Georgia DUI Penalties

Learn About the Penalties for a Georgia DUI Conviction

Over the past few years, DUI (Driving Under the Influence) penalties in the state of Georgia have increased in severity. Drivers who are facing multiple DUI charges or who have caused an accident resulting in serious injury or death can expect to be sentenced to fines, jail time, and--depending on the circumstances--felony DUI charges.

Are you facing DUI penalties in Georgia? Call (912) 417-5008 or reach out here online to schedule a meeting with our experienced lawyers.

What Are the Penalties for DUI in Georgia?

The penalties for a DUI conviction in Georgia can vary based on the number of prior offenses. Here are the potential penalties for first, second, third, and fourth DUI offenses:

First DUI Offense

• Fine ranging from $300 to $1,000
• Driver's license suspension for up to 1 year
• Mandatory completion of a DUI Alcohol or Drug Use Risk Reduction Program
• Up to 1 year of probation
• Possible jail time of up to 1 year (at the judge's discretion)

Second DUI Offense

• Fine ranging from $600 to $1,000
• Driver's license suspension for up to 3 years
• Mandatory completion of a DUI Alcohol or Drug Use Risk Reduction Program
• Minimum of 72 hours of jail time (up to 1 year)
• Up to 1 year of probation
• Possible installation of an ignition interlock device on your vehicle

Third DUI Offense

• A fine ranging from $1,000 to $5,000
• Driver's license suspension for up to 5 years
• Mandatory completion of a DUI Alcohol or Drug Use Risk Reduction Program
• Minimum of 15 days of jail time (up to 1 year)
• Up to 5 years of probation
• Mandatory installation of an ignition interlock device on your vehicle

Fourth DUI Offense

• Felony charge with potential incarceration for a minimum of 1 year (up to 5 years)
• A fine ranging from $1,000 to $5,000
• Driver's license suspension for up to 5 years
• Mandatory installation of an ignition interlock device on your vehicle
• Mandatory completion of a DUI Alcohol or Drug Use Risk Reduction Program
• Up to 5 years of probation

When you’re facing Georgia DUI penalties, It is important to consult with an experienced attorney who can provide personalized advice based on your specific case and help you navigate the legal process. effectively.

Call Schneider Lerch, LLC at (912) 417-5008 or fill out our online contact form today to schedule a free consultation.

When Is a DUI a Felony in GA?

Generally, a DUI is considered a misdemeanor offense in Georgia. However, it can be elevated to a felony under certain circumstances.

Here are the situations in which a DUI can be classified as a felony in Georgia:

Fourth DUI Conviction

If an individual has been convicted of 3 prior DUI offenses within the past ten years, a fourth DUI will be charged as a felony. The previous DUI convictions can be from any state, not just limited to Georgia.

DUI With Serious Injury or Death

If a person causes serious bodily injury or death to another individual while driving under the influence, they can be charged with felony DUI. A conviction for DUI with a serious injury can result in a prison sentence between 1 and 15 years while getting convicted of DUI vehicular manslaughter is punishable by imprisonment for up to 20 years.

Habitual Violator

A person who has been designated as a habitual violator due to multiple traffic-related convictions, including DUIs, may face felony charges if caught driving under the influence again. Habitual violator status in Georgia usually results from accumulating three or more major traffic offense convictions within 5 years. A DUI conviction for a habitual violator can lead to imprisonment for up to 5 years, fines not exceeding $5,000, and/or license suspension for up to 10 years.

Start Your Defense Today

If you or a loved one has been arrested for Georgia DUI violations, you must Schneider Lerch, LLC immediately. Our attorneys understand your situation, and they know how much a DUI arrest can impact your life and livelihood. That is why we take the time to thoroughly evaluate and analyze your situation and work diligently to prepare your defense. Whether that includes presenting additional evidence, challenging sobriety, and breathalyzer test results, suppressing key evidence, or challenging any other part of the DUI process, we aggressively pursue all legal options to provide high-quality representation.

Call (912) 417-5008 today or contact us online. Your initial case review is free.