Georgia DUI First Offense

If you are a Georgia driver who has never been convicted of driving under the influence (DU) in your life, you may think that a DUI conviction will have minimal impact on your future. Think again. Georgia has some of some of the toughest drinking and driving laws in the nation and imposes strict sentencing guidelines for those convicted of drunk driving. As a result, a Georgia DUI first offense can lead to serious criminal penalties, including a mandatory jail sentence and license suspension.

The punishment for a first-time DUI conviction includes up to 40 hours of community service, fines ranging from $300 to $1,000, and a one-year license suspension. You will also have to spend at least 24 hours behind bars and, depending on the circumstances of your arrest, could receive up to a one-year jail sentence.

In addition, the judge may require you to enroll in a driving education program before your driving privileges can be reinstated—and once you complete this program, you may only be eligible for a restricted permit allowing you to travel to and from work, school, and other court-approved activities. In certain cases, you may also be sentenced to probation (up to 12 months) and any other penalties the judge deems necessary.

As a first-time DUI offender, you may encounter additional difficulties in the future. Because your conviction will remain on your criminal record indefinitely, anyone who checks your background will see that you were found guilty of driving under the influence—a result that can seriously threaten future employment, housing, and educational opportunities. 

You can also expect your auto insurance rates to be affected by your DUI conviction. Once your insurer learns of your activity, your rates are sure to skyrocket. In fact, it’s not uncommon for DUI offenders to be charged two to three times more for coverage due to their “high-risk” status.

Fortunately, being arrested for DUI does not mean you will be convicted of the crime. With help from a skilled defense attorney, you may be able to reduce your charges to a lesser offense, or even avoid a conviction altogether.

As one of the most experienced DUI defense firms in the state, the Law Offices of Webb and Willis is well-versed in Georgia’s drunk driving laws and attorneys Lee Webb and Greg Willis will put this knowledge to work for you. For proof of our success, visit the AVVO website to read what our former clients have to say.

Don’t let one mistake jeopardize your future. Contact Mr. Webb and Mr. Willis today for a free, no-obligation consultation on your case. With 24/7 availability via phone, text message, email, and Facebook, there’s no reason to wait. Let two of the top DUI defense lawyers in the state evaluate your case and start working on your defense.

Call Us Today: (770) 239-1685

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