Felony DUI Attorney in Savannah, Georgia
September 11, 2025
Felony DUI Attorney in Savannah, Georgia
A felony DUI charge in Georgia is not just another traffic offense—it’s a serious criminal matter that can permanently alter your life. Unlike misdemeanor DUIs, a felony conviction can lead to years in prison, a revoked driver’s license, and a lasting criminal record. For those living in Savannah or the surrounding communities, acting quickly and securing experienced legal counsel is essential. At The Law Office of Kurtis C. Bronston, LLC, we offer aggressive, strategic DUI defense for individuals facing high-stakes felony DUI charges in Georgia.
What Turns a DUI Into a Felony in Georgia?
In Georgia, most DUI offenses are classified as misdemeanors. However, certain aggravating circumstances will escalate a DUI to a felony offense. These include:
- Fourth DUI conviction within 10 years
- Causing serious injury or death while driving under the influence
- DUI with a child passenger (in some cases)
Felony DUI charges can result in:
- One to five years in prison
- Fines of up to $5,000
- Driver’s license suspension or permanent revocation
- Mandatory substance abuse treatment programs
- A lifetime criminal record
- Loss of civil rights, including the right to vote or own a firearm
If your DUI incident involved a collision, injury, or prior offenses, the stakes are even higher. Georgia prosecutors aggressively pursue felony DUI cases, and a conviction can impact nearly every part of your life—from employment to housing and even your parental rights.
How a Savannah DUI Attorney Can Help
At The Law Office of Kurtis C. Bronston, LLC, we understand that every DUI case has its own unique circumstances. Our mission is to protect your rights and help you achieve the best possible outcome—whether that means reduced charges, case dismissal, or acquittal at trial. Here's what we can do for you:
- Challenge the traffic stop and whether law enforcement had probable cause
- Dispute the results of breath or blood alcohol tests
- Expose errors in police procedures or field sobriety tests
- Argue for your participation in treatment or diversion programs
- Negotiate with prosecutors to reduce charges or minimize penalties
If you’ve been arrested for a felony DUI in Savannah, do not wait to protect your future. Every moment matters. The earlier you contact our office, the more time we have to build a strong defense on your behalf.
Get Help from a Felony DUI Lawyer in Savannah, GA
Being accused of a felony DUI can feel overwhelming—but you don’t have to face it alone. Attorney Kurtis C. Bronston is a seasoned Georgia DUI lawyer with a reputation for thorough investigations, aggressive courtroom advocacy, and personalized client service. He understands what’s at stake—and he’s ready to fight for your freedom and future.
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If you or your loved one has been charged with a DUI in Georgia it is imperative that you retain a skilled and knowledgeable Savannah DUI attorney early in the process to protect your rights and avoid the suspension of your privilege to drive through the Administrative License Suspension process. Kurtis began his legal career as a prosecutor, during that time Kurtis prosecuted nearly a thousand DUI cases at all levels from municipal court up to the Georgia Court of Appeals, and knows exactly what evidence is required for a conviction. Consequently, Kurtis will bring a unique perspective to your defense team. More importantly, through his experience as a prosecutor Kurtis has an intimate knowledge of the strengths and weaknesses of a DUI case, which he will bring to bear in your case. Below Kurtis outlines the most common evidence in a DUI case. Contact us today for a free consultation. How can you challenge a DUI? The best way to attack a DUI charge is to attack the evidence. Remember, the State carries the burden of proof throughout a criminal case, in other words, the State has to prove their case beyond a reasonable doubt. DUI cases, specifically, are highly technical, consequently it is imperative that you have a highly skilled and knowledgeable Savannah DUI Attorney handle your case to ensure that you receive the best result possible. Below Kurtis outlines the common evidence found in a typical DUI case. A DUI almost always starts with a traffic stop, usually for a minor traffic offense, such as failure to maintain lane, or improper turn signal. In order to stop a vehicle for a traffic offense the officer MUST have probable cause for the stop, otherwise any evidence collected after that stop will be suppressed. Following the traffic stop, the officer must have reasonable suspicion to believe you are under the influence of some substance, making you “Field Sobriety” or “Roadside DUI tests”: Standardized Field Sobriety Testing (SFST’s) consists of a battery of 3 tests: Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus – a scientific test that measures for an involuntary jerking or bouncing of the eyeball that occurs when there is a disturbance of the vestibular (inner ear) system or the oculomotor control of the eye, which has been correlated, through scientific studies to be associated with alcohol impairment, amongst