Unfortunately, many people do not take DUI charges seriously in Georgia, given the fact that it is a common crime in the Peach State. If facing a DUI in Georgia, understanding that your driving privileges will be revoked is critical. Additionally, you’ll want to connect with a Cobb County DUI lawyer to learn more about the offense you’ve been charged with. You may wonder what you can do to get your license back following an arrest. Luckily, the following blog can answer some of the most common questions you have regarding these instances.
How Long Will My License Be Suspended?
In Georgia, the length of your license suspension is dependent upon whether or not you’ve been charged before. For a first-time offense, you will have your privileges suspended for one year. A second offense within five years of the first warrants an increased three-year suspension. If you are charged for a third time, you will forfeit your license for five years, while a fourth offense, which is considered a felony charge, will result in a ten-year license suspension.
Is There Anything I Can Do to Get My License Back Sooner?
If charged with a DUI for the first time and your license is suspended for 12 months, there are things you can do to get it back sooner. The first option is to attend a drug and alcohol risk reduction program, which allows you to apply for reinstatement after 120 days.
The other option is to request an Administrative License Revocation (ALR) hearing. Generally, when you have a BAC at or above the legal limit of 0.08% or refuse a breathalyzer test, your license is automatically suspended. However, you may request a hearing, which is entirely separate from any judicial cases you may face. If you want to challenge the suspension, you must request a hearing within ten days of the arrest.
There is one final option. If you cannot attend the risk reduction program, did not successfully challenge the arrest at the ALR hearing, or this is not your first arrest, you may be able to apply for a limited driving permit. This allows you to drive to your job, school, court, doctor appointments, and drug or alcohol treatment programs. However, these are limited and may be a last resort if you cannot challenge the ALR hearing.
As such, it’s in your best interest to connect with an experienced Cobb Couty DUI lawyer from Miller Law Practice, LLC, as soon as possible following your arrest. Not only can they help represent you when dealing with law enforcement following your arrest, but they can fight on your behalf during the ALR heading. Additionally, they explore all possible avenues to create a defense to fight for the best possible outcome for your circumstances. Contact our team today to discuss the details of your circumstances.