First-Time DUI in Atlanta

Getting stopped for a DUI can be overwhelming, especially if this is your first encounter with the law. You may be handcuffed, searched, and subjected to blood, urine, and other chemical tests to prove you have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) higher than 0.08—or 0.02 if you are under 21. 

A DUI charge also applies to drugs, and Georgia has a zero-tolerance policy for controlled substances. Do not panic. Our experienced first-time DUI lawyers in Atlanta are here to help you navigate this challenging situation. Call today to discuss your legal options.

Defining a DUI in Georgia

People often assume that someone charged with a DUI must be stumbling and incoherent, but that is not always the case. If a law enforcement officer in Atlanta stops you and determines that you are impaired enough to make it less safe for you to drive, you can be charged with a first-time DUI. State law states that by driving in Georgia, you give implied consent to be tested if stopped. Failing to submit to a field sobriety test or chemical test at the police station or hospital results in license suspension, although you have 10 business days to request a hearing in writing. 

Officers will also charge you with an impairment DUI if you refuse the chemical test and are exhibiting behavior that makes the officer believe you are less safe behind the wheel.

Penalties for a First-Time DUI

In Atlanta, a first-time DUI is generally a misdemeanor unless you flee the scene or someone is injured or killed in an accident. Even as a misdemeanor, the penalties will impact you beyond a slap on the wrist. Although exact penalties depend on the circumstances, they typically include:

• $300 to $1,000 in fines
• 24 hours to one year in jail
• License suspension for 12 months
• Fines for those younger than 21 with a BAC of at least 0.02 percent 
• 20 to 40 hours of community service with a BAC of 0.08 percent or more

If convicted, DUI offenders are placed on 12 months’ probation, reduced by any time served in jail, which, for a first-time offender, is at least 24 hours. 

The state will also subject drivers convicted of DUI to an evaluation of their alcohol and drug issues and compel them to complete the recommended treatment program. These penalties are serious, and before they are levied, our DUI attorneys will study your situation and negotiate with the prosecutor to get your charges dismissed or reduced. You are entitled to be heard before a jury of your peers, and we will not hesitate to take that course if it is in your best interest.

Enhanced Penalties

Even with a first-time DUI, if you are transporting when police pull you over, you can also be charged with a separate count of child endangerment in Atlanta. A conviction can result in up to a year in jail and up to $1,000 in fines, on top of the DUI penalties. 

Call an Experienced Atlanta Attorney About a First-Time DUI

Our attorneys believe that one mistake should not define your future. DUI convictions can cause trouble with getting a job, housing, or a loan, and may place strains on your relationships. The skilled legal professionals at our firm could change this outcome—if necessary, by fighting in court.

Our practice is dedicated to helping drivers accused of being drunk or high while behind the wheel. To learn how we can fight for your second chance, call a first-time DUI lawyer in Atlanta.