You can receive a conviction for driving under the influence in Georgia courts regardless of blood alcohol content. Law enforcement can arrest you with obvious drug or alcohol impairment or with a BAC of 0.08% or higher.
Before facing the judge, review the possible legal consequences of a Georgia DUI charge.
No prior convictions
With no history of DUI, penalties in Georgia include:
- 12-month license suspension and $210 DMV fee
- $300 to $1,000 in fines
- Up to 12 months in jail
- Mandatory minimum of 40 community service hours
One prior conviction
The “look-back” period for DUI in Georgia is five years. For a second DUI within five years, you could receive:
- 36-month license suspension and $210 DMV fee
- $600 to $1,000 in fines
- Mandatory minimum of 48 hours and up to 12 months in jail
- Mandatory minimum of 30 days of community service
- Mandatory substance use disorder evaluation and treatment at your cost of indicated by the screening
Two prior convictions
When you receive a conviction for a third DUI in five years, the judge can order:
- 60-month license suspension and $210 DMV fee
- $1,000 to $5,000 in fines
- Mandatory minimum of 15 days and up to 12 months in jail
- Mandatory minimum of 30 days of community service
- Mandatory substance use disorder evaluation and treatment at your cost of indicated by the screening
- Seizure of your vehicle’s license plate
- Publication of your name and photo as a regular DUI offender in your local paper at your own expense
You may also receive additional penalties for causing bodily injury, refusing a breath test or other extenuating circumstances.