convictions are not eligible for expungement under Georgia’s Second Chance Law because they are serious traffic offenses. This means that there is no legal mechanism or possible way to expunge a DUI from your criminal record in Georgia. However, there may still be some options, which is why it’s important to contact a DeKalb County DUI attorney today.

Alternatives to DUI Expungement in Georgia:

• Fight it. If you have not been convicted yet, your best option is to do what you can to avoid a conviction. Many people make the mistake of thinking that as soon as they have been charged, the writing is on the wall. In reality, there’s a lot that can still be done, and your charges may even be able to be dismissed or reduced. It’s smart to invest what you can in fighting this with everything you have got now, because there really isn’t much of a mechanism for fixing it on the back end in Georgia.
• Appeal it. If you have been convicted of a DUI in Georgia but your conviction is recent, you may be able to appeal your conviction within 30 days. A lawyer can help you determine whether appealing is still an option for you and how best to go about it.

How a Lawyer Can Help

Hiring an experienced Georgia DUI attorney can be the difference between receiving a conviction and not. An attorney will review all the facts and circumstances of your case to determine any bases for dismissal, as well as any potential defenses. For instance, if you were pulled over without probable cause, any evidence collected may be thrown out. Likewise, if there were issues with the procedures, how the evidence was handled, tested, or logged, or other foundational issues with the charges, your lawyer may have a basis to move for dismissal. In some cases, a lawyer may also be able to negotiate a plea to a less serious charge as well. This could limit the negative impact of the conviction and still allow you to qualify for jobs and housing. A lawyer can also ensure that your rights are being protected, and that you are not being tried on the basis of faulty or illegally obtained evidence, and that your rights are protected throughout the trial process.  Mike Hawkins is Board Certified in DUI Defense as recognized by the American Bar Association.

Schedule a Consultation with Hawkins Spizman Trial Attorneys

If you are facing DUI charges or are interested in appealing a recent DUI conviction, Hawkins Spizman Trial Lawyers are here to help. Serving Atlanta, Dunwoody, Alpharetta, Cobb County, Fulton County, Gwinnett County, Johns Creek, Sandy Springs, and the greater Georgia area, Hawkins Spizman Trial Lawyers is ready to fight for you. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

Resource:

georgia.gov/blog-post/2015-12-17/expungement-criminal-records