Marietta DUI Lawyer Who Knows How the Other Side Builds Its Case
I spent years as a Cobb County prosecutor. I know exactly how the state constructs a DUI case — which evidence they rely on, where the weaknesses are, and how to use both against them. That experience is now working for you.
A DUI Charge in Georgia Is Permanent — Unless You Fight It
A DUI conviction in Georgia cannot be expunged. It stays on your record, follows you through background checks, and can affect your career, your insurance, and your future. That's not a scare tactic — it's the reality of how Georgia law treats these convictions.
What most people don't know is that a charge doesn't have to become a conviction. Charges can be reduced. Evidence can be challenged. Cases can be dismissed. I've spent over 25 years doing exactly that for clients across Cobb County, and my results reflect it.
One verified outcome: a client facing both DUI and domestic violence charges left court with the domestic violence charge dismissed entirely and the DUI reduced to reckless driving. That outcome didn't happen by accident — it happened because the evidence was challenged strategically and early.
You Have 30 Days to Protect Your License — Starting Now
Most people don't know this: when you're arrested for DUI in Georgia, you have 30 days from the date of arrest to request an administrative license suspension hearing. Miss that window and your license is suspended automatically — regardless of what happens with your criminal case.
This is one of the most consequential deadlines in Georgia DUI law, and it's one that weaker representation routinely lets slip. I file these requests immediately and use the hearing as an opportunity to examine the arresting officer's testimony under oath — intelligence that can directly shape the criminal defense strategy.
If you were recently arrested, the clock is already running. Call (678) 223-4975 today.
The Evidence Against You May Be Weaker Than It Looks
Breathalyzer results, field sobriety test scores, and the officer's probable cause for the stop are all challengeable. Breathalyzers require proper calibration and maintenance. Field sobriety tests must be administered according to specific protocols. The stop itself must be legally justified.
Because I built DUI cases as a prosecutor, I know precisely where the evidence tends to break down. I know what the lab records should show, what the officer's training file should contain, and what questions to ask when the answers don't line up. The test isn't infallible. Neither is the prosecution.
What a DUI Defense in Marietta Actually Looks Like
Marietta DUI cases move through two distinct court systems depending on where and how the arrest occurred — Marietta Municipal Court and Cobb County State Court. Knowing how each court operates, how each prosecutor approaches cases, and what each judge expects is a meaningful strategic advantage. It's the kind of local knowledge that comes from practicing here for decades, not from a firm that advertises everywhere and knows nothing specific.
My approach to every DUI case follows the same sequence:
Step 1:
Case Evaluation
I review every piece of evidence from the moment of the stop — dashcam footage, the officer's report, breathalyzer records, field sobriety test documentation, and probable cause for the initial stop. This is where most defenses are won or lost.
Step 2:
License Suspension Hearing
If we're within the 30-day window, I file immediately and use the administrative hearing to examine the arresting officer's account on record. This testimony becomes part of the record and informs the criminal strategy.
Step 3:
Challenge the Evidence
I identify every point where the state's evidence is vulnerable — calibration records, testing protocol, chain of custody, constitutional issues with the stop — and build a defense around the weakest links in their case.
Step 4:
Negotiate or Litigate
Many DUI cases in Georgia resolve through negotiation. A reduction to reckless driving is a realistic and meaningful outcome — it is treated differently under Georgia law than a DUI conviction and does not carry the same long-term consequences. When negotiation doesn't serve my client's best interest, I take the case to trial.
DUI Defense Services in Cobb County
Each of these situations carries its own set of legal standards, deadlines, and defense strategies. If you're not sure where your case falls, a free consultation is the right starting point.
I handle the full range of DUI-related charges and proceedings, including:
First offense DUI defense for clients with no prior criminal history
Felony DUI charges involving accidents, injuries, or prior convictions
Field sobriety test and breathalyzer challenges
Administrative license suspension hearings
DUI cases involving prescription medications or marijuana
Why Clients in Cobb County Choose Lisa Wells
Former Cobb County prosecutor with direct insight into how the state builds DUI cases
Named Georgia Super Lawyer — a verified, peer-recognized credential
Regular legal commentator on Law & Crime Network and Court TV
Practicing criminal defense since 2000 — over 25 years of courtroom experience
Documented case results: DUI charges reduced to reckless driving, dismissals before trial
Personal representation — you work with me directly, not a junior associate
Good People Get DUI Charges. Good Lawyers Fight Them.
Most of my DUI clients are ordinary people who have never been in legal trouble before. One night, one decision, and suddenly they're facing a charge that could follow them for the rest of their lives. That's the reality of how Georgia law works — and it's exactly why the quality of your defense matters.
I built this practice on the belief that the circumstances of an arrest don't define a person's future. My job is to make sure the legal outcome reflects that.
I serve clients in Marietta, Kennesaw, Woodstock, Canton, Powder Springs, and throughout Cobb and Cherokee counties. If you've been charged with DUI, I'd like to hear what happened.
Frequently Asked Questions About DUI Charges in Georgia
What happens if I get a DUI in Marietta, Georgia?
A DUI arrest in Marietta triggers two separate proceedings: an administrative license suspension and a criminal case. On the administrative side, you have 30 days from the arrest date to request a hearing or your license is automatically suspended. On the criminal side, a first-offense DUI in Georgia is typically a misdemeanor carrying fines, possible jail time, license suspension, and mandatory DUI school — but a conviction is not the only possible outcome. Charges can be reduced or dismissed depending on the evidence.
Can a DUI be reduced to reckless driving in Georgia?
Yes, and it happens more often than most people realize when the defense is handled well. A reduction to reckless driving is a meaningful result — it carries fewer long-term consequences than a DUI conviction and is treated differently under Georgia law. I have a documented record of securing this outcome for clients in Cobb County.
Can I challenge the breathalyzer or field sobriety test results?
Yes. Breathalyzer machines require regular calibration and maintenance, and the results can be challenged if proper procedures weren't followed. Field sobriety tests must be administered according to standardized protocols — deviations matter. The legality of the traffic stop itself is also challengeable. As a former prosecutor, I know exactly what the state's evidence should look like and where it tends to fall short.
How soon do I need to contact a DUI attorney after my arrest?
As soon as possible — and ideally within the first few days. The 30-day deadline to contest your administrative license suspension is the most time-sensitive issue, but early legal involvement also allows your attorney to preserve evidence, review dashcam footage before it's overwritten, and begin building a defense before the prosecution has fully assembled its case.
Do I need a lawyer for a first-offense DUI in Georgia?
A first-offense DUI is still a criminal charge with permanent consequences if convicted. Georgia does not allow DUI convictions to be expunged from your record. The difference between a conviction and a reduction to reckless driving — or a dismissal — can affect your employment, your professional licenses, and your insurance rates for years. Having experienced legal representation significantly improves your chances of a better outcome.
What does a DUI lawyer in Marietta cost?
Attorney fees vary depending on the complexity of the case, the court involved, and whether the matter goes to trial. I offer a free initial consultation so you can understand your situation and your options before making any decisions. Call 678-223-4975 or submit a contact form to schedule.