Drivers in Georgia must take a breath test if asked to do so by law enforcement during a traffic stop. You can receive a charge of driving under the influence if you show obvious signs of impairment or if your blood alcohol content exceeds 0.08%.
If you are facing a court date for DUI in Georgia, learn about the potential legal penalties for a conviction.
DUI with no prior convictions
If you are a first-time DUI offender and receive a conviction, the court can order:
- 12-month license suspension
- $210 license reinstatement fee
- $300 to $1,000 in fines
- Up to 12 months in jail
- At least 40 hours of community service
- Completion of a drug and alcohol risk reduction program
Second DUI in five years
The look-back period for DUI in Georgia is five years. If you receive a second conviction during this time, penalties can include:
- 36-month license suspension
- $210 license reinstatement fee
- $600 to $1,000 in fines
- At least 48 hours and up to 12 months in jail
- At least 30 days of community service
- Mandatory substance use evaluation and treatment if indicated
- Completion of a drug and alcohol risk reduction program
Third-time DUI
You could receive these legal consequences for a third DUI in five years:
- 60-month license suspension
- $210 license reinstatement fee
- $1,000 to $5,000 in fines
- At least 15 days and up to 12 months in jail
- At least 30 days of community service
- Mandatory substance use evaluation and treatment if indicated
- Completion of a drug and alcohol risk reduction program
- Seizure of your car’s license plate
- Name and photo printed in your local paper at your own expense to indicate that you are a habitual DUI offender
Additional penalties may apply depending on the details of your arrest and the available evidence. For example, you will receive a minimum 12-month license suspension for refusal to take a breath test. An open alcohol container in the car carries a fine of $200 in addition to the base fines.