Georgia First Offense DUI Penalties

If you have been convicted of a DUI in the state of Georgia and it is your first offense here are some of the penalties you could be facing:

First Offense within a Five-Year Period

Fine

A fine of $300.00 -$1000.00 plus any statutory surcharges (typically 15-25%)

License Suspension

For those who are over 21, your driver's license will be suspended for one year. If you complete an alcohol/drug risk reduction course (DUI school) and paid the appropriate reinstatement fee, you will get your license back at the end of 120 days. During those 120 days, you will be able to get a limited driving permit.

If you were arrested for DUI and were under 21 at the time, your license will be revoked for 6 months if your BAC was under 0.08 blood alcohol level. If your BAC was 0.08 or higher, your license will be revoked for 12 months and no limited permit is allowed.

Community Service

Court may set the required minimum of 40 hours of community service for a DUI first offense. If you are under 21, the minimum requirement is 20 hours.

Jail

From 10 days to 12 months, but this can be suspended, stayed or probated. 24 hours cannot be suspended, stayed or probated.

If your BAC was 0.08, you do not even have to do the 24 hours. But this is something you cannot count on. On all DUI cases after May 1, 1999, if you plead guilty or are convicted of DUI, you must be placed on twelve months probation less any jail time received.