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DUI Defense Attorneys Who Fight for Your Freedom

A DUI arrest doesn't have to destroy your life. But how you respond in the next 30 days will determine whether you keep your license, avoid jail time, and protect your future—or watch it all slip away.

If you've been charged with DUI in North Georgia, you're facing more than just a traffic ticket. You're looking at potential jail time, license suspension, massive fines, ignition interlock devices, and a permanent criminal record that could cost you your job, your reputation, and your peace of mind. The good news? You don't have to face this alone.

At JL Weaver Law Firm, we've defended hundreds of DUI cases across Cherokee, Pickens, Gilmer, and Fannin counties. We know these courts, these judges, and these prosecutors—and we know how to build defenses that work. When you hire us, you're not getting a plea-mill attorney who shows up late and folds. You're getting trial-tested DUI lawyers who prepare every case like it's going to court.

Because sometimes, that's exactly what it takes to win.

Our Practice

What's Really at Stake When You're Charged with DUI

A DUI conviction in Georgia isn’t just an inconvenience—it’s a life-changer. Here’s what you could be facing:

Criminal Penalties

Up to 12 months in jail (even for a first offense)

Fines up to $1,000 plus court costs and fees

Community service requirements

DUI school and alcohol evaluation

Up to 12 months in jail (even for a first offense)

Fines up to $1,000 plus court costs and fees

Community service requirements

DUI school and alcohol evaluation

License Consequences

Immediate 30-day suspension pending hearing

Up to 12 months license suspension if convicted

Ignition interlock device requirements

SR-22 insurance (high-risk coverage)

Immediate 30-day suspension pending hearing

Up to 12 months license suspension if convicted

Ignition interlock device requirements

SR-22 insurance (high-risk coverage)

Long-Term Impact

Permanent criminal record visible to employers

Professional license consequences (CDL, medical, real estate)

Immigration complications for non-citizens

Custody and family court implications

Permanent criminal record visible to employers

Professional license consequences (CDL, medical, real estate)

Immigration complications for non-citizens

Custody and family court implications

The clock starts ticking the moment you’re arrested. You have just 30 days to request a hearing to save your license—and every day you wait makes your defense harder to build.

Our Practice

Who We Defend Against DUI Charges

Our DUI defense team represents clients facing all types of drunk driving charges across North Georgia

First-Time DUI Offenders

People who never thought they'd be in this situation

Professional drivers (CDL holders) facing career threats

College students worried about their future opportunities

Parents concerned about custody implications

People who never thought they'd be in this situation

Professional drivers (CDL holders) facing career threats

College students worried about their future opportunities

Parents concerned about custody implications

Repeat DUI Defendants

Second offense DUI (enhanced penalties)

Third offense DUI (felony charges)

DUI within 10 years (habitual violator consequences)

Second offense DUI (enhanced penalties)

Third offense DUI (felony charges)

DUI within 10 years (habitual violator consequences)

Complex DUI Cases

DUI with accident or injury

DUI with child endangerment charges

Prescription drug DUI

Commercial vehicle DUI

DUI with accident or injury

DUI with child endangerment charges

Prescription drug DUI

Commercial vehicle DUI

Related Charges

Reckless driving

Open container violations

Underage DUI (under 21)

Reckless driving

Open container violations

Underage DUI (under 21)

No matter what brought you here, you deserve a defense team that understands the stakes and fights to protect your future.

Why JL Weaver Stands Apart

What Makes JL Weaver Law Firm Different in DUI Defense

We Know These Courts Inside and Out

We’ve handled DUI cases in Cherokee, Pickens, Gilmer, and Fannin county courts for years. We know which judges are reasonable, which prosecutors will negotiate, and which strategies work in each courtroom. That local knowledge becomes your advantage.

We Fight From Day One

Most DUI lawyers just show up and plead. We prepare every case for trial from the moment you hire us. We examine the traffic stop, challenge the breathalyzer results, question the field sobriety tests, and look for every angle to protect your rights. Because when prosecutors know we’re ready to fight, they’re more likely to negotiate.

We Handle Both the Criminal Case AND Your License

A DUI arrest triggers two separate proceedings: the criminal case and the administrative license suspension. Most people miss the 30-day deadline to challenge their license suspension. We handle both sides and make sure nothing falls through the cracks.

We Keep You Informed Every Step

DUI cases are confusing and scary. You’ll never have to wonder what’s happening with your case. We explain the process, prepare you for each hearing, and keep you updated on every development. No surprises, no disappearing acts.

Our DUI Defense Process: What to Expect

Step 01

Emergency License Hearing (First 30 Days)

Time is critical. We immediately request an administrative hearing to challenge your license suspension. This gives us extra time and often reveals weaknesses in the state's case that help your criminal defense.

Step 02

Investigation and Case Building

  • We dig into every detail of your arrest
  • Was the traffic stop legal?
  • Were field sobriety tests administered properly?
  • Was the breathalyzer machine calibrated correctly?
  • Did officers follow proper procedures?
  • Are there witness statements or video evidence?
Step 03

Strategic Defense Planning

Based on our investigation, we develop a customized defense strategy. Sometimes that means challenging the evidence. Sometimes it means negotiating for reduced charges. Sometimes it means taking the case to trial. We'll explain your options and help you make informed decisions.

Step 04

Resolution and Protection

Whether we get your charges dismissed, reduced to reckless driving, or resolve them with minimal impact, our goal is simple: protect your freedom, your license, and your future.

County-Specific DUI Defense Services

We defend DUI cases across North Georgia’s mountain counties, each with unique courts and procedures:
  • Cherokee County DUI Defense
DUI Lawyer in Cherokee County – Canton, Woodstock, Ball Ground
  • Pickens County DUI Defense
DUI Lawyer in Pickens County – Jasper, Talking Rock
  • Gilmer County DUI Defense
DUI Lawyer in Gilmer County – Ellijay, East Ellijay
  • Fannin County DUI Defense
DUI Lawyer in Fannin County – Blue Ridge, McCaysville
Each county has different judges, different prosecutors, and different local practices. We know them all—and we use that knowledge to build stronger defenses.

Frequently Asked Questions About DUI Defense

Should I have refused the breathalyzer test?

Georgia’s implied consent law means refusing the test triggers an automatic license suspension. However, refusal cases can sometimes be easier to defend since there’s no BAC evidence. We’ll evaluate your specific situation.

You have 30 days to request a hearing before your license is automatically suspended. If you act quickly, we can often get you a temporary permit or work-around solutions.

Second offense DUI carries enhanced penalties, but there are still defense options. The key is acting fast and building an aggressive defense strategy.
We offer transparent flat-fee pricing with payment plans. The cost of good representation is always less than the cost of a conviction.
Reckless driving is a traffic offense, not a DUI conviction. It carries lighter penalties and doesn’t trigger many of the long-term consequences of a DUI. Getting charges reduced to reckless driving is often a win.
You can, but DUI law is complex and the consequences are severe. Prosecutors rarely offer good deals to unrepresented defendants, and one mistake can cost you your license, your freedom, or your future.

Don't Wait—The Clock is Already Ticking

Every day you delay makes your DUI defense harder. Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget details. And most importantly, you have just 30 days to challenge your license suspension.

The prosecutors aren't waiting. The court system isn't slowing down. And time isn't making your case stronger.

But the right defense team can turn everything around.

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