Like many other states, Georgia also imposes strict laws when it comes to DUIs. Basically, the state prohibits you to drive if your blood alcohol limit is 0.8% and above. For commercial drivers and those under the age of 21, the level would be lower. It would be.02 or higher for those under 21 and 0.4 or higher for commercial vehicle drivers. Georgia also imposes the “Open Container Law” which simply means that there cannot be an open container of alcohol in a moving vehicle. The fine for this offense will be $200. Below are charges for the DUI offenses as set by this state:
First Drunk Driving Conviction
- Jail – From 10 Days to 1 Year
- Fine – From $300 – $1,000
- License Suspension – Up to 1 Year
- Community Service – 40 Hours Minimum
- License Reinstatement – $210
Second Drunk Driving Conviction
- Jail – From 90 Days to 1 Year
- Fine – From $600 to $1,000
- License Suspension – 3 Year
- Community Service – 30 Days Minimum
- License Reinstatement – $210
- Ignition Interlock Device – If Court Allows
- Complete Treatment Program or Evaluation
Third Drunk Driving Conviction
- Jail – From 120 Days to 12 Months
- Fine – From $1,000 to $5,000
- License Suspension – 5 Years
- Photo Op. – Local Newspaper Coverage of You
- Community Service – 30 Days Minimum
- License Reinstatement – $210
- Complete Treatment Program or Evaluation
Fourth Drunk Driving Conviction
- Felony Offense
- Jail – From 1 Year to 5 Years
- Fine – From $1,000 to $5,000
- Community Service – 60 Days Minimum
- Complete Treatment Program or Evaluation
The State of Georgia has also implemented the “Implied Consent Law”. This law requires drivers in the state of Georgia to submit to tests of breath, blood, urine, or other bodily fluids to find out if you are under the influence of alcohol or drugs. By refusing to take these tests, your driver’s license will get suspended for a whole year. Basically this law is like the implied consent laws in other states and has the same penalties.
As you can see from the above, the punishment gets harsher and more. You will need to undergo the complete treatment program or evaluation to help you deal with your substance abuse. This would be similar to going to school. You will need to participate in discussions; you need to be on time and you will need to undergo an evaluation as well. The classes will cover topics such as the law, the effects of alcohol and other drugs on the body and their relationship to the driving task, social and problem drinking patterns and personal action strategies to help avoid future DUI situations. In order to pass this program, you will need to make sure that all the class requirements have been met.
Like any other state, dunk driving causes you to lose more than you can gain. The best thing to do is not to drink and drive. This way you do not risk ruining your future.
