If you are arrested for drunk driving in Georgia, many possible consequences can happen with long-lasting personal and financial effects. Fees, fines and jail time can result, as well as having your license suspended for a minimum of six months.
A first-offense DUI can also result in community service, probation and taking a DUI education course. Multiple offenses can bring additional jail time and fines, as well as being required to install an ignition interlock device on your vehicle.
Potential steps for a DUI charge
Many things can happen once you’re stopped for suspicion of driving drunk, including:
- Field sobriety, breath and chemical tests
- Being arrested and booked
- Making a court appearance
- Losing your license
- Paying a fine
- Serving a jail sentence
- Serving a probation sentence
- Taking a DUI education course
- Testing for alcohol abuse disorder
- Installing an ignition interlock device
- Paying higher insurance rates
Protect your future if charged with DUI
A first-offense DUI conviction can cost thousands of dollars and have long-term impacts on your life. However, just because you are charged doesn’t mean you are likely to be found guilty. Never admit guilt to an officer, even if they determine you have failed sobriety tests. An experienced DUI defense attorney here in Georgia will protect your rights.
Your attorney will challenge whether officers had probable cause to stop you and properly administered field sobriety, breath and chemical tests. A recent Georgia Supreme Court ruling says refusing to take a breath test cannot be used against you in court despite the state’s implied consent law, and law enforcement agencies are still deciding whether to administer the tests during DUI stops.
