Athens, Georgia DUI or DWI Criminal Defense Attorney

Georgia DWI / DUI Administrative Hearing

Pursuant to Georgia law, an individual has 10 days to request an administrative hearing from the Georgia DMVS (Department of Motor Vehicle Safety). If you fail to request a hearing within 10 days, your right to the hearing is lost, and your driver's license is automatically suspended for the applicable statutory time frame. In order to preserve your right to an administrative hearing, it is crucial that you submit your request to the Georgia DMVS within 10 days. Contact an accomplished and professional DUI criminal defense attorney to help, but do not delay.

Being charged with DUI is a serious offense that can have major consequences, including fines, jail time, and loss of driving privileges. It is crucial that anyone facing a Georgia DUI charge understand what challenges they will encounter. It is crucial you seek the legal advice of an aggressive and knowledgeable DUI criminal defense lawyer immediately. Call today for a fast, free consultation.

What happens if I was arrested for DUI in Athens?

Pursuant to Georgia law, once you have been cited for violating the DUI statute, the state initiates two separate, yet simultaneous legal actions against you. There is a criminal action in response to the ticket that was issued to you, and an administrative action is brought against your driver's license by the Georgia DMVS (Department of Motor Vehicle Safety). Both actions can result in the suspension of your driving privileges in Georgia, but it is crucial to remember that there may be additional penalties to consider. Also, each action must be handled on their own.Contact a Georgia DUI criminal defense attorney today for a free, professional consultation.

DUI Penalties for First Time Offenders

• Alcohol Evaluation - Successful completion of a drug and alcohol assessment and program is required for reinstatement of driving privileges in Georgia.
• Monetary Fines - In Athens, Georgia, fines for a first time DUI can range from $300.00 to $1,000.00.
• Commercial Drivers - Commercial drivers are in violation of the DUI statute with a blood-alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.04. A first time DUI conviction will result in the loss of the commercial driver's license for 1 year, while any subsequent DUI offenses will result in a lifetime loss of the commercial license.
• Chemical Test Refusal - Refusing to submit to a test when requested by law enforcement will result in the suspension of driving privileges for 12 months.
• Georgia Driving Privileges and DUI - A first time DUI conviction results in the revocation of driving privileges in Georgia for 1 year.
• Time in Jail - In Athens, Georgia, a first time DUI offender faces jail time of 10 days, up to 12 months.

DUI Subsequent Offenses

Penalties are increasingly more severe for any additional DUI violations. Due to the complexity of DUI laws in Georgia, you may not be aware of rights and options, including any defenses you might use. This is why an accomplished and experienced attorney can guide you through this emotionally challenging process. Please contact a Georgia DUI - DWI criminal defense lawyer for a free, professional consultation.

DUI Costs

Costs for DUI go beyond what you pay in fines. Here is a conservative breakdown for a first DUI offense:

• DUI or DWI Treatment Program
• Tow and Impound Fee
• Fines/Penalties
• Auto Insurance Increase
• Restitution Fund
• Georgia DMVS Reissue Fee

Georgia DUI, Alcohol and Drug Use Risk Reduction Program

The Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) regulates the state's DUI Alcohol or Drug Use Risk Reduction Program (RRP) also known as the Georgia DUI schools. This intervention program is mandated by law for people convicted of DUI - DWI, possession of illegal drugs, underage possession of alcohol while operating a motor vehicle, or Boating Under the Influence (BUI).

Disclaimer: The information you obtain at this site is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. You should consult an attorney for advice regarding your individual situation. We invite you to contact us and welcome your calls, letters and electronic mail. Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship. Please do not send any confidential information to us until such time as an attorney-client relationship has been established.