Dalton DUI Defense Lawyer

If you are convicted of a DUI in Georgia, you will face a range of penalties that can impact your personal and professional life. The severity of your punishment will depend on the specific details of your offense, including your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level and whether or not you have prior DUI convictions. At a minimum, you can expect to pay significant fines and court costs, attend mandatory alcohol counseling and/or rehabilitation, and potentially serve jail time. You will also lose your driving privileges for a time.

First-Time DUI Offense

According to the Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety, for a first-time DUI offense, you will face a fine between $300 and $1,000, up to one year of probation, and a mandatory driver’s license suspension for up to 12 months. In some cases, you may be eligible for a limited driving permit that allows you to drive for specific purposes, such as going to work or school. However, you may also have to complete a DUI Alcohol or Drug Risk Reduction Program and perform at least 40 hours of community service.

Second-Time DUI Offense

If you are convicted of a second DUI within ten years of your first offense, you will face increased penalties, including a mandatory minimum jail sentence of 48 hours but potentially up to 365 days, fines ranging from $600 to $1,000, a three-year driver’s license suspension, and installation of an ignition interlock device (IID) in your vehicle. You’ll also need to complete at least 30 days of community service.

Third-Time DUI Offense

For a third or subsequent DUI conviction, you will face even more serious consequences, including mandatory jail time of at least 15 days and potentially up to 12 months, fines up to $5,000, and a five-year driver’s license suspension or full revocation. Additionally, you will be required to complete DUI court and/or a certified substance abuse treatment program and perform a substantial amount of community service.