DUI Laws You Need to Know!

Penalties for DUI in Georgia are related to the number of prior offenses:

When someone has a first DUI in Georgia they face the following potential penalties:

12 months of probation
A minimum fine of $300 plus court costs and surcharges
Between 1 – 10 days in jail, which many times can be waived
At least 40 hours of community service
Substance abuse counseling
Attendance of the DUI Risk Reduction School (commonly referred to as DUI School)
Attendance of a Madd Mothers Victim Impact Panel
Drivers License Suspension, with a limited permit to drive

When someone has a second DUI in Georgia, they face the following potential penalties:

Between 12 – 36 months of probation
Fines of between $600 – $1000, plus all applicable surcharges and court costs
Between 90 days – 12 months in jail, all of which can be done through probation except for at least 3 days that must be served in jail.
30 days of community service (240 hours)
DUI School
Driver’s License Suspension
Red stripe on license
Installing of an ignition interlock device, after a “hard license suspension” of 120 days
Surrender of license plate
Mandatory substance abuse counseling
Potential DUI Court, in jurim
Photo publication in the legal organ of the county in which the offense occured

When someone has a third DUI in Georgia, they face the following potential penalties:

Between 12 -36 months of probation
Fines of $1000 – $5000, plus all court costs and surcharges
120 days to 12 months in jail, with at least 15 days of actual incareceration (note a third DUI is a high and aggravated misdemeanor)
30 days of community service (240 hours)
DUI School
Five (5) years of driver’s license suspension (with an interlock permit available after two years)
Surrender of license plate
Photo publication in the legal organ of the accused’s home county
Mandatory drug and alcohol treatment
Declaration of Habitual Violator Status
Potential DUI Court, in jurisdictions that have the program

Georgia State law also requires clinical evaluation and the attendance of a DUI / Risk Reduction Program that’s certified/licensed by the Georgia Department of Driver’s Services before your driver’s license can be reinstated if you have been charged with any of the following: