According to Mothers Against Drunk Driving, nearly one-third of all drivers arrested or convicted of drunk driving are repeat offenders. If you have found yourself facing a second or third DUI conviction, you’re not alone. Repeat DUI offenders, however, are subject to much harsher repercussions than first-time offenders.
The penalties for DUI charges, or driving under the influence, are severe in the state of Georgia. Even for your first DUI arrest, it’s likely that you have already paid dearly for your mistake in the form of fines, community service or possibly jail time, depending on your specific case.
What’s more is that, regardless of your criminal penalties, the Georgia Department of Driver Safety (GDDS) suspends the license of anyone over the age of 21 convicted of DUI for up to 12 months – though you may have had yours reinstated earlier after completing a DUI, alcohol or drug use risk reduction course and paying a reinstatement fine.
Penalties for a second DUI offense
In Georgia, if you are arrested for driving under the influence for a second time within five years of your first DUI offense, you will likely face:
- A minimum of 48 hours jail time; maximum of one year
- At least $300 in fines; maximum of $1000
- A minimum mandatory of 30 days community service
- Mandatory clinical evaluation and substance abuse program if indicated (paid for by you)
- Three-year license suspension by GDDS plus reinstatement fee
- Ignition interlock installment
Penalties for a third DUI offense
If you’re arrested for a third DUI offense in Georgia within five years of your second offense, the penalties could be even more rigorous:
- A mandatory minimum of 15 days of jail time
- At least $1000 in fines; maximum of $5000
- A minimum mandatory of 30 days community service
- License revocation by GDDS for five years
- Declared a habitual violator and have license plate seized
- Mandatory clinical evaluation and substance abuse program if indicated (paid for by you)
- Your name, photo and address published in a local newspaper
Driving drunk comes with serious consequences – especially if this isn’t your first arrest. If you’re facing a repeat DUI offense, you are likely also facing concerns about the impact these charges will have on your future. A criminal record affects far more than punishment. It can affect job and loan applications or even personal relationships.