Georgia DUI Consequences
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Practically everyone knows driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI) is never a good idea. When impaired drivers get behind the wheel, they not only endanger themselves, they also put the lives of countless other motorists at risk. Ironically, despite the known dangers of drunk driving, DUI remains one of the most common offenses in the United States—and this is a fact that lawmakers want to change. In an effort to deter drivers from driving under the influence, the penalties for drunk driving have grown increasingly severe over the past years, and Georgia DUI consequences are no exception.
In Georgia, the minimum sentence for a first DUI includes 24 hours of jail time (although the judge may use probation as an alternate form of punishment in some cases), up to $1,000 in fines, 40 hours of community service, and a one-year license suspension.
If this is your second offense, you could spend up to a year in jail and lose your driving privileges for 18 months or longer. As a repeat offender, the judge may also order you to have an ignition interlock device installed in your vehicle—which means you'll have to pass a breathalyzer before you can drive your vehicle.
If you have three or more DUI convictions on your record, you could be fined as much as $5,000 and spend up to two years behind bars. You can also expect to lose your license for the next five years, and perform up to 30 days of community service. Again, the judge may require you to have an ignition interlock device installed in your vehicle. Plus, as an additional penalty, you may have to pay to have your name and picture published in your local newspaper (in a section listing convicted DUI offenders).
Even if you manage to avoid broadcasting your conviction to the public, a drunk driving conviction may still cause embarrassment in the future. As a criminal offense, your DUI will remain on your record permanently—which means anyone who performs a background check will see that you were found guilty of drunk driving. As a result, you may have problems obtaining employment, housing, or even financial aid.
A DUI conviction can also affect your insurance rates for years to come. Because you are considered a “high-risk” driver, many companies will charge you significantly more for auto insurance. In fact, it’s not uncommon for convicted DUI offenders to pay two to three times more for insurance—and in some cases, they may be unable to obtain insurance at all.
Fortunately, there are many ways to avoid the life-altering consequences of a Georgia DUI conviction. To learn more about ways to challenge your arrest and avoid the penalties listed above, submit your information online today to receive a free, no-obligation consultation with an experienced DUI defense attorney in your area.
