Columbus, Georgia DUI or DWI Criminal Defense Attorney

What happens if you were arrested for DUI in Columbus, Georgia?

Under Georgia law, once you have been cited for violating the DUI statute, the state initiates two simultaneous, yet separate legal actions against you. The criminal action is in response to the ticket that was issued to you, while the administrative action is brought against your driver's license by the Georgia Department of Motor Vehicle Safety. While both actions can result in the suspension of your driving privileges, it is important to remember that there may be additional penalties to consider and each action must be handled separately.

Georgia Administrative Hearing

Pursuant to Georgia law, an individual has 10 days to request an administrative hearing from the Georgia 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 imperative that you submit your request to the Department of Motor Vehicle Safety in Georgia within 10 days. Contact an accomplished and professional DUI defense lawyer to help, but do not delay.

Being charged with DUI is a serious offense that can have serious repercussions, 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 imperative you seek the legal advice of a competent and knowledgeable DUI attorney immediately. Call today for a free, professional consultation.

DUI Penalties for First Time Offenders

• Jail Time - In Columbus, Georgia, a first time DUI offender faces imprisonment of 10 days, up to 12 months.
• Monetary Fines - In Columbus, Georgia, fines for a first time DUI can range from $300.00 to $1,000.00.
• Georgia Driving Privileges and DUI - A first time DUI conviction results in the revocation of driving privileges for 1 year.
• 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.
• Commercial Drivers - Commercial drivers are in violation of the DUI statute with a BAC level 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.
• Alcohol Evaluation - Successful completion of a drug and alcohol assessment and program is required for reinstatement of driving privileges.

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 professional defense lawyer can guide you through this emotionally challenging process. Please contact a Georgia DUI - DWI attorney for a quick and easy consultation.

Georgia DUI Cost

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
• Car Insurance Increase
• Tow and Impound Fee
• Fines/Penalties
• Department of Motor Vehicle Safety in Georgia Reissue Fee

Georgia DUI, Alcohol and Drug Use Risk Reduction Program

The Georgia DDS (Department of Driver Services) regulates the state's DUI Alcohol or Drug Use Risk Reduction Program (RRP) also more commonly referred to as 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.