Can a DUI really ruin my life? YES. The penalties for Driving Under the Influence (DUI) of Drugs or Alcohol in Georgia can be severe. Moreover, these penalties become harsher if you have a checkered record. As a result, DUIs are some of the most complicated criminal cases in the State of Georgia. An experienced DUI lawyer constantly attends trainings and seminars to stay on top of the law and the science involved in a DUI case. Read this blog for brief summary of the DUI penalties, and a reminder of why you must seek the counsel of an experienced DUI attorney immediately. Also, click here for more info about fighting your charges and protecting your license.
DUI Penalties for 1st Offense
- Jail Time: 24 hours – 12 months
- Fines: $300.00 – $1,000.00
- License Suspension: 1 year (reinstatement eligible after 120 days if all conditions are completed
and all fines are paid). - Other Expenses: Drug and Alcohol Evaluations, Risk Reduction Program Classes, Random
Drug and Alcohol Screens, Alcohol and Drug Counseling, Mothers Against Drunk Driving Victim Impact Classes, Community Service Hours (at least 40 hours), fines & fees associated with court and the Dept. of Driver Services.
DUI Penalties for 2nd Offense
- Jail Time: 3 days – 12 months
- Fines: $600.00- $1,000.00
- License Suspension: 3 years (reinstatement eligible after installing an ignition interlock system in
your car at your own expense). - Other Expenses: Drug and Alcohol Evaluations, Risk Reduction Classes, Random
Drug and Alcohol Screens, Alcohol and Drug Counseling, Mothers Against Drunk Driving Victim Impact Classes, Community Service Hours (at least 30 days), fines & fees associated with court and the Dept. of Driver Services.
DUIE Penalties for 3rd Offense
- Jail Time: 15 days – 12 months
- Fines: $1,000.00 – $5,000.00
- License Suspension: 5 years (reinstatement eligible after five years).
- Other Expenses: Drug and Alcohol Evaluations, Risk Reduction Classes, Random Drug and Alcohol Screens, Alcohol and Drug Counseling, Mothers Against Drunk Driving Victim Impact Classes, Community Service Hours (at least 30 days), fines & fees associated with court costs and the Dept. of Driver Services.
DUI Penalties for 4th Offense
- Jail Time: 1–5 years (Mandatory Minimum of 3 Months in Confinement)
- Fines: $1,000.00 – $5,000.00
- License Suspension: Indefinitely
- Other Expenses: Drug and Alcohol Evaluations, Risk Reduction Classes, Random Drug and Alcohol Screens, Alcohol and Drug Counseling, Mothers Against Drunk Driving Victim Impact Classes, Community Service Hours (at least 60 days) , fines & fees associated with court costs and the Dept. of Driver Services.
Endangering a Child by DUI
If you have a child younger than 14 years old in the car during a DUI arrest, you will be charged for a separate DUI conviction, and face an additional punishment.
What should I do if I was arrested for DUI?
The best way to avoid these life-changing penalties is to NEVER drive while under the influence. However, if you find yourself facing these sever penalties, contact the Awad Legal Team today to schedule a consultation and discuss how we can help you protect your record!