The Consequences of a DUI Conviction in Atlanta, Georgia

The Consequences of a DUI Conviction in Atlanta, Georgia

DUI conviction in Atlanta can carry severe repercussions. Penalties will depend on both your prior violations and charges you are currently facing, among other considerations.

First-time offenders typically face a 12-month driver’s license suspension. After 120 days have elapsed they can apply to reinstate their driving privileges if they complete an alcohol risk reduction program and pay an associated reinstatement fee.

1. License Suspension

An Atlanta DUI conviction can have life-changing repercussions and requires the services of an experienced attorney in order to navigate it effectively.

If you refuse to submit to a state-administered alcohol test when arrested or its results show your blood alcohol content (BAC) to be 0.08 grams or higher, your license could be suspended for one year.

Avoid suspension by filing an appeal within 30 days of being arrested and submitting Form 1205 from Georgia Department of Driver Services directly to the State. Once filed, an administrative hearing will take place before a judge from Georgia Office of State Administrative Hearings who will hear your appeal against suspension.

2. Jail Time

DUI offenses carry with them serious repercussions that can have long-term repercussions, including increased insurance premiums, difficulty in finding employment opportunities and legal penalties.

First-time DUIs usually have minimal repercussions, while a DUI that results in an accident may incur life-changing legal penalties – this is why it is crucial to retain an experienced lawyer as your advocate in court.

Georgia DUI penalties vary depending on the severity of your offense and any prior DUI convictions you may have had on your record. Multiple convictions reduce chances of plea bargains being reached or receiving more lenient sentences from state prosecutors.

3. Fines

After being charged with DUI in Atlanta, the fines you face can depend on its circumstances. First-time offenders generally incur a base fine of $300 plus surcharge fees.

As well as paying the base fine, additional costs associated with DUI school and court procedures will also need to be covered as well as assessments.

Georgia laws and penalties for driving under the influence (DUI) are severe; even first-time offenders could face substantial jail time and an expensive fine.

If you have been charged with DUI in Atlanta, it is wise to consult a knowledgeable lawyer immediately. They will review the details of your arrest, fight for the best possible result and prevent long-term implications that a DUI conviction may bring.

4. Community Service

An arrest for DUI can have severe repercussions, including jail time and fines as well as suspension of driving privileges. Many drivers can minimize or avoid these penalties altogether by performing community service hours prior to attending court hearings.

An initial DUI conviction in Georgia results in at least 24 hours in jail and 40 hours of community service; any second or subsequent offense increases that minimum sentence to 240 hours of community service.

There are various volunteer opportunities that you can choose to fulfill your court-mandated community service hours. However, the key factor should be making sure the organization accepts you and can verify your efforts.

5. Treatment

If you are arrested for DUI in Atlanta, an experienced attorney could help mitigate more severe consequences. A first offense usually results in misdemeanor charges; if multiple convictions occur within ten years then you could face more severe punishment and potentially even felony charges.

If convicted, you could face jail time, fines, community service hours and supervised alcohol treatment; furthermore your license could be suspended.

To avoid suspension, it’s essential that you undergo a Clinical Evaluation conducted by one of AABACUS Counseling Centers or another DDS-approved Professional Evaluator. This evaluation will determine if drug or alcohol addiction treatment is needed; if so, an intensive program such as individual counseling sessions, group counseling sessions and behavioral therapy may be recommended – these typically consist of both group and individual meetings plus behavioral therapy treatments. One should reach out to an Atlanta DUI attorney that will assist in the effort all around.  Any of the Top Six Atlanta DUI Lawyers will assist in this process.