Relentless Trial Defense That Delivers Results

Repeat DUI Charges In Gwinnett County? Call Our Trial Attorneys.

Last updated on November 19, 2025

If it’s not the first time a person faces a driving under the influence (DUI) charge in Georgia, they may be facing mandatory jail time and a much longer license suspension. Cases like these require a deeper level of scrutiny, as well as a willingness to take the case to court.

At Elbaz & Elbaz, LLC, our Gwinnett County defense attorneys bring that trial-focused approach. We defend different,™ because our lawyers do not believe that a plea deal is your only option. Whether you are facing your second DUI charge or a potential felony conviction, our attorneys are ready to fight for you.

Defining Repeat Or Multiple DUI Offenses

Georgia’s “lookback” period is crucial for repeat DUI charges. Generally, it means that:

  • The state looks back 10 years to count prior DUI arrests
  • This 10-year window is measured from the date of your previous arrest(s) to the date of your current arrest, not conviction dates
  • A second, third or fourth DUI arrest within this timeframe can trigger increasingly severe penalties

DUI cases often start in Gwinnett County State Court, Recorder’s Court or local city courts. Getting experienced legal counsel immediately is vital to protect your driving privileges and avoid a criminal record.

Our criminal defense lawyers can do two critical things at once: prepare your DUI case for court and fight to protect your driver’s license. Dealing with the license involves immediate action. Our attorneys may request a special hearing (called an ALS hearing) to challenge the automatic suspension. Depending on your situation, they may also help you skip that hearing and apply for an ignition interlock device instead.

Penalties Escalate For Every Repeat DUI Conviction

Georgia’s penalties for DUI convictions get significantly harsher with each offense. Here is an overview:

  • Mandatory prison sentence: For a second conviction, the minimum sentence is 90 days in jail, while a third DUI offense requires at least 120 days. A fourth DUI offense counts as a felony, which means a person may be facing one to five years in prison, serving a mandatory jail time of at least 90 days.
  • Substantial fines and court fees: Fees for a second DUI offense can range from $600 to $1,000. For a fourth DUI offense, a person may need to pay an amount anywhere between $1,000 to $5,000.
  • Community service: For a second and third DUI offense, a person may need to complete at least 30 days or 240 hours of community service. For a felony DUI offense, they might need to serve at least 60 days, or 480 hours.
  • Program and treatment completion: All repeat DUIs require going through the DUI Alcohol or Drug Use Risk Reduction Program. This includes the completion of a clinical evaluation and alcohol treatment program.

If a person gets a second DUI conviction within five years of the first, they may face an 18-month long license suspension. This is usually with a 120-day “hard suspension” (no driving at all). After this period, they may be eligible for a 12-month permit requiring an ignition interlock device. A third or fourth DUI conviction within a five-year period could mean being declared a habitual violator and having your license revoked for five years.

Protect Your License And Future: Call Us Today

A repeat DUI charge requires a serious defense. Our Gwinnett County defense lawyers understand the stakes and prepare every case for trial. Talk to our attorneys today to explore your options. Call Elbaz & Elbaz, LLC, today at 678-573-4444 to schedule a free consultation. You can also send us an email.