Those who are convicted of multiple drunk driving offenses can expect to face heavy penalties, due to statues that have been enacted by law enforcement and lawmakers in the state. If you have a number of prior convictions for DUI, then you could be faced with a felony and could be sentenced to state prison for several years. If law enforcement suspect you are driving drunk, you will likely have to take field sobriety tests and blood tests, as well as a breath test. If your BAC, blood alcohol concentration level, is above the limit, then you might be charged with a DUI.
Penalties for DUIs in Georgia, as well as the laws, have been becoming more severe as the years go on. For example, those who are under 21, and have a BAC of 0.2% or higher, can face serious charges, such as underage DUI. People who are arrested for the second, third, or forth time for a DUI and have been convicted or have caused injury to another person because they were drinking and driving, can face tougher DUI penalties.
FIRST DUI POSSIBLE OUTCOMES
A first time offender can be faced with a fine of $300-$1000, as well as jail time that ranges from a sentence of 10 days to 12 months, and 40 hours of community service. A 1-year driver's license suspension is another penalty a first time offender can be faced with, and they could receive probation for up to a year. If you have multiple DUI charges, then some of the penalties you could be faced with include:
SECOND DUI PENALTIES
A second DUI conviction can lead to $600-$1000 fine, if the second conviction is within 5 years of your first one. 90 days to 12 months in jail, 30 days of community service and a clinical evaluation are other penalties you an expect to be subjected to. You could also receive a year's probation and your driver's license may get suspended for three years.
THIRD DUI CONSEQUENCES
A third conviction is considered a misdemeanor, but the penalties are more severe. Some of these penalties include a find of $1000-$5000, 4-12 months in jail and 30 days of community service. You might be ordered to complete an alcohol or drug treatment program, a year of probation, and your driver's license may be suspended for five years.
FOURTH DUI: FELONY
Unlike the third and second DUI convictions, a fourth one is a felony, which means stiffer penalties. A fourth conviction carries fines of $1000-$5000, and up to five years in jail. Instead of 30 days, you could receive 60 days of community service, and you will have to complete an alcohol treatment program, or a drug treatment program.
Those who are convicted of a number of DUIs may have to install an ignition interlock device on their car. If you find yourself facing multiple DUI charges, and you have already been convicted of DUI in the past, then you need a Marietta DUI attorney. It is important to hire an attorney who has the experience needed to help you get the best outcome in your case. A great lawyer can be the difference between a successful case and a bad case.
AN EXPERIENCED MARIETTA DUI LAWYER CAN HELP
DUI Attorney Robert Webb of Webb & D'Orazio can provide you with the legal representation that you need. Let's face it, the legal system is tough and complicated, and if you do not hire an attorney right away, then you could end up being convicted and face tough penalties. If you do not hire an attorney, then the cards can be stacked against you when you go through the legal process.
Sobriety tests, and blood and breath tests are not always foolproof and they can actually be subject to errors. Sometimes they are not administrated properly, or devices have not been properly maintained. A skilled defense attorney will be able to figure out such things and can increase your chances of beating your case.