Under Georgia DUI laws, conviction for this crime becomes a part of your permanent record. That can be a serious problem for individuals who desire certain career or other aspirations. Getting legal help is your best way to ensure that you put up the best possible defense to your case.
Georgia DUI - First Offense
First time DUI offenses in Georgia can carry some heavy penalties, including (but not necessarily limited to) the following:
- Fines of $300 to $1000.
- Community service for forty or more hours, or twenty hours for drivers who are under 21.
- Incarceration for up to twelve months.
- Probation, which sometimes reduces jail time.
- Probation terms may include mandatory panels or classes to help reduce the risk of recidivism.
- License suspension for up to one year.
- DUI conviction becomes part of your driving and criminal record permanently.
- Other penalties the court determines to be fair in your case.
The actual penalties in each case vary depending on the circumstances, including the age of the defendant, the blood alcohol level and injuries involved in the case.
If you are dealing with DUI charges, your life probably has become stressful and overwhelming. Getting help from an attorney experienced in DUI law can make all the difference in the outcome of your case.
A DUI conviction may also make it more difficult and expensive to obtain auto insurance. You may end up paying two to three times as much for insurance after a DUI conviction.
You could lose your job or lose future job opportunities as a result of a DUI conviction. Employment arrangements are usually at will, meaning an employer can fire you without cause. If your employer is concerned about how a DUI will impact their reputation, they may decide you are a liability. Criminal convictions can also make it difficult to rent property since landlords often do background checks prior to renting to prospective tenants.
Make sure you protect your future opportunities and rights by hiring an experiences attorney at the beginning of your DUI case.
Getting Legal Advice
If you are dealing with Georgia DUI charges, contact a criminal lawyer experienced with DUI cases to help fight the charges so that they do not become part of your permanent record. An attorney can guide you through the complicated legal process, one step at a time, and help you determine what defense is best given your case.