other causes. Walk and Turn – a physically demanding and divided attention task, intended to detect physical manifestations of intoxication. One Leg Stand - a physically demanding and divided attention task, intended to detect physical manifestations of intoxication. The key to Standardized Field Sobriety Testing is in the name itself, “Standardized.” The law requires that the officer conduct the SFST’s in a manner within substantial compliance with his/her training and the accepted practices set forth by National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). There may also be some environmental issues, as well as physical or medical conditions that people may have that may invalidate the results of these tests. Other common roadside tests include the Portable Breath Test (PBT). The PBT is a “roadside breathalyzer,” the numerical results of which are not admissible in court; however, whether or not the results of the PBT are “positive or negative for the presence of alcohol” is admissible in court. After the completion of the SFST’s and the PBT, the officer will tell you that you are under arrest, and will read the Implied Consent Notice. The final sentence of the Implied Consent Notice is a question that you are required to give a “Yes,” or “No” answer to. If you fail to give a clear response the officer will consider your response a “No” or a refusal to submit to the state administered test.  This brief overview of the common evidence in a DUI case is just a thumbnail sketch of the complexity of a DUI. For a thorough review of the evidence in your case contact us and we will schedule a free consultation with Kurtis.
Boating Under the Influence (BUI) is a serious offense that can have significant legal implications, especially in Savannah, Georgia. Known for its picturesque rivers and coastal views, Savannah attracts both locals and tourists eager to enjoy recreational boating. However, with such enjoyment comes the responsibility of understanding boating laws and the consequences of operating watercraft under the influence. We aim to provide you with essential information about BUI testing procedures and available defense options should you face these charges. Understanding BUI Laws in Georgia: Georgia law treats Boating Under the Influence similarly to Driving Under the Influence (DUI), but with some key differences pertinent to aquatic environments. In Georgia, it is illegal for individuals to operate any watercraft if their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.08% or higher for those over 21 years old, or 0.02% or higher for underage boaters. Unlike DUI checkpoints on roads, law enforcement officers often conduct random checks on waterways to ensure safety and compliance with state regulations. BUI Testing Procedures: When stopped by law enforcement while boating in Savannah's waters, officers may employ a variety of tests to determine sobriety levels. Commonly utilized methods include field sobriety tests adapted for maritime conditions—such as balancing tasks that account for boat movement—and breathalyzer tests that measure BAC levels directly. It is important to know your rights during these interactions; while refusing a breathalyzer test could result in penalties like suspension of boating privileges, understanding these nuances can play a pivotal role in building an effective defense strategy. Potential Consequences of a BUI Conviction: A BUI conviction carries substantial penalties that extend beyond fines and potential jail time. Individuals may face suspension of their boating license alongside mandatory completion of substance abuse programs or community service hours. Repeat offenders might endure heightened legal consequences impacting personal freedoms significantly more than first-time violators would experience. Why Legal Representation Matters: Proceeding through Georgia's judicial system without skilled representation can be daunting, especially in niche cases like BUIs, where marine laws intersect with general criminal statutes. These cases require specialized knowledge of the unique jurisdictional parameters in the counties surrounding Savannah's waterfronts. Expertise in this area is crucial for securing favorable outcomes, which may be unattainable through self-representation or inexperienced counsel lacking the necessary knowledge. The importance of hiring qualified professionals cannot be overstated, as it provides peace of mind knowing your case is in capable hands. We handle each step of your journey to justice effectively and efficiently. Facing a Boating Under the Influence charge can feel overwhelming with the intricacies of Georgia’s legal system. Understanding the laws, procedures, and potential consequences is the first step toward resolving such charges. At The Law Office of Kurtis C. Bronston, LLC, we are committed to providing comprehensive legal support to ensure the best possible outcome. With our experience and dedication, you can trust us to skillfully advocate on your behalf. Whether it's your first encounter with the law or a repeat offense, having seasoned legal representation is crucial in protecting your rights and future. Let us help you navigate these turbulent waters with clarity.