Atlanta DUI Attorney

Frequently Asked DUI Questions

What Should I Know About DUIs?

Every DUI conviction results in a suspended license. You may be eligible for a permit that allows you to drive only in limited situations, such as to and from work, doctor appointments, school, or alcohol and drug treatment, support groups, or classes. A judge will decide if you qualify. If you do, follow the strict guidelines of the permit or it will be revoked and you will face additional penalties. If you do not qualify for a limited driving permit, you cannot drive during the suspension period.

• Even a first offense carries fines and possible jail time. Many people wrongly assume that a person with an otherwise clean driving record will not face serious penalties after a drunk driving arrest. Even an initial conviction can carry up to a year in jail and thousands of dollars in fines. First offenses also require mandatory community service, attendance at an alcohol or drug intervention program, and a license reinstatement fee, in addition to a steep increase in auto insurance premiums.
• Do not assume you should plead guilty (or not guilty). You may have a friend or relative with a past DUI incident eager to give you legal advice based on their own experience. Never assume that advice applies to your case. Always consult an attorney with experience in DUI defense. A skilled DUI lawyer can challenge the evidence and procedures used in your arrest by partnering with forensic experts. In many cases, charges and sentences can be reduced.

What Are the Consequences for Multiple DUI Convictions in GA?

The penalties for Georgia DUIs become more severe with each subsequent offense.

For example, the penalties associated with DUI convictions in Georgia may include:

• First DUI Conviction: A misdemeanor punishable by a fine of $300 to $1,000, jail time of 24 hours to one year, a minimum of 40 hours of community service, mandatory participation in a DUI Alcohol Use Risk Reduction Program, and 12 months probation (minus any days in jail).
• Second DUI conviction within 10 years: A misdemeanor punishable by a fine of $600 to $1,000, jail time of 72 hours to one year, a minimum of 30 days of community service, mandatory participation in a DUI Alcohol Use Risk Reduction Program, and 12 months probation (minus any days in jail).
• Third DUI conviction within 10 years: A high and aggravated misdemeanor punishable by a fine of $1,000 to $5,000, jail time of 15 days to one year, a minimum of 30 days of community service, mandatory participation in a DUI Alcohol Use Risk Reduction Program, and 12 months probation (minus any days in jail).
• Fourth DUI conviction within 10 years: A felony punishable by a fine of $1,000 to $5,000, jail time of 90 days to five years, and a minimum of 60 days of community service (which may be suspended if the driver serves at least three years in jail), mandatory participation in a DUI Alcohol Use Risk Reduction Program, and five years probation (minus any days in jail).

Anyone convicted of a DUI in Georgia risks losing their license for a significant period. For example, a first-time DUI offender faces a 12-month license suspension, but may seek reinstatement after 120 days if they complete a DUI Alcohol Use Risk Reduction Program and pay a restoration fee.

Will My License Be Suspended With a Second DUI Conviction?

After a second DUI conviction within five years, the license suspension period increases from one year to eighteen months. With court approval, after four months, you may obtain a limited permit if you install an ignition interlock device and enroll in a clinical program or drug court.

The Atlanta area is covered by multiple courts—including Fulton County State Court and the Atlanta Municipal Court—that oversee license suspension hearings for DUI convictions. Understanding Georgia’s administrative license hearing process and how it interacts with criminal DUI proceedings can help you make informed decisions. Administrative deadlines often move quickly, and missing a required hearing can lead to an automatic suspension with little recourse.

After eight months, the ignition device may be removed, but the license remains a limited permit. You may seek reinstatement after 18 months. The driver must complete the DUI Alcohol Use Risk Reduction Program and pay the required restoration fee.

Georgia DUI laws and related penalties can be complicated, so always talk with a knowledgeable Atlanta DUI attorney if you face criminal drunk driving charges. An experienced attorney can review your arrest and explain your rights and options.

To learn how we can help you fight your DUI conviction, contact our Atlanta DUI defense attorney and set up your free consultation.