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Since 2022, over 150 of our client's cases were resolved with either: No Arrest, No Conviction, or No Record
Gainesville, GA DUI Injury Lawyer
Helping Clients Across Georgia
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Brett and his team were beyond supportive, helpful, gracious, caring and knowledgeable! We went through the most challenging and difficult time in our life and he was there every step of the way. With results we could never have imagined but definitely prayed for.
Not to mention his level of professionalism. From the first time we spoke to the first time we saw him in court. He stood out from almost every other attorney there. We were so appreciative that our attorney looked and was so professional, pulled together and prepared. When so many others were none of these things.
Thank you just doesn’t seem like enough to convey our feelings and appreciation.
Karen L.
I tried to write this several times and it brought me to tears. First may I say this has been the hardest three years of my life. Five lawyers I interviewed and none even understood the law as it applied to my case. So I thought I would try one more and it was Brett. From our first conversation together I knew he understood the law and was the perfect one for the case. I want to say how he prepared the case and presented it, achieving a full dismissal and ruling the police violated my first amendment rights. Complete genius!!!!
If you're reading this review and unsure, stop...call Brett. He always returned my call or texts within a couple hours, never more than 24 hours. He was always courteous and knowledgeable, trust me he talked me off the ledge a couple times. I would have given him 10 stars but 5 was the only option. Thank you Brett for all you did for me!!!!!
Donna R.
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Gainesville, GA DUI Injury Lawyer
At Brett Willis Law LLC, we understand that being charged with DUI involving serious bodily injury in Gainesville can leave you feeling overwhelmed and uncertain about what steps to take next. DUI injury charges are among the most serious DUI offenses in Georgia, carrying severe penalties that can include significant prison time, substantial fines, and a permanent criminal record. If you’ve been arrested for DUI causing injury, it’s critical to take immediate action to protect your rights and build a strong defense.
Understanding DUI Serious Bodily Injury Charges in Georgia
In Georgia, DUI serious bodily injury occurs when a person operates a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs and causes an accident that results in serious bodily harm to another person. Under Georgia law, serious bodily injury is defined as an injury that creates a substantial risk of death, causes serious permanent disfigurement, or results in the prolonged loss or impairment of a bodily member or organ. These charges are prosecuted aggressively in Georgia. According to the Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety, in 2023, there were over 400 serious injury crashes involving impaired drivers in the state. Law enforcement and prosecutors take these cases very seriously, and the consequences of a conviction can be life-altering. A DUI serious bodily injury charge is typically charged as a felony in Georgia, which means the than a standard DUI. The emotional weight of knowing someone was hurt can be overwhelming, but it’s important to remember that being charged does not mean you are guilty. You have the right to a defense, and at Brett Willis Law LLC, we are here to fight for you.
Penalties for DUI Serious Bodily Injury in Georgia
If you are convicted of DUI serious bodily injury in Georgia, you could face:
- Prison Time: A conviction for DUI serious bodily injury carries a mandatory minimum prison sentence of one year, with a maximum of up to 15 years in prison.
- Substantial Fines: Fines for this offense can range from $1,000 to $5,000 or more, depending on the circumstances of your case.
- License Suspension: Your driver’s license will be suspended, and you may face a lengthy period before you can even apply for reinstatement.
- Felony Criminal Record: A felony conviction will remain on your criminal record permanently, affecting your ability to find employment, secure housing, and exercise certain civil rights.
- Restitution: You may be ordered to pay restitution to the victim for medical expenses and other damages.
- Community Service: Courts often impose mandatory community service hours as part of the sentence.
The penalties become even harsher if there are aggravating factors such as prior DUI convictions, extremely high blood alcohol content, or if the injury was particularly severe.
Why You Need an Experienced Gainesville DUI Injury Lawyer
Facing DUI serious bodily injury charges requires immediate legal representation from an attorney who understands the complexities of Georgia DUI law and has experience handling . At Brett Willis Law LLC, we have successfully defended clients facing DUI injury charges throughout Georgia. Here’s how we can help:
- Thorough Investigation: We conduct a complete investigation of the accident, examining police reports, witness statements, medical records, and accident reconstruction evidence to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
- Challenge the Evidence: We scrutinize breathalyzer results, field sobriety tests, and blood test procedures to determine if there were any errors or violations of your rights during the arrest.
- Negotiate with Prosecutors: In some cases, we may be able to negotiate with prosecutors to reduce the charges from felony DUI serious bodily injury to a lesser offense with reduced penalties.
- Courtroom Experience: If your case goes to trial, you need an attorney who is comfortable in the courtroom and willing to fight for your rights. We have extensive trial experience and will aggressively defend you in court.
