The criminal courts in Georgia can hand down numerous penalties in driving under the influence (DUI) cases. Defendants are at risk of jail time or probation. They may have to pay fines and cover court costs.
It is also standard practice in most cases to impose a driver’s license suspension and require the installation of an ignition interlock device (IID) in a defendant’s vehicle. Those facing licensing penalties in a DUI scenario may need help taking action to preserve their driving privileges due to a conviction or an administrative license suspension.
What can the courts order?
The circumstances leading to the DUI arrest influence what penalties the courts can hand down. In scenarios where people caused crashes that resulted in injury to others or when there were other aggravating factors, such as multiple prior DUI convictions on their record, the penalties they face can be more serious.
A first DUI conviction can lead to the loss of a driver’s license for 12 months. Drivers can sometimes apply for license reinstatement after serving the first 120 days of their suspension. The motorist must complete a special educational program and pay a reinstatement fee to regain their license. Those with two prior offenses could lose their driver’s licenses for up to five years.
Drivers typically have to install an IID in their vehicles when they regain their driving privileges. They have to pay to install and regularly calibrate the device. They could be at risk of additional penalties if police officers catch them driving a vehicle without an IID installed.
Regaining driving privileges fully after a DUI conviction requires careful adherence to specific procedures. Those who avoid a conviction in the first place have the best chances of retaining their driving privileges without interruption.
Drivers can’t appeal the penalties handed down by the courts after a conviction, but they can appeal an administrative license suspension after their arrest in some cases. Acting within 30 days of arrest is necessary. People can also appeal a license suspension for an alleged chemical test refusal, although the deadline in such cases is only 10 business days.
Securing the right assistance as soon as possible after a DUI arrest can help people avoid a conviction and limit the practical consequences of DUI charges, including driver’s license suspension and IID requirements. Motorists who are proactive about preserving their privileges can potentially limit the long-term consequences of a recent DUI arrest.