Georgia DUI Penalties

Did you know that being arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI) is one of the most serious criminal charges a Lawrenceville driver can face? In fact, Georgia DUI penalties are some of the harshest in the nation and can alter your life forever.



When you were initially arrested for DUI, the officer who stopped you may have confiscated your driver’s license. Although your arrest triggers an automatic license suspension, you have the opportunity to appeal this suspension by requesting an administrative hearing with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). However, regardless of the outcome of this proceeding, your case will also be tried in criminal court.

Though most drivers do not realize it, there are two ways a person can be charged with DUI—the first being a “less safe” DUI violation. To be charged with this offense, the driver must behave in a way that indicates his or her driving abilities are impaired as a result of alcohol use. It is also important to note that this charge can be issued in any case where a driver shows signs of impairment, even if his or her blood alcohol content (BAC) is well below the legal 0.08% limit.

On the other hand, a “per se” DUI violation may be issued to drivers who are caught driving with a BAC above the 0.08% limit. What’s more, your driving abilities do not have to be impaired in order for you to be charged with a per se violation—all it takes is a BAC of 0.08% or more.

Regardless of which violation you receive, a DUI conviction can lead to severe penalties. For a first offense, you may be fined anywhere from $300 to $1,000, ordered to perform community service, and lose your license for up to a year. The judge may also impose up to a one-year jail sentence and/or probation, require you to complete alcohol counseling, and enroll in a DUI educational program if he or she feels such punishments are appropriate—and these penalties only increase with each subsequent conviction.

Fortunately, attorneys Lee Webb and Greg Willis are here to help you avoid many of these life-altering penalties. After successfully representing thousands of Georgia drivers like you, we have the knowledge and skill to fight your DUI arrest and help reduce or eliminate the charges against you.

Put one of Georgia’s most successful DUI defense firms to work for you. Contact the Law Offices of Webb and Willis today for a free consultation on your case. We offer affordable rates and round-the-clock availability via phone, text messaging, email, and Facebook, so there’s no better time than now to start planning your defense strategy.

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