Georgia DUI Penalties

If you were recently arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI) in Georgia, you may think the only thing at stake is your driving privileges. However, due to George's tough DUI penalties, a drunk driving conviction can have far more serious consequences—both in the immediate and long-term future.

It is against the law to operate a vehicle if you have a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. If your chemical test results (typically a breathalyzer, but in some cases, a blood or urine analysis) indicate you are driving with a BAC above this limit, you can expect to be charged with “per se” DUI—regardless of your ability to drive.

On the other hand, you can also be charged with a “less safe” DUI if your BAC is below the legal limit, but you show signs of impairment—such as driving erratically, excessively speeding, or driving on the wrong side of the road, for example. And keep in mind that, if you are a minor (under 21) or operate a commercial vehicle, you must abide by a much lower BAC limit—0.02% for minors and 0.04% for commercial drivers.

If you are convicted of one or more DUI offenses in Georgia, state law requires the judge to impose the minimum mandatory penalties under state law. As a result, if you are found guilty of drunk driving, you could not only lose your driver’s license for 30 days or more, but also be fined hundreds of dollars and/or ordered to perform community service, serve probation, or even spend time behind bars.

Along with the criminal consequences of your conviction, you may face long-term repercussions, such as higher auto insurance rates and limited housing, educational, and employment opportunities. In some cases, your name may even be published in a local newspaper—leading to further embarrassment once your friends, neighbors, and family members learn of your conviction.

As you can see, the penalties for driving under the influence in Georgia can be steep. If you were recently arrested for drunk driving, contact attorney Greg Willis immediately to begin planning your defense. After successfully representing thousands of drivers across the state, Mr. Willis has what it takes to fight the charges against you and reduce or eliminate many of the consequences of a DUI conviction.

To learn more about the Law Offices of Greg Willis, take a look at the firm’s ratings on websites like AVVO and Kudzu—there, you’ll see just how much his skill can benefit you. Call today for your free consultation.

Should you decide to retain Mr. Willis’s services, he will not only handle both your criminal and administrative DUI cases, but also prepare your DS 1205 form (required to appeal your license suspension) for no additional cost. Plus, you’ll receive a free copy of senior partner William C. Head’s comprehensive guide to DUI law, The DUI Book—a must-have for anyone facing drunk driving charges in Georgia.

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