- Protect Your Future: A felony conviction can impact every aspect of your life. We work tirelessly to protect your freedom, your driving privileges, and your future opportunities.
What to Do After Being Arrested for DUI Serious Bodily Injury
If you’ve been arrested for DUI involving serious bodily injury in Gainesville, follow these critical steps:
Do Not Make Any Statements
You have the right to remain silent. Do not make any statements to police officers, investigators, or anyone else about the accident without speaking to an attorney first. Anything you say can and will be used against you.
Contact a Gainesville DUI Injury Lawyer Immediately
Time is of the essence in DUI serious bodily injury cases. The sooner you contact an experienced attorney, the sooner we can begin building your defense and protecting your rights. At Brett Willis Law LLC, we offer free consultations and are available to discuss your case right away.
Preserve Evidence
If possible, preserve any evidence related to the accident, including photos, videos, witness contact information, and any documentation of the incident. This evidence can be critical to your defense.
Do Not Discuss Your Case
Avoid discussing your case with friends, family, or on social media. Anything you say can potentially be used against you in court. Let your attorney handle all communications about your case.
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Common Mistakes to Avoid After Being Charged with DUI Serious Bodily Injury in Gainesville, GA
If you’ve been charged with DUI serious bodily injury in Gainesville, GA, you are likely feeling scared, confused, and uncertain about your future. This is one of the most serious criminal charges you can face, and the decisions you make in the days and weeks following your arrest can have a profound impact on the outcome of your case. At Brett Willis Law LLC, we want to help you avoid common mistakes that could jeopardize your defense.
Talking to Police Without an Attorney Present
One of the biggest mistakes people make after being arrested is speaking to law enforcement without having an attorney present. Police officers are trained to gather evidence that can be used against you, and even seemingly innocent statements can be twisted and used to strengthen the prosecution’s case.You have the constitutional right to remain silent and the right to have an attorney present during any questioning. Exercise these rights. Politely tell the officers that you will not answer questions without your lawyer present, and then contact Brett Willis Law LLC immediately.How Brett Willis Law LLC Can Help: We will handle all communications with law enforcement and prosecutors on your behalf, ensuring that your rights are protected and that you do not inadvertently harm your case.
Waiting Too Long to Hire a Lawyer
Some people make the mistake of waiting days or even weeks after their arrest to hire a lawyer. This delay can be costly. Evidence can be lost, witnesses’ memories can fade, and opportunities to challenge the charges may be missed.The sooner you hire a Gainesville DUI Injury Lawyer, the sooner we can begin investigating your case, preserving evidence, and building a strong defense strategy.How Brett Willis Law LLC Can Help: We offer free consultations and are available to meet with you immediately after your arrest. Time is critical in DUI serious bodily injury cases, and we will act quickly to protect your interests.
Assuming You Have No Defense
Many people charged with DUI serious bodily injury believe that because someone was hurt, they have no chance of defending themselves. This is not true. There are many potential defenses in these cases, including:
- Challenging the legality of the traffic stop
- Questioning the accuracy of breathalyzer or blood test results
- Arguing that the prosecution cannot prove you were impaired at the time of the accident
- Demonstrating that the other driver or another factor contributed to the accident
- Challenging whether the injuries qualify as “serious bodily injury” under Georgia law
Even in cases where the evidence seems strong, an experienced attorney can often find weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and negotiate for reduced charges or alternative sentencing.How Brett Willis Law LLC Can Help: We thoroughly investigate every aspect of your case to identify all possible defenses. We have successfully defended clients facing serious DUI charges and will fight tirelessly to achieve the best possible outcome for you.
Discussing Your Case on Social Media
In today’s digital age, many people turn to social media to vent their frustrations or seek support from friends. However, posting about your case on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or any other platform can be extremely damaging to your defense.Prosecutors and law enforcement regularly monitor social media, and anything you post can be used as evidence against you. Even posts that seem harmless or that express remorse can be taken out of context and used to establish guilt.How Brett Willis Law LLC Can Help: We will advise you on what you should and should not say about your case, both online and offline. Our goal is to protect your reputation and your legal rights throughout the process.
Accepting a Plea Deal Without Fully Understanding the Consequences
Prosecutors may offer a plea deal early in the case, especially if they believe they have strong evidence against you. While plea deals can sometimes be beneficial, it’s critical that you fully understand the long-term consequences before accepting any offer.A felony conviction for DUI serious bodily injury will follow you for the rest of your life, affecting your employment prospects, housing opportunities, and civil rights. Before you accept any plea offer, you need an experienced attorney to review the deal and advise you on whether it’s truly in your best interest.How Brett Willis Law LLC Can Help: We will carefully review any plea offers and negotiate with prosecutors on your behalf to seek the most favorable terms possible. If a plea deal is not in your best interest, we will take your case to trial and fight for your acquittal.
