Atlanta DUI Penalties

If you or a loved one was arrested for driving while under the influence (DUI) of alcohol, drugs, or other substances, immediately contact a talented DUI attorney to fight for your rights. Why? You will face a tough battle in Atlanta’s courts, and it is best to leave the court case to experienced legal representation.

You should understand that, unlike some states, Atlanta DUI penalties are among the most severe in the U.S. The foremost concern is that those severe penalties may take away your freedom. For instance, you should bear in mind that Georgia has one of the highest conviction rates for DUI in the U.S.

What Penalties Do You Face for DUI?

Law enforcement charges motorists with a DUI if they drive with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. Typically, a woman may reach this level after two to three drinks, while a man may reach it after three. However, factors such as body weight, drinking speed, and food consumption influence BAC levels.

A DUI classified as a misdemeanor carries a maximum $1,000 penalty and up to 12 months in jail. A first DUI offense requires surrendering your driver’s license to the Department of Driver Services and losing your driving privileges.

If the court determines that the circumstances surrounding the DUI are severe, the charge may increase to a serious misdemeanor. The serious misdemeanor carries up to a $5,000 penalty.

If you are a first-time DUI offender, you may face the following penalty ranges in Atlanta:

• Community service for 40 hours
• Jail time that ranges from 10 days to 12 months
• A minimum fine of $300 up to a maximum of $1,000
• Suspension of your driver’s license for up to one year

A motorist with more than three DUI charges within ten years or a DUI while transporting minors will face an escalated charge from a misdemeanor to a felony. A DUI also becomes a felony if it results in serious injury or death.

Felony DUI Penalties

A DUI felony conviction in Atlanta carries a jail sentence of one to five years, a fine between $1,000 and $5,000, and a minimum five-year license suspension. The court may also mandate an ignition lock system, community service, and alcohol treatment classes.

Hire an Experienced DUI Attorney in Atlanta Today

Considering the serious impact on your life from Atlanta DUI penalties, you must hire a skilled DUI lawyer. We encourage you to contact us today to arrange a free initial consultation with one of the experienced lawyers. Our team has more than 15 years of experience in handling DUI cases. DUI cases require the successful conclusion of many tasks, including investigating the incident, the circumstances of the arrest, and the sobriety test. Your lawyer will interview witnesses, discover and preserve trial evidence, and review the arresting officer’s report.

Perhaps most importantly, your lawyer will review the facts of your arrest and guide you on the best path for you to design your defense approach. We want to help you win the best possible outcome and to help you fight to retain your freedom.