Valdosta, Georgia DUI Criminal Defense Attorney

DUI in Valdosta, Georgia? It is important you seek the legal advice of an aggressive and professional DUI lawyer immediately. Being arrested for DUI is a serious offense that can have major repercussions, including fines, jail time, and loss of driving privileges. It is crucial that anyone facing a DUI (DUI) charge understand what challenges they will face. Call a Georgia DUI defense attorney today for a professional and free consultation.

What happens if you were arrested for DUI in Valdosta, 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 Department of Motor Vehicle Safety in Georgia. While both actions can result in the suspension of your Georgia 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 Department of Motor Vehicle Safety in Georgia. 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 Department of Motor Vehicle Safety within 10 days. Contact a competent and skilled DUI defense attorney to help, but do not delay.

DUI Penalties for First Time Offenders

• Fines - Fines for a first time DUI can range between $300.00 and $1,000.00.
• Jail Time - In Valdosta, Georgia, a first time DUI offender faces time in jail of 10 days, up to 12 months.
• Georgia Driving Privileges and DUI - A first time DUI conviction results in the revocation of Georgia driving privileges for 1 year.
• Commercial Drivers - Commercial drivers are in violation of the DUI statute with a blood alcohol content (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 Georgia DUI offenses will result in a lifetime loss of the CDL.
• 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.
• Alcohol Evaluation - Successful completion of a drug and alcohol assessment and program is required for reinstatement of Georgia driving privileges.

DUI Cost

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

• Fines/Penalties
• DWI (DUI) Treatment Program
• Tow/Impound Fee
• Auto Insurance Increase
• DMV Reissue Fee
• Restitution Fund

Georgia RRP DUI 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 DWI / DUI, possession of illegal drugs, underage possession of alcohol while operating a motor vehicle, or Boating Under the Influence (BUI).

Subsequent DUI Offenses

In Georgia, the penalties are increasingly more severe for any additional DUI violations. Due to the complexity of DUI laws, you may not be aware of rights and options. This is why a capable and skilled lawyer can guide you through this emotionally challenging process. Please contact a Georgia DWI / DUI lawyer for a fast and free consultation.

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.