The Georgia criminal courts have the authority to impose numerous penalties for driving under the influence (DUI) convictions. Frequently, defendants facing DUI charges worry mostly about the possibility of incarceration. They don’t want to go to jail and are eager to preserve their freedom.
However, incarceration is far from the only penalty possible after a DUI conviction. Those who plead guilty may be subject to financial penalties. The courts can also suspend their driver’s licenses. A suspended driver’s license can affect someone’s career. Being unable to drive can affect their family and their social life. It can be very expensive to use public transportation, rideshare apps and taxi services for transportation regularly. As such, the risk of losing driving privileges can make fighting DUI charges the best option for someone facing drunk driving allegations in Georgia.
The suspension could last for years
The courts look at someone’s driving history when deciding what penalties to impose for a DUI offense. Someone facing their first-ever DUI charge could lose their license for a full year. If it has been more than five years since a prior DUI offense, the Georgia criminal courts treat the new offense like a first offense.
However, those arrested for a second or subsequent DUI within five years of their last charge may face a longer license suspension. A second DUI charge within five years can cost someone their driving privileges for up to three years. If a motorist pleads guilty or gets convicted of a third offense within five years of their second charge, the driver’s license suspension could last up to five years.
Occasionally, drivers might be eligible to apply for a restricted license after serving part of a suspension. They may have to install an ignition interlock device in their vehicle and perform a test every time they want to drive.
The only sure way to avoid the loss of driving privileges is to fight the pending DUI charges. Motorists accused of drunk driving could show that a traffic stop was illegal. They could have their lawyer present medical records that raised questions about alcohol test results. There are numerous different ways to fight DUI charges in the Georgia criminal courts.
People who understand the penalties traditionally associated with DUI convictions may see the value in fighting their charges, even if they have no prior offense on their record. A desire to continue driving can be a strong motivator for a defendant facing DUI charges.
