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Georgia DUI Sentencing: Georgia Lawyer Discusses DUI / DWI Penalties

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For a first DUI and a plea of guilty prior to trial, one can generally expect the following sentencing recommendation from the State:

1. 24 hours in jail (with credit for any time you were in custody following the arrest)
2. 12 months of probation (which typically will have monthly reporting requirements and fees associated with it)
3. $800 fine plus court costs and taxes
4. DUI School (also called Risk Reduction classes)
5. 40 hours of community service
6. Drug and alcohol evaluation with recommended treatment
7. Random drug and alcohol screens through probation.

If you already have a DUI on your record, you should expect the sentence to be increased. Likewise, if you have a history of alcohol related problems or a lengthy criminal history, a judge will typically increase your sentence.

Additionally, if you decide to take your DUI charge to trial and are found guilty, most judges will increase the penalties. The reason this happens is that most judges view taking it to trial when guilty as not taking responsibilities for your actions and by taking it to trial, you have made the arresting officers and a jury pool come to court for your trial. Potentially, the increase can be anywhere from a week to a month in jail and possibly an increase in fines, although ultimately, judges have a lot of discretion in the sentences they choose to impose. Technically, the maximum punishment for jail time for any misdemeanor is up to a year in jail.

The fines and costs associated with a DUI conviction often pale in comparison to the increase in car insurance costs you will likely experience and the possibility for negative impacts on your career.

Because of the serious nature of the sentencing for DUI’s, it is always a good idea to schedule a free consultation with a DUI defense lawyer in your area.

At Breakfield & Associates, Attorneys, our Georgia Criminal Defense Attorneys welcome any questions on Criminal Defense and Georgia DUI laws.  Please Call or Email us with any questions, we provide you with a confidential and free of charge consultation.

About the authors: John Breakfield and David B. Purvis are Georgia Lawyers with Breakfield & Associates, Attorneys in Gainesville, Georgia and handle various DUI / DWI and other Georgia Criminal Defense matters. The law office of Breakfield & Associates, Attorneys can assist clients throughout Georgia including: Hall County (Gainesville, Oakwood, Flowery Branch), White County (Cleveland), Barrow County (Auburn, Bethlehem, Braselton, Carl, Statham, Winder), Lumpkin County (Dahlonega), Gwinnett County (Buford, Duluth, Sugar Hill, Lawrenceville), Jackson County (Braselton, Commerce, Hoschton, Jefferson, Pendergrass), Dawson County (Dawsonville), Habersham County (Demorest, Cornelia), Clarke County (Athens) and all of Northeast Georgia.

This article and video should not be considered nor relied upon as legal advice since it is only intended for general overview and informational purposes. Please consult with an attorney on your specific situation in order to determine an appropriate legal course of action.

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