The Penalties and Consequences of Georgia DUI Conviction

Yesterday I highlighted the differences between the consequences of a Georgia Reckless Driving conviction and a Georgia DUI conviction. As a Georgia DUI Lawyer, I have mentioned many times the multitude of Georgia DUI Penalties.

The penalties for a first DUI in Georgia include: 

• 12 months of probation
• A minimum fine of $300 plus court costs and surcharges
• Between 1 - 10 days in jail, which many times can be waived 
• At least 40 hours of community service
• Substance abuse counseling
• Attendance of the DUI Risk Reduction School (commonly referred to as DUI School)
• Attendance of a Madd Mothers Victim Impact Panel
• Drivers License Suspension, with a limited permit to drive 

The consequences of a Georgia DUI arrest and conviction are both short term and long term.

The most immediate consequence of being arrested for a Georgia DUI is the automatic suspension of your driver's license. The arresting police officer usually confiscates your driver's license and provides you with a DS-1205 form, which you can use to drive for 45 days. However, your Georgia driver's license is subject to an Georgia Administrative License Suspension (ALS), and you have 30 days to file an appeal if you wish to argue your case at an administrative hearing.

Moreover, a DUI conviction can affect you is that, in Georgia, a DUI conviction remains on your criminal record and can be used against you for up to ten years if you are convicted of a subsequent DUI. A second Georgia DUI within ten years means even harsher penalties and consequences. Most people believe that there is such a thing as a Georgia DUI Expungement, but unfortunately there is no way to expunge a DUI from your Georgia record.

Obviously, being arrested for any crime means both time and money.  It's both frustrating and overwhelming when you need to invest in hiring an attorney and going to court.

But if you are arrested for a DUI, hiring an experienced Georgia DUI Attorney is a worthwhile and life-changing investment. We will do our very best to minimize the above-mentioned consequences of a DUI.

If you or a loved one has been arrested for DUI in Georgia, contact us right away.