Georgia Driving Under the Influence Law
In common with many other States, a DUI arrest in Georgia will lead to two cases being brought against the defendant, a criminal case and a Georgia Department of Motor Vehicle Safety case. If you have been arrested for DUI in Georgia, you have only 10 days in order to apply for a hearing at the Georgia Department of Motor Vehicle Safety in order to retain your driver's license. It is therefore essential that you contact a Georgia DUI lawyer as soon as possible.
Charges for DUI in Georgia can be brought under either, or both, the doctrine of being under the influence of alcohol or drugs whereby the defendant's mental or physical capabilities are impaired, in the opinion of the arresting officer, affecting the defendant's ability to drive. The second recourse of action is to Blood Alcohol Concentration, currently set at 0.08%, under which the defendant can be charged regardless of whether or not the person is impaired. This method is based on body chemistry rather than how the vehicle in question was actually being driven.
| Conviction | Punishment |
| First | Minimum 10 days in jail, up to one year. Fine of between $300 and $1000 plus surcharges of around 25%. Minimum of 40 hours community service. Participation in 20 hour “DUI school” training program. 1 year suspension of license |
| Second | Jail sentence of between 90 days and one year, alternatives such as home detention are also possible. Fine of between $600 and $1000 plus surcharges of around 30%. 30 days of community service. Compulsory attendance of a 20 hour Risk Reduction Program. 3 year suspension of license. Ignition interlock device fitted to car for one year. |
Contact your Atlanta DUI lawyer
Contact your Athens DUI lawyer
Contact your Augusta DUI lawyer