DUI Law in Atlanta, GA

What Is a DUI?

DUI, which refers to driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, is a criminal offense that can lead to weighty consequences. Also known as DWI, the process of going to court to face either conviction or exoneration can change the course of your life forever.

Learn more about your DUI law defense options below, and then talk to a local attorney in Atlanta, Georgia who will help you in this delicate situation. You don’t have to stare down consequences alone. You can take wise steps today to protect your interests.

Possible Consequences of a Atlanta, Georgia DUI Conviction

Where you live, the severity of the incident, and your criminal record determine the sentencing for a DUI. The punishments can drastically increase if you have had previous DUIs, so be mindful of that. If this is your first DUI, do not go at it alone and risk costly mistakes. Get a Atlanta law firm on your side to fight for you and your rights.

Paying Fines

If convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs in Atlanta, Georgia, you can count on fines being a part of your sentencing. According to Georgia’s Office of Highway Safety, DUI fines can range from $300 for a first offense, up to $5,000 for a third offense that occurs within five years of the second offense.

However, other factors can drastically increase the amount you must pay, including:

  • Any damage to property while driving under the influence
  • If someone suffered injuries as a result of your intoxicated driving
  • Cases that include child endangerment
  • Any court costs associated with your case

Jail Time

Jail time is mandatory, even for first-time offenders in Atlanta. If this is your first DUI offense, you may only have to face a day or two in prison. But if you have previous convictions for DUIs, you can be sentenced to several months or years, depending on the nature of the crime. Know that some circumstances can add even more time in a cell, including injury to other people while driving under the influence.

Probation

If you do not face jail time, you will likely be on probation, with the sentencing judge determining the duration. You will pay monthly fees, and you cannot commit any more criminal offenses, including traffic violations. If you violate the terms of your probation, count on facing time behind bars.

In Georgia, a first offense is generally considered a misdemeanor. Therefore, you could receive a sentence of up to one year in county jail. However, you might only spend 24 hours in jail and spend the rest of the time on probation. While on probation, you’ll have to pay supervision fees of typically $40 per month. Other terms include completing 40 hours of community service and attending DUI School. Violations may result in the revocation of your probation, and time in jail. For Atlanta residents, you will typically meet your probation officer at the Fulton County Court, located at 141 Pryor St. SW.

Drug and Alcohol Education Program

Following a Atlanta DUI sentencing, the law states you must complete a drug and alcohol education program. This will teach you about the dangers of driving under the influence. These programs cost more fees besides the legal costs you already have to pay.

In Georgia, if you complete a DUI Risk Reduction Course, you could obtain early reinstatement of your license. This would also require paying the $210 reinstatement fee. However, the course costs $355 and involves two comprehensive components. First, a 130-question screening Assessment Component must be completed. This is followed by the Intervention Component, which is a 20-hour course, involving group sessions. Atlanta residents may attend American Alternative Court Services, which is one of several state-certified DUI schools.

The education programs also include a DUI evaluation. An evaluator asks you questions about how alcohol and drugs affect your life. If they believe that you are dependent, you may have to enter a substance abuse treatment program.

Suspension or Loss of License

No matter where you may face a DUI conviction, you have to undergo a license suspension period, at the very least. If it is your first DUI, you may have a license suspension for a few months while you go through probation and the drug and alcohol education program.

If this is not your first DUI, you may have your license suspended for much longer, or you could have it taken from you permanently.

What Should You Do When Charged With a DUI in Atlanta, Georgia?

If you’re facing a felony DUI charge, you must take the following steps to protect yourself:

Step 1: Contact an Attorney Familiar With Atlanta, GA DUI Law

Immediately following your DUI arrest, you need to contact an experienced Atlanta DUI attorney. Your attorney can help prepare for your arraignment and prepare a defense to vindicate yourself or reduce the sentencing.

Step 2: Learn About Your Local DUI Laws

Atlanta, Georgia has unique laws for DUI or DWI charges. Your lawyer will work with you to help you better understand your state’s laws on driving while intoxicated. It is critical to understand what charges you face and the potential outcomes of your case. 

Step 3: Request a DMV Hearing

You or your attorney should request a hearing as soon as possible following your arrest. In Atlanta, Georgia you only have so much time to ask for a DMV hearing to keep your license until your court appearance. If you do not request a hearing, prepare for a license suspension.

In Georgia, the police will immediately confiscate your license and give you a temporary driving permit. You then have 30 days to submit a request for an administrative hearing to the Georgia Department of Driver Services. A payment of $150 is due at the time of the request. If you do not submit the request in time, your license could be suspended for one year. For Atlanta residents, your hearing will be held at the Georgia Office of State Administrative Hearings, located at 225 Peachtree Street.

Step 4: Prepare for Court Appearance

You and your attorney will prepare for your appearance and arraignment in Atlanta. If you plead “not guilty,” your DUI defense attorney represents you in court, and a judge and jury oversee the DUI law case.

Step 5: Receive Sentencing or Exoneration

You will either be “not guilty” of the charges brought against you and walk free, or you will receive sentencing for a guilty verdict.

Work with an Experienced Local DUI Lawyer in Atlanta, Georgia

Should you ever find yourself charged with a DUI, you need to work with an experienced Atlanta, GA lawyer who can stand up for you in court. You cannot clear your name of the charges or reduce the consequences without help. Your life and future depend on having great legal representation during your DUI case. Contact an attorney near you today. We can even help you connect with legal help across Georgia state lines.

Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to get in touch with an experienced lawyer in your area!

How It All Works

Call us or answer the questions on this site. Your category, location, and additional information will help us connect you to a legal professional and we’ll send you the results instantly.

Which Areas of Law?

We have attorneys in over 20 legal categories to choose from.

How Much Does This Cost?

We don’t charge you to be connected. Some legal categories require upfront fees while others do not. The legal professional will determine this with you before you commit to anything.