Posted by iberkovits iberkovits in on September 22, 2022
Atlanta DUI Penalties
If you’ve been convicted of DUI in Atlanta, Georgia, you should know the minimum and maximum penalties. You can expect to spend at least five days in jail for your first DUI, up to a maximum of one year. You might also have to complete a substance abuse evaluation or complete community service hours.
Look-back period determines severity of Atlanta DUI Penalties
In Georgia, the severity of your Atlanta DUI Penalties is based on whether you have a prior DUI conviction within the last 10 years. However, if you are convicted outside this time frame, your prior conviction may not be considered. You could face a “first-offense” penalty instead. In that case, it is crucial to hire an aggressive attorney. At Pilgrim Law, we have extensive experience representing people accused of drunk driving.
Look-back periods are designed to deter repeat offenders by increasing the punishment for drunk driving. They also serve as a means of identifying risky drivers, which is important when fighting a DUI case. These laws also give courts and judges a more comprehensive picture of your driving record than if you are just a one-time offender.
If you have several DUI convictions in the last 10 years, the penalties you face will increase accordingly. In Georgia, for example, a second DUI conviction will be treated as a second offense. A third DUI conviction can carry a hefty $10,000 fine, five years in jail, and a sixty-day license suspension. A fourth DUI conviction will result in a permanent loss of your driver’s license.
Community service hours required after conviction
Once you’ve been convicted of DUI in Atlanta, you may be required to complete community service hours. These hours must be done with a nonprofit organization approved by the court. There are a variety of organizations available in Atlanta that provide community service. Many courts even offer guidance on how to find an approved organization. Some courts also allow you to perform community service in your local church. However, you should always confirm the volunteer hours with the organization in advance.
Before volunteering, make sure you check with the court that the hours you’re volunteering will count toward the court order. Some volunteer work does not count. For instance, you may spend a week working at a homeless shelter, only to find out that it does not qualify. This could mean that you have to start over from scratch. Volunteer opportunities may include churches, homeless shelters, or even a food service program. Just make sure you find a place that has a community service program that matches your interests.
It’s also important to check that the organization is approved by the court before you get started. Some courts require people to work for approved organizations only. In other words, if you volunteer with an organization that has a good reputation with the court, it’s more likely to be approved. However, it’s always best to check with your Georgia DUI attorney to make sure the volunteer group is approved.
Georgia DUI sentencing guidelines
Georgia DUI sentencing guidelines take into account the severity of the offense. If a motorist has three DUI convictions within 10 years, the minimum sentence increases to fifteen days in jail, a $1,000 fine, and 240 hours of community service. The maximum sentence increases to 12 months in jail and a $5,000 fine. In addition, a driver may be required to undergo alcohol and drug dependency evaluations.
In Georgia, a first-time DUI offense requires a base fine of $300, but most courts require a fine of $600-$800. This amount is then doubled by the surcharge, which is paid over the course of probation. A first-time offender can also face a mandatory 12-month period of supervised probation, where he must report to a court by telephone. A limited driving permit may also be issued, depending on the circumstances.
Georgia DUI sentencing guidelines are harsh. First-time offenders can expect a fine of $300 to $1,000, as well as up to a year in jail. They may also have to complete a DUI school course or complete 40 hours of community service.
Requirement to attend BHDD-approved counseling program
In Georgia, one of the penalties for a DUI conviction is a requirement to attend a BHDD-approved counseling program. This program, which lasts at least 20 hours, educates drivers about alcohol and drug abuse and the risks of driving while intoxicated. In addition to the mandatory clinical evaluation, the person convicted of DUI must also complete community service hours at a court-approved nonprofit organization.
The list of regulated services is provided to the public as an aid to identifying an accredited program in Georgia. Each service provider is listed alphabetically by name and is searchable based on certain criteria. However, the list is not an endorsement by the Georgia Department of Driver Services and is provided only as a courtesy. If you are interested in learning more about a particular school, contact the school directly.
Georgia requires DUI offenders to attend a BHDD-approved counseling program within one year of the DUI conviction. During this time, the person is required to complete an initial assessment that asks about their drug and alcohol use. Based on their responses, the school will place them in appropriate classes.