Driving Under the Influence (DUI) of alcohol and/or drugs is a serious offense in the United States. However, many people do not understand the severity of the offense, ending up with DUI convictions. In Georgia, a conviction for DUI can be charged in two theories. These include your blood alcohol content (BAC) and your manner of driving. Georgia has a per se law relating to DUI arrests. You can be arrested if your BAC indicates the presence of alcohol that is .08% or higher, regardless of your driving manner. Likewise, a police officer can pull you over for a DUI once he sees you driving in an unsafe pattern as a result of alcohol consumption.
DUI Arrests in Georgia
When you are pulled over because the officer believes that you are driving under the influence of toxins, you should immediately submit yourself for a BAC test although you also have the option to refuse the test. If you refuse, however, you will have to surrender your license for one year therefore taking out your privilege to drive within the given period. Also, if you are arrested for DUI in Georgia, you will have to face two trials: one in the court system and another with the Department of Public Safety. To save your license, you have to request a DPS hearing within 10 days of your arrest otherwise your license will be suspended for up to 5 years. If you want to make an appeal, it is very important to consult a qualified lawyer in order to help you prepare for your case.
Basic Consequences for First Time Offenders
First time DUI offenders may face minimal charges compared to subsequent law breakers. Nevertheless, one will still have to face the following consequences:
Under some circumstances, possible jail time for first time offenders can be reduced to 24 hours. However, several factors could result in even stiffer punishments especially in subsequent DUI charges.
License Suspensions for Georgia DUI
Aside from the outlined penalties and punishments, a DUI conviction in Georgia can also result to a license suspension in the following manner:
Getting a probationary license gives you the chance to drive while serving the suspension as long as you have completed the DUI school requirement. Apparently, you must successfully complete the DUI assessment and counseling, and that you will be required to have an ignition interlock device on your vehicle. For subsequent charges, you will be required by law to surrender your license plates for all the vehicles you own. You can only claim them once you get your license back.
Insurance Consequences
In addition to the monetary penalties along with other punishments, a DUI conviction in Georgia can also result to raise issues with your insurance company. This can truly be difficult for you because insurance providers avoid covering customers with DUI cases. It could be that your existing insurance company will place your policy on higher premiums, or even have it totally canceled.