Failing to Address Your Driver’s License Suspension
In addition to the criminal charges, a DUI arrest triggers an administrative license suspension through the Georgia Department of Driver Services. You have only 30 days from the date of your arrest to request an administrative hearing to challenge this suspension.Many people focus solely on the criminal case and forget about the administrative proceedings, resulting in an automatic license suspension that could have been avoided or reduced.How Brett Willis Law LLC Can Help: We will handle both the criminal case and the administrative license hearing, fighting to protect your driving privileges and minimize the disruption to your daily life.
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Gainesville DUI Injury Lawyer Client Story
This client story is for educational purposes only.
Marcus never thought he would find himself in this situation. He was a hardworking father of two, a respected member of his community, and someone who always tried to do the right thing. But one night, after having a few drinks at a friend’s gathering, Marcus made a decision that would change his life forever. He got behind the wheel.
The accident happened in an instant. Marcus didn’t see the other car until it was too late. The impact was severe, and the other driver was seriously injured. When the police arrived, Marcus was arrested and charged with DUI serious bodily injury. The weight of what had happened crashed down on him. Someone had been hurt because of his actions, and now he was facing years in prison.Marcus was terrified. He couldn’t sleep, couldn’t eat, and couldn’t stop replaying that night over and over in his mind. He was consumed with guilt and fear about what this would mean for his family, his job, and his future. He felt like his entire world was falling apart.
That’s when Marcus reached out to Brett Willis Law LLC. From the very first phone call, Brett Willis listened without judgment. He could hear the fear and remorse in Marcus’s voice, and he knew that Marcus needed more than just legal representation—he needed someone who would stand by him during the darkest time of his life.
Brett and his team immediately went to work on Marcus’s case. They conducted a thorough investigation of the accident, examining every detail of the police report, the witness statements, and the evidence. They discovered that there were questions about whether Marcus was actually impaired at the time of the accident. The breathalyzer test had been administered improperly, and there were inconsistencies in the field sobriety tests.Throughout the entire process, Brett kept Marcus informed and supported. He explained every step of the legal process in terms Marcus could understand, and he was always available to answer questions and provide reassurance. Brett didn’t just see Marcus as a case number—he saw him as a human being who had made a mistake and deserved a second chance.When the case went to trial, Brett presented a powerful defense. He challenged the validity of the breathalyzer results, questioned the accuracy of the police investigation, and presented evidence that other factors may have contributed to the accident.
The jury carefully considered all the evidence, and after deliberation, they returned a verdict of not guilty on the DUI serious bodily injury charge.
Marcus could hardly believe it. The relief he felt was overwhelming. He knew he would carry the weight of that night with him forever, but thanks to Brett Willis and Brett Willis Law LLC, he had been given the opportunity to rebuild his life, to be there for his children, and to move forward.Marcus will never forget what Brett Willis did for him. Brett didn’t just defend him in court—he fought for his future, his family, and his freedom. If you’re facing DUI serious bodily injury charges in Gainesville, GA, Marcus’s story shows that there is hope, and that having the right attorney can make all the difference.
Frequently Asked Questions About DUI Serious Bodily Injury Charges in Gainesville, GA
If you’ve been charged with DUI serious bodily injury in Gainesville, GA, you likely have many questions about what comes next. At Brett Willis Law LLC, we understand how frightening and confusing this situation can be. Below are answers to some of the most common questions we receive from clients facing these serious charges.
What is DUI serious bodily injury in Georgia?
DUI serious bodily injury is a felony offense in Georgia that occurs when a person operates a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs and causes an accident that results in serious bodily harm to another person. Under Georgia law, serious bodily injury means an injury that creates a substantial risk of death, causes serious permanent disfigurement, or results in prolonged loss or impairment of a bodily member or organ.
What are the penalties for DUI serious bodily injury in Georgia?
If convicted of DUI serious bodily injury in Georgia, you face severe penalties including a mandatory minimum of one year in prison up to a maximum of 15 years, fines ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 or more, license suspension, a permanent felony criminal record, restitution to the victim, and mandatory community service. The penalties increase if there are aggravating factors such as prior DUI convictions or extremely high blood alcohol content.
Can I get a DUI serious bodily injury charge reduced?
