Georgia is known for having some of the strictest penalties for DUI offenses in the U.S. Even for a first offense the laws allow for the imposition of harsh sentences.
Facing a DUI can be a worrying time. You may be concerned about how it will affect you legally as well as the personal and professional implications that a conviction can bring. The best thing you can do in this situation is to understand what the laws are and what you’re facing.
The laws call for mandatory jail time
Georgia’s strict DUI laws can result in jail time even for a first offense. From a second offense onwards, there’s a mandatory jail time of at least 48 hours and this minimum increases for every subsequent conviction. With a maximum period of a year available in sentencing, the seriousness of the offense itself will determine the length of the sentence taking into account aggravating and mitigating factors.
A third offense declares you a habitual violator
This means that you face additional penalties as a result. This includes:
- Publishing of your name, photograph and address in the local newspaper at your own expense
- Seizure of your license plate which will be sent to the Department of Motor Vehicles
- Completion of a drug or alcohol treatment program if the court deems it necessary and appropriate for you to do so
What can you do to mitigate these penalties?
When it comes to fighting your DUI case, you may have significant mitigation you can put forward and a valid defense. There may also be issues with the prosecution’s case and the evidence it is presenting that you can challenge. Having legal help with this process gives you the best possibility of success in fighting the charges.