Penalties for DUI

The two most common ways the state can convict a driver of DUI are: a) proving that a driver had .08 grams or more blood alcohol concentration within three hours, during or after driving, or otherwise being in control of a vehicle (often, this is called the "per se" provision of Georgia's DUI statutes); and b) proving that a driver is "less safe" to operate a vehicle, which means the state must prove that alcohol and/or other intoxicants caused the driver to be less safe. The state will proceed on a “less safe” theory on cases where a person refuses to submit to a breath or a blood test.

• FIRST CONVICTION
• Up to $1,000 fine
• 10 Days to 1 Year in Jail
• DUI School
• 40 Hours of Community Service
• 1 Year Probation
• 1 Year License Suspension

• SECOND CONVICTION
• Up to $1,000 Fine
• 90 Days to 1 Year in Jail
• DUI School
• 30 Days of Community Service
• Mandatory Alcohol Evaluation and/or Treatment
• Up to 1 Year Probation
• 3 Year Loss of License
• Ignition Interlock Device

• THIRD CONVICTION
• Fine up To $5,000
• 120 Days to a Year in Jail
• 30 Days Community Service
• Alcohol Evaluation and/or Treatment
• Up to 1 Year Probation
• 5 Year License Revocation
• Ignition Interlock Device

• FOURTH VIOLATION (HABITUAL VIOLATOR)
• Fine of $5,000
• 1 to 5 Years in State Prison

The above listed penalties for driving under the influence convictions are bad enough, but there are other far reaching consequences to a DUI conviction. For example, you may lose your job if convicted of a DUI, you may not be able to qualify for a better or different job in the future, your insurance premiums will increase or you may be dropped by your insurance carrier, and you may lose professional licenses.