Posted by duijim in on January 2, 2023
If you’ve been arrested for a second DUI within a year Atlanta GA, you may have some questions about the penalties that you’ll face. While you’ll want to consult with a qualified attorney to find out all your options, you’ll also need to know some of the most common reasons that people get arrested for a second DUI.
Penalties for a 2nd DUI conviction in Georgia
If you’ve been arrested for a second DUI in Georgia, you can expect to face severe penalties. These can include jail time, court costs, and even the loss of your license. However, with the help of an experienced criminal defense attorney, you can protect yourself from these punishments.
In addition to the court costs and fines that are typical for DUIs, second offenses can carry a mandatory alcohol treatment program. A judge may also impose an ignition interlock device. You can’t drive until the device is installed.
The first 120 days after a DUI conviction is considered a “hard suspension”. After that, you are eligible for a limited permit to drive. This will be granted once you complete an alcohol or drug treatment program.
Second DUIs are categorized as misdemeanors in Georgia. However, a conviction can lead to the suspension of your driver’s license for up to 18 months. Depending on the judge, you could end up with a maximum of three days in jail. Alternatively, you could have a 12-month probation period.
There are also some ways to get your license back early. The minimum requirement for a second offense is an ignition interlock device, but it is not impossible to get it back sooner.
Jail time for a 2nd DUI conviction in a short amount of time
The consequences of a DUI conviction can be life-changing, and second offenses carry more severe penalties. In Georgia, you can expect to lose your license for up to 18 months, pay a fine, complete alcohol treatment, and undergo a clinical alcohol and drug evaluation.
Depending on the circumstances, the sentence for a second DUI in Georgia may be anywhere from one to twelve months in jail. While it is important to understand what you can expect, it is also necessary to realize that your future and the lives of your family are affected.
A judge has great discretion when determining a second DUI sentence. He or she will consider a number of factors, including your blood-alcohol concentration, your behavior with the police officer, and any positive steps you took since the arrest.
Unlike a first-time DUI, a second DUI will remain on your driving record for the rest of your life. This can make it difficult to get credit, apply for scholarships, and even get a job.
Once you are convicted, you will have to surrender your license tags and register your vehicle. If you refuse a chemical test, your license will be suspended for 12 months. Besides these penalties, you will be required to install an ignition interlock device in your car.
Getting help with a 2nd DUI conviction
A second DUI in Georgia can be a very serious matter. It can have a significant impact on your family, job, and future. The consequences can range from jail time to probation and fines. This is why it is important to get help from a qualified DUI attorney.
When you are arrested for a second Atlanta DUI, it is likely that your license will be suspended. The officer may ask you to take a field sobriety test. If you are convicted of a DUI, you can receive a minimum jail sentence of 72 hours. You may also face fines that range from $600 to $1,000.
Depending on your second DUI, you may be required to complete an alcohol or drug treatment program. Your Georgia DUI attorney can explain what this process will entail.
After your second DUI, your Georgia driver’s license will be suspended for at least one year. In addition, you will have to pay a $210 reinstatement fee. For a third DUI, your license will be suspended for at least five years.
You will be required to install an ignition interlock device in your car. There are also mandatory alcohol education programs.
Unlike your first DUI, your second DUI will count as a misdemeanor. However, if you are convicted of a third DUI, you will be subject to fines of $5,000 or more.