Two types: 1. DUI by being "Less Safe" (impaired) driver by alcohol (or drugs); 2. DUI by test result showing Unlawful Alcohol level, now 0.08 grams BAC. 1st Offense: $300 to $1,000 fine, 10 days jail (must serve at least 24 hours), 12 Mos Prob'n, 40 Community Svc hours. Dvr Lic (or operating privlege in GA) suspended for 12 mos. upon conviction, with early Reinstatement if complete DUI School and $200 pay fee after 120 days, but limited work permit IF licensed in Georgia. Administrative Lic Susp (ALS) for 12 mos for 1st DUI unlawful BAC or Refusal of Test. Deadline of 10 business days to request Hearing to prevent ALS.
You Are DUI:
If your blood alcohol level (BAC) is .08 or above, you are DUI. However, you may be arrested under "less safe driver" statutes if you appear to be under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, even if your BAC is below .08.
First Offense (within a five year period):
Fine:
$300.00 -$1000.00 plus statutory surcharges (typically 15-25%).
Jail:
10 days to 12 months, all except for 24 hours may be suspended, stayed or probated.
If your BAC is less than 0.08, you may not have to do the 24 hours. If you plead guilty or are convicted of DUI, you must be placed on twelve months probation less any jail time received.
Community Service:
The law requires a minimum of 40 hours of community service unless you are under 21 years of age in which case you must do at least 20 hours. The actual time is set by the Court.
License Suspension:
On a first offense, if you do not request a hearing in 10 business days, then on the 31st day after your arrest, your driver's license will be suspended for one year. You will be able to get your license back at the end of 120 days if you have completed an alcohol/drug risk reduction course (DUI school) and paid the appropriate reinstatement fee ($200.00 via mail or $210.00 if you apply in person).
Limited Driving Permit:
During the first 120 days of suspension, you may be able to get a 30 day limited driving permit. (You cannot obtain this particular permit from a DMVS walk-In location. You must obtain it from the main DMVS office in Conyers, GA).
If you are under 21:
You are DUI if you have a BAC of .02 or above. Your license will be revoked for either 6 months (under 0.08 blood alcohol level) or 12 months (0.08 or higher) and no limited permit is allowed.
Drugs:
If you are convicted of a DUI charge that involves drugs, your driver's license will be suspended for one year, and you will not be able to get it reinstated for six months. No limited driving permit is allowed.
Refusal To Submit To Test:
If you refuse to submit to tests requested by the arresting officer(s), your license will be suspended for one year.
Commercial Licensed Driver:
If you submit to testing and the results indicate the presence of any alcohol, you will be issued an out-of-service order and will be prohibited from operating a motor vehicle for
24 hours. If the results indicate an alcohol concentration of 0.04 grams or more, you will be disqualified from operating a commercial motor vehicle for a minimum period of one year.
DUI School:
In order to reinstate your driver's license, you must attend a mandated DUI assessment procedure and 20 hours of DUI classes. The fees are approximated $75 for the assessment and $200 for the classes.
