Offenses That Lead to Habitual Violator Status in Georgia

Having multiple convictions for DUI in Georgia can result in some serious consequences. Not only are Georgia DUI Penalties harsh, but there is the possibility of becoming a Habitual Violator in Georgia. 

Habitual Violator status is technically a status that you gain if you have committed three major offenses within a 5 year period of time. Once declared a Habitual Violator, if nothing else happens, your license will be suspended for five years. After being suspended for at least two years, you will gain the ability to get a special HV permit to drive.

The following are the offenses that lead to a HV (Habitual Violator) Status in Georgia:

• Vehicular Homicide in Georgia
• Any Felony using a Motor Vehicle in Georgia
• Leaving the Scene of an Accident in Georgia
• Racing on Highways or Streets in Georgia
• Fleeing or Attempting to Elude an Officer in Georgia
• Unlawful or Fraudulent Use of or Application for a License or ID Card in Georgia
• Operating a Motor Vehicle with a Revoked, Canceled, or Suspended Registration in Georgia
• Any Felony Forgery Conviction relating to an ID Document in Georgia
• DUI in Georgia
• DUI Child Endangerment in Georgia
• Feticide by Vehicle in the First Degree in Georgia
• Serious Injury by Vehicle in Georgia

Three convictions for any of above mentioned offenses within a five-year period will result in notice to the violator of their Habitual Violator status and the suspension of their driver's license. The five-year period is measured from date of arrest to date of arrest.

Most importantly, driving at all while being declared a Habitual Violator is a felony in the state of Georgia. This has nothing to do with being caught DUI or breaking the law in any way - simply driving while being a Habitual Violator is a felony. 

Practice Note

As a Georgia DUI Lawyer, I handle Habitual Violator cases frequently. Unfortunately, once there have been that many convictions for DUI or any other serious traffic violation in Georgia, there is only so much that can be done in regard to mitigation.
However, a HV case is not hopeless and hiring the best representation can definitely work in your favor. We specialize in Georgia DUI Defense and have over 50 years of combined experience. Contact us today.