Posted by duijim in on September 11, 2023
An DUI conviction can have lasting repercussions. Not only may criminal penalties including jail time, fines, community service hours and alcohol education classes apply – your driver’s license could even be suspended or revoked as part of its aftermath.
Driving while your license is suspended or revoked can have serious legal repercussions that will extend its suspension period. Therefore, it’s crucial that you consult with an experienced DUI attorney as soon as possible for guidance.
License Suspension
Georgia has some of the toughest DUI laws and penalties in America; having your driver’s license suspended could affect your career, employment and finances negatively. An individual convicted may apply for a restricted driving permit allowing them to still get to work or medical appointments as well as grocery shopping.
Drivers may be charged with DUI if they consume either alcohol, drugs, or both and are no longer in control of their vehicle or are unable to safely operate it. Usually, a District Attorney must prove that someone’s blood-alcohol content was above 0.08 and they were intoxicated; however it’s still possible for individuals under Georgia law to be found guilty even if their BAC fell below this legal threshold or their breath or blood test showed negative for alcohol consumption; an arresting judge will then assess if driving while impaired by drugs or both and issue license suspension or penalties accordingly.
Other offenses that could lead to license suspension include refusing a chemical test during a DUI stop, hit and run accidents, racing and trying to evade police officers; falsifying information when applying for a driver’s license and forging or providing false information in order to secure one; building up 15 points within two years or having a criminal history can also lead to suspension from driving privileges.
Conviction for DUI in Georgia can have serious repercussions, from jail time to fines. Therefore, before entering into any plea agreement it is crucial that a consultation with a DUI lawyer takes place so they may fully explain all potential penalties as well as ways to mitigate them or avoid them altogether.
Limited Driving Permit
A judge can impose driving restrictions as part of your probation if you are found guilty of DUI in Georgia, such as restricting where and when you drive and forcing alcohol/drug treatment programs. Do not protest this when appearing before the judge as they still possess the power to suspend your license if necessary; rather it would be prudent to speak with an experienced DUI lawyer prior to entering any pleas.
Your eligibility for a limited driving permit during your DUI suspension period could depend on proving that your ability to get to work or school would be severely limited without driving rights. A hardship permit only permits certain vehicles and to certain destinations (medical facilities, job interviews or your home). As per state requirement, an SR-22 form should also be filed certifying car insurance coverage – any violations can lead to further penalties such as license reinstatement delays and increased insurance rates.
If you have been charged with DUI on multiple occasions, the chances of receiving a limited driving permit will likely be severely limited. Under such circumstances, waiting at least two years to apply for probationary license could be necessary before any application for one can be considered.
After being charged with DUI, it is possible to regain full driving privileges; however, this requires commitment, dedication, and responsible behavior behind the wheel. Key steps include attending all DUI education programs available, maintaining a clean driving record during suspension period and seeking guidance from experienced legal professional. With these strategies in place it should be possible to reinstate your driver’s license within as short a timeframe permitted by law.
Regaining Full Driving Privileges
No matter what the cause of the DUI offense may be – alcohol- or drug-related – you could lose your driving privileges for at least 120 days. However, if this is your first conviction in five years (or only offense since 24 months ago), and meets certain conditions such as attending DUI school and paying reinstatement fees on time; no other violations in 24 months; and not refusing post-arrest chemical testing.
Regaining your license early will show potential employers, insurers and others that you no longer pose a threat while behind the wheel. But even before this point has come around it is still vitally important that you consult a skilled DUI lawyer, who can build a compelling argument on your behalf and help ensure a favorable resolution of your case.
As CDL drivers have stricter BAC limits than passenger vehicle drivers, even one DUI conviction could lead to one-year disqualification from driving commercially.
As the aftermath of a DUI can vary depending on your specific situation, it is wise to discuss it with an experienced Georgia DUI attorney prior to making any decisions about how best to move forward.