In some cases, yes. An experienced Gainesville DUI Injury Lawyer can negotiate with prosecutors to potentially reduce the charge to a lesser offense such as reckless driving or a standard DUI. The success of these negotiations depends on the specific facts of your case, the strength of the evidence against you, and the skill of your attorney. At Brett Willis Law LLC, we have successfully negotiated reduced charges for many clients.
What defenses are available in DUI serious bodily injury cases?
There are several potential defenses in DUI serious bodily injury cases, including challenging the legality of the traffic stop, questioning the accuracy of breathalyzer or blood test results, arguing that you were not impaired at the time of the accident, demonstrating that another driver or factor contributed to causing the accident, and challenging whether the injuries qualify as serious bodily injury under Georgia law. Each case is unique, and we will thoroughly investigate your case to identify all available defenses.
Will I definitely go to prison if convicted?
A conviction for DUI serious bodily injury carries a mandatory minimum sentence of one year in prison. However, in some cases, an experienced attorney may be able to negotiate alternative sentencing arrangements or argue for mitigating circumstances that could affect the sentence. It’s critical to have strong legal representation to fight for the best possible outcome in your case.
How is serious bodily injury defined under Georgia law?
Under Georgia law, serious bodily injury involves an injury that creates a substantial risk of death, causes serious and permanent disfigurement, or causes prolonged loss or impairment of the function of any bodily member or organ. Whether an injury qualifies as serious bodily injury can be a point of contention in these cases, and challenging this element of the charge may be part of your defense strategy.
Can I still drive after being charged with DUI serious bodily injury?
Your driver’s license will typically be suspended following a DUI serious bodily injury arrest. However, you have 30 days from the date of your arrest to request an administrative hearing to challenge the suspension. If you act quickly, you may be able to obtain a limited driving permit or have the suspension reduced. Brett Willis Law LLC can represent you in the administrative hearing and fight to protect your driving privileges.
Should I accept a plea deal?
Whether to accept a plea deal is a decision that should only be made after careful consultation with an experienced attorney. While plea deals can sometimes result in reduced charges or lighter sentences, they also result in a criminal conviction that will follow you for the rest of your life. We will carefully review any plea offers, advise you on the potential consequences, and help you make an informed decision about whether to accept the deal or take your case to trial.
How long does a DUI serious bodily injury case take to resolve?
The timeline for resolving a DUI serious bodily injury case varies depending on many factors, including the complexity of the case, the court’s schedule, and whether the case goes to trial. Some cases may be resolved in a few months through plea negotiations, while others may take a year or more if they go to trial. Throughout the process, Brett Willis Law LLC will keep you informed and work diligently to resolve your case as efficiently as possible while fighting for the best outcome.
How much does it cost to hire a Gainesville DUI Injury Lawyer?
At Brett Willis Law LLC, we understand that facing serious criminal charges is stressful enough without worrying about legal fees. We offer free consultations to discuss your case, and we will provide you with a clear explanation of our fee structure during that consultation. We believe that everyone deserves quality legal representation, and we work with clients to develop payment arrangements that fit their circumstances.
Contact Brett Willis Law LLC if You’ve Been Charged with DUI Serious Bodily Injury
If you’ve been charged with DUI serious bodily injury in Gainesville, GA, your future is at stake. This is one of the most serious criminal charges you can face, and the consequences of a conviction can be devastating. You need an experienced Gainesville DUI Injury Lawyer who will fight tirelessly to protect your rights, your freedom, and your future.At Brett Willis Law LLC, we understand the fear and uncertainty you’re experiencing. We know that good people can make mistakes, and we believe that everyone deserves a strong defense and a fair chance in court. Our team has the experience, knowledge, and dedication necessary to handle even the most complex and serious DUI cases.We offer free consultations so you can discuss your case with us without any financial pressure. During your consultation, we will listen to your story, review the facts of your case, answer your questions, and explain your legal options. We will be honest with you about the challenges you face and the strategies we can use to fight for the best possible outcome.Time is critical in DUI serious bodily injury cases. Evidence needs to be preserved, witnesses need to be interviewed, and defenses need to be developed as quickly as possible. Don’t wait—contact Brett Willis Law LLC today.Call us now or visit our office at 118 Main Street SW, Gainesville, GA 30501 to schedule your free consultation. We are here to help you through this difficult time and to fight for your future with everything we have.
Client Reviews
Brett provided exceptional legal support during a very stressful time. He was professional, knowledgeable, and easy to communicate with throughout the entire process. His associate Kayla was also fantastic—always responsive and patient in answering all my questions. I truly felt supported and well-represented. I highly recommend their team for anyone needing DUI legal assistance.