DUI Defense Attorney in Southwest Georgia

If you’ve been arrested for DUI in Georgia, the next steps you take could have serious consequences for your license, your record, and your freedom. At Shingler Law, we provide focused, strategic DUI defense for clients across Southwest Georgia — with deep courtroom experience and a command of local procedures that out-of-town attorneys simply don’t have.

Understanding DUI Charges in Georgia

DUI charges in Georgia are more complex than most people realize. You can be arrested for DUI even if your blood alcohol content (BAC) is below 0.08%, and in many rural counties, enforcement patterns vary by jurisdiction. Common DUI allegations include:

• Driving with a BAC over 0.08%
• Driving under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or both
• DUI “Less Safe” (no test, but alleged impairment)
• Refusing a breath, blood, or urine test
• Underage DUI (BAC of 0.02% or more)
• DUI with accident or injury

“Georgia’s DUI laws apply whether or not you took a breath test — and even a first offense can trigger criminal and administrative penalties.” — Attorney William M. Shingler Jr., NCDD Member

Penalties can include jail time, heavy fines, probation, license suspension, ignition interlock devices, and mandatory alcohol education. The consequences escalate dramatically with prior offenses or if there was an accident involved.

The 30-Day Rule: Your License Is at Immediate Risk

In Georgia, you only have 30 calendar days from the date of arrest to contest your driver’s license suspension through an ALS (Administrative License Suspension) hearing. If you miss that deadline, your license can be suspended automatically — before you even set foot in a courtroom. We handle ALS filings for our clients as part of our defense strategy, ensuring deadlines are met and rights are preserved from day one.

“Losing your license before trial is one of the most overlooked threats in a DUI case. The ALS hearing matters just as much as the court date.” — Shingler Law, ALS Defense Focus

How We Build DUI Defense Cases

Every DUI case requires a tactical review of both the legal and procedural elements. At Shingler Law, we build your defense around the facts — not assumptions. Our defense strategies often involve:

• Challenging the legality of the initial traffic stop
• Scrutinizing officer training and field sobriety test administration
• Examining breathalyzer or blood test procedures for accuracy and compliance
• Identifying violations of implied consent warnings
• Preparing for trial from day one — while negotiating favorable outcomes when appropriate

We’ve successfully resolved cases in both State and Superior Courts across multiple counties. Whether your goal is dismissal, reduction, or trial, we come prepared to push your case forward.

DUI-Specific Training and Credentials

Attorney William M. Shingler Jr. brings targeted DUI defense training that many general practitioners lack. His credentials include:

• Member, National College for DUI Defense (NCDD): This national organization is devoted to advanced DUI defense training and professional excellence. Membership reflects a focus on DUI-specific strategy and legal development.
• Certified in Standardized Field Sobriety Testing (SFST): Trained under the same NHTSA standards as police officers, Mr. Shingler is qualified to analyze field sobriety test accuracy and challenge improper administration in court.

“Understanding how the test should be done is what allows us to prove when it wasn’t.” — William M. Shingler Jr.

This background gives our clients an edge — especially in cases involving breath test refusals, borderline BAC readings, or questionable roadside procedures.

DUI Defense Coverage by County

We represent DUI clients throughout Southwest Georgia — and we know the local courts, judges, and law enforcement procedures in each area. Click below to explore county-specific DUI defense strategies:

• Seminole County – Based in Donalsonville, we regularly handle cases at the Seminole County Courthouse. Learn more ›
• Early County – DUI charges in Blakely and surrounding towns require local insight. Explore Early County DUI Defense ›
• Decatur County – From Bainbridge to Attapulgus, we represent clients in State and Superior Courts. See full Decatur DUI page ›
• Grady County – Cairo DUI cases often involve local checkpoints and field sobriety issues. Grady County DUI Defense ›
• Miller County – With few DUI-focused attorneys in Colquitt, we offer strategic coverage. Miller County DUI Page ›
• Mitchell County – Camilla and Pelham courts have unique procedures. Mitchell County DUI Representation ›
• Terrell County – DUI cases in Dawson demand immediate action on license issues. Terrell County DUI Lawyer ›
• Randolph County – Cuthbert DUI defense often hinges on stop validity and officer conduct. Randolph County DUI Info ›
• Clay County – Fort Gaines area arrests often default to out-of-town lawyers. We fill that gap. Clay County DUI Page ›
• Quitman County – DUI charges in Georgetown, GA require coverage from a regional firm. Quitman County DUI Representation ›
• Baker County – With no local DUI specialists in Newton, we serve as the go-to defense firm. Baker County DUI Lawyer ›

Related Criminal Defense Services

We also represent clients facing related charges or additional legal risks, including:

• Felony Criminal Defense
• Traffic & Misdemeanor Offenses
• Georgia License Suspension Defense

Speak With a DUI Defense Lawyer Today

DUI cases move fast — and silence can cost you your license. If you’ve been arrested in Southwest Georgia, don’t wait to build your defense. Shingler Law is ready to assess your case, explain your options, and protect what matters most. This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Every case is different. To discuss your situation, contact an attorney licensed to practice in Georgia.