Thanksgiving Eve is a huge drinking event for many across the country. This night is a tradition for countless individuals to spend the night drinking with friends and going back to their hometown’s trusty bar. This event also, unfortunately, marks a heightened risk for drunk driving incidents and DUIs in Georgia. This is reason alone for law enforcement to be on the lookout for anyone drinking under the influence of alcohol. To learn more about the consequences of a DUI in Georgia, continue reading and reach out to our experienced criminal defense attorney for assistance if you are facing charges.
What are the penalties for a first-offense DUI in Georgia?
DUIs are not taken lightly in the state of Georgia. You can expect to face severe penalties if you are charged with a DUI. The following are the consequences for a first-offense DUI in Georgia:
- A 12-month license suspension, though you may have your license reinstated after 120 days upon completion of the DUI Alcohol or Drug Use Risk Reduction Program
- Between 10 days and 1 year in jail
- A potential $300-$1,000 fine, plus court surcharges
- Up to 40 hours of community service
- You may be subjected to clinical evaluation and treatment
You will only have 30 days from the date of your arrest to reach out to a Georgia DUI lawyer. Your lawyer will schedule an Administrative License Hearing. Without this occurring, your license will be immediately suspended after 30 days.
What are the penalties for a second-offense DUI in Georgia?
Drivers will face harsher penalties for second offenses. If this is your second DUI offense within five years, you can expect to face the following consequences:
- A 3-year license suspension
- Between 90 days and 1 year in jail
- A potential $600-$1,000 fine, plus court surcharges
- Up to 240 hours of community service
- Enrollment in the DUI Alcohol or Drug Use Risk Reduction Program
- You may be subjected to clinical evaluation and treatment
Your charges will continue to increase if you are pulled over for a third or subsequent offense. In these circumstances, you must reach out to an experienced criminal defense attorney right away.
If you are facing DUI charges in Georgia, do not hesitate to contact our experienced criminal defense firm. We will advocate for you through each step of the legal process ahead. Our legal team is prepared to explore all avenues of defense on your behalf. Give us a call today to learn more and to schedule your initial consultation with our team.
Contact Our Experienced Firm
At the Miller Law Practice, we support clients through a variety of legal matters. If you are facing criminal charges, or have been injured due to the negligence of another party, our firm will fight for you. Contact Miller Law Practice today.