Georgia has very strict drunk driving laws, just as other states in the country. If you are found with a .08 blood alcohol concentration (BAC), you will be arrested for DUI. If you are a commercial driver or you are under the age of 21, you have even stricter requirements regarding the BAC. Understand that if you drink and drive in the state of Georgia, you will have to face the consequences and they can mean a loss of freedom, money, and your future enjoyment of life.
First DUI Offense
A first DUI offense is not something that will be looked over. You will lose your license for one year automatically. This can make getting around very difficult. In addition, you will have to stay in jail for at least one day and can be incarcerated for a year. Community service can be mandated and/or drug or alcohol counseling or assessment can be required as well. Fines can be anywhere from $300 to $1000 and this amount may not include other fees that you are responsible for, including a license reinstatement fee, treatment program costs, etc.
Second DUI Offense
There are two different scenarios here. If you are convicted within ten years of your last sentence, but more than five years, you will face the consequences that are laid out for a first DUI offense. If you have a second DUI offense within a period of five years your license will be suspended for three years, with no shortening of your time with a limited license reinstatement. If you attend DUI school, you can apply for reinstatement after 120 days, however. You will be in jail for a minimum period of 90 days, but this sentence can be for up to one year. A fine of at least $600 up to $1000 will be mandated and you may also have to put in some community service time as well. Your picture will also be published in the paper.
Third DUI Offense
A third DUI offense will result in a license suspension of five years, but you can reapply for reinstatement after two years if you meet certain conditions. You will find yourself in jail for anywhere from 120 days to 1 year, depending upon the aggravating factors. A fine of $1000 to $5000, plus any additional fees will be mandated, as well as community service time. You will be featured in the local newspaper in your town as well. The look back period in the state of Georgia as far as criminal penalties is 10 years, but for license revocation the lookback period is 5 years.
Fourth DUI Offense
A fourth DUI offense in the state of Georgia is a felony charge and will have a significant impact upon your future and your present life. The first thing is that you will lose your license indefinitely and you will have to spend a minimum of 1 year and up to 5 years in jail. The community service that you will be responsible for after you have fulfilled your jail time is at least 60 days as well. As far as fines, your fines will be anywhere from $1000 to $5000 and this will not include the cost of the treatment program or evaluation that you will be responsible for or for any other costs that are required to fulfill your sentence. A fourth DUI offense will be very impactful upon your entire life, from finances to freedom.
Georgia’s DUI laws are very strict and well they should be. By getting legal representation, like a lawyer, you will be able to get the help that you want and need to make it through the legal process.