Multiple DUIs
Most people will agree that driving while intoxicated is a bad idea, but everyone makes mistakes. A single DUI will be a painful experience, but it probably won’t disrupt your life too much. If it is your second, third or fourth DUI conviction, then your prospects are dramatically worse. With each subsequent DUI, you could be punished with massive fines, loss of license and sizeable jail sentences.
There are certain minimums that each state requires when it comes to punishing a DUI. The closer you can get your penalties to these minimums the better off you are but for that, you will need a DUI attorney. An experienced DUI attorney can negotiate on your behalf to get the least penalties possible and if you are not happy with those then they can take your case to court.
Our DUI attorneys have years of experience representing clients in these types of cases, and we would be happy to discuss your case with you. Now is not the time to go it alone. Contact our Atlanta, Georgia law office today to set up a free consultation with one of our DUI lawyers and find out how they can help you with your criminal case.
Is.08% Blood Alcohol Content the Golden Rule When it Comes to Legal Intoxication?Most states do use.08% as a guideline but it depends on your age and status as well. If you are:
- Under 21 years of age - the limit is.02%
- 21 or older - the limit is.08%
- A commercial driver - the limit is.04%
The main things that will change depending on your past offenses are how long you will lose your license for, how much you will have to pay in fines and how long you may have to be in jail. It breaks down like this:
- If it is your first DUI in ten years then the minimums will be 24 hours of jail time, a 300$ fine and up to a year of license suspension. Find out more on our other page, HERE.
- If it is your second DUI in ten years then the minimums will be 3 days of jail time, a 600$ fine and 3 years of license suspension. Find out more on our other page, HERE.
- If it is your third DUI in ten years then the minimums will be 15 days of jail time, a 1,000$ fine, and 5 years of license suspension
- If it is your fourth DUI in ten years then the minimums will be one year of jail time, a 1,000$ fine and indefinite license suspension
Keep in mind that these are the best you can hope for when it comes to penalties in multiple DUI cases. Without proper representation by an experienced DUI defense attorney, the outcome can be much worse.
Habitual ViolatorIf you get three DUI charges within a five-year period, you will be declared a habitual violator. This is not a criminal charge, but it is a change in status that will have a severe impact on your life.
If you become a habitual violator, your license will be revoked for five years, although you may be eligible for a probationary license after two years. To reinstate your license after the five years are up, you must complete an alcohol and drug risk reduction program, re-take the driver's tests, complete a driver improvement clinic, and pay a fee of up to $410.
Any further DUI charges you receive as a habitual violator will be charged under Georgia DUI law as felonies, punishable by a minimum of one year of jail time, a fine of $1,000, and indefinite license suspension. Additionally, if you kill or seriously injure another person while driving under the influence as a habitual violator, you will face more severe penalties, with a minimum of three years in jail per person killed or injured.