Georgia DUI Laws, Penalties, and License SuspensionGeorgia drunk driving laws have become more and more complicated and the penalties are more harsh that ever. The amount of alcohol a person can consume is becoming less and the effort to crack down on DUI's is rising. Most people arrested for drunk driving  have never been in trouble with the law before, this will be the first time they were handcuffed, put into the back of a police car, and tried by the state in court.
The DMV and court process is confusing and there is no room for even the slightest error. Knowing the laws, penalties, fees and process is extremely important. The biggest mistake you can make is assuming that you don't need to speak to a lawyer. DUIs are very complex and a lot is at stake. If you plead guilty to a DUI, your guilty. No reducing, no plea bargaining, just guilty. Give your case a change, talk to a lawyer. You can schedule a free, no obligation consultation with an attorney today by calling (877) 678-5640.
Georgia Laws
The following driving actions are illegal in the State of Georgia:
- All drivers with a BAC of .08 or higher.
- Under 21 with a BAC of .02 or higher.
- Commercial Vehicle Driver with a BAC of .04 or higher.
Georgia Penalties
First Drunk Driving Conviction
For the first drunk driving conviction in Georgia you will receive a possible jail sentence of one year. The fine that you receive will be from $300 minimum to $1,000. Your drivers license will be suspended for up to one year and you will also receive 40 hours of mandatory community service. To have your drivers license reinstated you will need to pay a $200 reinstatement fee. Drivers that are under 21 must delay obtaining their graduated drivers license for 12 months.
Second Drunk Driving Conviction
Your second drunk driving conviction in Georgia will be a mandatory jail sentence minimum of 48 hours, however you could receive from 90 days - 1 year in jail. The fine you receive will be from $600 minimum to $1,000. You will also receive a drivers license suspension for a period of 3 years and a minimum 30 days of community service.
To have your drivers license reinstated will cost $210. You will also have to complete a mandatory clinical evaluation and, if the court wishes, you will have to complete a substance abuse treatment program at your expense. The court may also order you to have an ignition interlock device attached to your vehicle for second and subsequent offenses. Drivers that are under 21 must delay obtaining their graduated drivers license for 12 months.
Third Drunk Driving Conviction
The third time you are convicted of drunk driving in Georgia you will receive a mandatory 15 days in Jail. The fine that you receive will be from $1,000 minimum, up to $5,000. Your drivers license will be revoked for 5 years and you will serve a mandatory 30 days of community service. The violators Name, Photo, and Address will be published in a local newspaper at the violators expense.
You will also be declared a "Habitual Violator" and your license plate will be seized and sent to the department of motor vehicle safety. You will also receive a mandatory clinical evaluation and, if the court wishes, you must complete a substance abuse treatment program at your expense. The court may also order you to have an ignition interlock device attached to your vehicle for second and subsequent offenses. Drivers that are under 21 must delay obtaining their graduated drivers license for 12 months.
Fourth Drunk Driving Conviction
Georgia House Bill 336, enacted in May of 2008 provides that a 4th driving under the influence violation within 10 years is a felony. A fourth conviction within 10 years of a previous offense will result in a fine not less than $1,000 and not more than $5,000. Unless suspended by a judge, you will be imprisoned from 1 to 5 years. If the sentence is suspended by a judge, 90 days of the sentence must still be served. The convicted driver will also need to complete a DUI Alcohol or Drug Use Risk Reduction Program and may be ordered to complete a minimum of 60 days of community service.
Georgia Drivers License Issues
The State of Georgia has what is called an "Implied Consent Law". This law requires Georgia drivers to submit to state chemical tests of blood, breath, urine or other bodily substances to determine if you are under the influence of alcohol or drugs. If you refuse to take such a test you will have your drivers license suspended for one year. This law is similar to implied consent laws in other states and carries similar penalties as a drunk driving conviction.
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has some very strenuous drunk driving laws. A DUI can cost you your drivers license, it caries heavy fines and penalties, and can even put you in jail. Follow the link to find out more information:
