The Merchant Law Firm, P.C.
Contact Us Today! 404.567.5228

Don’t Face the Justice System Alone.

Fight Potential DUI Penalties.

The penalties associated with a DUI conviction are serious. We can help minimize or avoid the negative impact they can have on your life.

Get Legal Help Now

Defending Against DUI Charges in

Understanding DUI & the Penalties

At The Merchant Law Firm, P.C., we understand that individuals who have been pulled over and arrested for DUI or charged with drunk driving can be feeling incredibly uncertain about what the future holds. No matter your walk of life, any type of criminal charge could put things in perspective: What about your future? What about your freedom? What happens next? Our DUI defense attorney is prepared to answer your questions and make sure you understand your defense options. It is our goal to help minimize or completely avoid the consequences associated with a DUI charge.

Speak with an attorney confidentially by calling (404) 567-5228 now.

  • Meet Your Husband-and-Wife Defense Team

    Ashleigh B. Merchant

    From a young age, Ashleigh has had a strong sense of freedom, and what it means to protect that freedom. Now, with a career in criminal defense, she believes in doing everything within her power to protect the freedoms of the criminally accused. Through her experience as a public defender, Ashleigh gained numerous contacts throughout the legal community and important relationships throughout the Georgia court system. Over the years, Ashleigh's ability to fight for clients in and out of the courtroom, her negotiation skills, and her success at the trial and appellate level have earned her the reputation of being an outstanding criminal defense lawyer.

  • Meet Your Husband-and-Wife Defense Team

    John B. Merchant, III

    Growing up, John quickly learned the importance of hard work. He carries his passion for commitment into everything he does, and pours his dedication and hard work into every case. With experience defending complex injury cases and going up against large corporations and insurance companies, there is no opponent that John is afraid to fight. As a formidable opponent in the courtroom, John is known for his ability to take on and win even the most complex cases. He is dedicated to protecting the rights and futures of the people he represents, and goes above and beyond to help every client secure the best results possible.

Earning Satisfied Clients Is Our Firm's Top Priority

  • “You have guided us to the end of the tunnel where the light shines so bright. Thank you for all you hard work, dedication, and efforts in doing your job so well.”

    Past Client

  • “I was only charged with minor offenses but Ms. Merchant always made me feel like my case was a priority for her and she handled everything for me.”

    Anonymous

  • “Ashleigh helped me avoid a lengthy jail sentence when I was arrested for 2 DUI's within 10 days. Normally I would have gone to jail or had to DUI court but she successfully avoided both.”

    Former Client

  • “Your services were superb and I can't thank you enough for the consistency in communication. I couldn't have asked for a better attorney with an outstanding attitude towards things.”

    Past Client

A Leader Among Georgia Defense Firms

Our Husband and Wife Criminal Defense Team Is Known for Legal Excellence & Unrelenting Defense

  • We're Backed by More Than 20 Years of Experience

  • Clients Work Directly with Their Lawyer - Not an Assistant

  • Firsthand Experience with Nearly Every Type of Defense

  • We Offer Free & Confidential Case Evaluations

Tell Us About Your Case

Contact us immediately to speak to a lawyer from our firm at absolutley NO COST to you.

Common Penalties

Unlike most criminal cases, DUI cases will often involve two different processes: criminal and administrative. This means that individuals who have been arrested for a drunk driving offense could be subject to two types of penalties. When the stakes are high, you will need to work with a defense lawyer who understands how to navigate both sides of a DUI case.

  • Jail or Prison Time
  • License Suspension
  • Multiple Court Hearings
  • Court Fees & Fines
  • Possible License Revocation
  • Impounded Car
  • Required AA Classes
  • Ignition Interlock Device
  • Increased Insurance Rates

Frequently Asked Questions

Get the Answers You Need, Fast.

  • Questions

  • Will I be penalized if I refuse to take a chemical test?

    Answer

    Almost all states implement what are known as “Implied Consent Laws.” In the simplest definition, implied consent basically means that all legally licensed drivers have agreed to take and complete a blood, breath, or chemical test when asked by law enforcement (upon obtaining a valid license). This means that you must cooperate and subject to a chemical test if an officer suspects you of drunk driving. Refusal to take this test could result in an immediate suspension of your driver’s license.

  • Are penalties more severe for commercial drivers?

    Answer

    It depends. Any type of criminal arrest can be serious for a person who relies on his or commercial license for his or her career. This is also true for other professionals, such as teachers, doctors, or others who rely on security clearance for their job. If you depend on a commercial license (CDL) for your job, however, you could be facing an immediate revocation of your license and your livelihood could be at stake. Speak with us immediately to determine the next steps you can take to help reduce the negative impact of a DUI arrest.

  • What is an Ignition Interlock Device (IID)?

    Answer

    An IID is a type of device that may be required to be installed in the vehicle of a driver who has been convicted of DUI. The device will prevent a driver from operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol by requiring a breath sample prior to starting the vehicle or while the vehicle is running. If the device detects an elevated BAC level, the vehicle will not start.

  • Why do I need to hire a defense lawyer?

    Answer

    There are numerous working parts involved in a DUI-related offense, and many of these working parts have to do with serious administrative penalties, court fees, insurance problems, licensing issues, jail time sentences, and more. To increase your chances of avoiding these negative consequences, you should involve a defense lawyer in your case sooner rather than later. Fast, proactive action can help minimize or completely eliminate penalization.

What Factors Are Taken Into Consideration During Sentencing?

  • The type of drugs and narcotics involved
  • The quantity of drugs and narcotics
  • Nature and variety of prior criminal convictions
  • Overall criminal history of the defendant charged
  • Whether the defendant is curently on probation
  • The actual or potential harm to the public
  • The financial benefit to the defendant
  • The defendant's age
  • The defendant's own dependence on drugs or narcotics
  • The defendant's psychiatric history
  • Evidence of rehabilitation

Contact Us for a Free DUI Consultation!

Fill Out the Form or Call (404) 567-5228 Today.

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