A DUI charge in Georgia can lead to incarceration, fines, mandatory classes, counseling sessions, the suspension of your driver’s license, and more. State law takes DUI very seriously, and a conviction on your record can impact your future employment and education opportunities. Additionally, you might face issues with eligibility for loans, financial aid, and government assistance. If you are convicted of a DUI, the mark will stay on your record for the rest of your life.

The consequences associated with a DUI are dependent on your individual circumstances. Given the uniqueness of each case, we encourage you to reach out to an Atlanta, GA, DUI lawyer at The Law Office of Delisa Williams PC. We can provide you with a strong defense for your case.

Georgia’s Impaired Driving Laws and Penalties

If you are convicted of a DUI in Georgia, the penalties you may face depend on the severity of your charge. Penalties are typically decided upon based on the number of convictions within the past ten years. The consequences for someone convicted of a DUI include:

• 1st Offense Consequences:
• Jail time of up to one year
• A fine between $300-$1,000
• License suspension for up to one year
• A mandatory minimum of 40 hours of community service, although it can sometimes be 20 hours if the BAC (blood alcohol concentration) is below 0.08%
• $210 reinstatement fee for your license
• Up to one year of probation
• 2nd Offense Consequences:
• A required minimum of 40 hours in jail, up to a full-year sentence
• A fine between $600-$1,000
• Suspended license for three years
• $210 license reinstatement fee
• A mandatory minimum of 30 days of community service
• Mandatory clinical evaluation to determine the presence of a substance abuse issue (if identified, the individual may be legally obligated to undergo treatment)
• Probation
• 3rd Offense Consequences:
• A fine between $1,000-$5,000
• A minimum of 15 days in jail
• Suspended license for five years
• A minimum of 30 days of community service
• Required clinical evaluation to detect the presence of a substance abuse issue (if identified, the individual may be legally compelled to undergo treatment)
• Driver’s license plate is seized and becomes invalid
• Publication of the person’s photograph, name, and conviction in the newspaper
• 4th Offense or Offense Involving Death or Injury Consequences:
• Felony DUI charge
• Up to five years in prison, with additional years added if there is an injury or death
• Minimum fine of $1,000, plus any damages
• Suspended license for three years with no eligibility for early reinstatement
• Compulsory clinical exam to determine the presence of a substance abuse issue (if identified, the individual may be legally obligated to undergo treatment)
• Publication of the person’s name, photograph, and conviction in the newspaper
• Probation

If you are charged with a prescription or nonprescription drug DUI or a DUI under the influence of marijuana, the charges are typically the same as alcohol-related cases. The main difference is that if you are convicted of these types of DUIs, you will not qualify for a restricted license or limited permit.

If you are a CDL driver charged with a DUI, the charges are typically the same as alcohol-related cases as well. However, after a first offense, a CDL driver will lose their commercial license for at least one year, and after a second offense, they will lose their commercial license for life.

Georgia 30-Day Warning

Georgia authorities combine the DUI criminal charge with an administrative license suspension (ALS). It is important to be timely, as you only have a 30-day window before you can have your license suspended for one year. Two options are available:

1. Appeal the ALS within 30 days.
2. Obtain an Ignition Interlock Limited Permit (IILP).

Appeal the ALS Within 30 Days

Submitting a written appeal to the Department of Driver Services (DDS) can temporarily stop the suspension. Once received, the DDS will reinstate your driving privileges temporarily while the case waits for an administrative hearing.

Ignition Interlock Limited Permit (IILP)

If this is your first DUI offense in five years, you can get an Ignition Interlock Limited Permit (IILP). For this, you must work with a state-approved provider to install and maintain this device in your vehicle. An IILP device works by requiring you to blow into it before you are able to start your car, which will only start if there isn’t any alcohol detected on your breath. Whether or not it detects alcohol, the IILP reports the reading to the servicing provider. Deciding on an IILP enables you to continue driving for reasons such as work, school, probation, court appearances, medical needs, and more.

If you do not take either of these actions, it will result in the automatic suspension of your driver’s license for a minimum of one year based on your previous history. Don’t risk losing your license. Contact a skilled Atlanta, GA, DUI lawyer today.

FAQs

Q: What Is the 3-Hour Rule for DUI in Georgia?

A: The 3-Hour rule allows for a DUI conviction even after an individual has stopped driving, as long as they have a BAC of 0.08% within three hours of operating their vehicle.

Q: Is Jail Time Mandatory for Your First DUI in Georgia?

A: According to Georgia law, if your BAC is 0.08% or higher during your first DUI offense, the penalties include a minimum of 24 hours in jail.

Q: Can You Get a DUI Dismissed in GA?

A: By securing the services of a skilled DUI lawyer, you stand a good chance of having your case dismissed, especially if the charge is not overly severe. In fact, the majority of DUI cases in Georgia conclude with the defendant being acquitted.

Q: What Is the Penalty for a DUI in Georgia?

A: The penalties are dependent on the severity of the DUI an individual is being charged with and the number of offenses committed within the past ten years. Possible penalties include fines, jail time, driver’s license suspension, and more.

Contact an Experienced Georgia DUI Attorney Today

Hiring an experienced Georgia DUI attorney is one of the wisest choices you can make after a DUI arrest. DUI law is complicated and ever-changing. Contact The Law Office of Delisa Williams PC today to schedule a consultation.