What are the Penalties for DUI in Georgia?

If you are pulled over for a DUI, the following is a summary of DUI penalties you could face for if you are 21 and older:

First Offense

If you are convicted for a first time DUI offense, you could face the following penalties:

• A minimum of 24 hours in jail, up to 12 months in jail, with the remainder of 12 months on probation
• A fine of not less than $300, but not more than $1000, (plus fees and surcharges)
• A minimum of 40 hours of community service
• The driver must undergo a clinical evaluation for alcohol and/or drug abuse, and the driver must complete any treatment recommended by the evaluator
• The driver must complete a DUI Risk Reduction course
• A 12-month driver's license suspension

Second Offense in 10 Years

If you are convicted of a second DUI offense, you could face the following penalties:

• A minimum of 72 hours in jail, up to 12 months in jail, with the remainder of 12 months on probation
• A fine of not less than $600, but not more than $1000, (plus fees and surcharges)
• A minimum of 240 hours of community service
• The driver must undergo a clinical evaluation for alcohol and/or drug abuse, and the driver must complete any treatment recommended by the evaluator
• The driver must complete a DUI Risk Reduction course
• A three-year driver's license suspension
• At the conclusion of the driver's license suspension, the driver must install an ignition interlock device on all cars owned by the driver
• Publication of photo in the newspaper of driver's county of residence

Third Offense in 10 Years

If you are convicted of a third DUI offense, you could face the following penalties:

• A minimum of 15 days in jail, up to 12 months in jail, with the remainder of 12 months on probation
• A fine of not less than $1000, but not more than $5000, (plus fees and surcharges)
• A minimum of 240 hours of community service
• The driver must undergo a clinical evaluation for alcohol and/or drug abuse, and the driver must complete any treatment recommended by the evaluator
• The driver must complete a DUI Risk Reduction course
• A mandatory five-year driver's license revocation
• Publication of photo in the newspaper of driver's county of residence
• At the conclusion of the driver's license suspension, the driver must install an ignition interlock device on all cars owned by the driver
• Surrender of license plates for any car registered to the driver

Fourth and Subsequent Offenses in 10 Years (Felony DUI)

If you are convicted of a fourth DUI offense, you could face the following penalties:

• A minimum of 90 days, up to five years in jail, with the remainder of five years on probation
• A fine of not less than $1000, but not more than $5000, (plus fees and surcharges)
• No less than 480 hours of community service, (unless the defendant is sentenced to at least three years in prison)
• The driver must undergo a clinical evaluation for alcohol and/or drug abuse, and the driver must complete any treatment recommended by the evaluator
• The driver must complete a DUI Risk Reduction course
• Publication of photo in the newspaper of driver's county of residence
• A mandatory five-year driver's license revocation
• At the conclusion of the driver's license suspension, the driver must install an ignition interlock device on all cars owned by the driver
• Surrender of license plates for any car registered to the driver

If you have any further questions, The Dickerson Firm – DUI and Drug Defense Attorneys can help. Call (678) 487-5728 today or fill out our online contact form to get started.