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DUI Penalties From Negotiations to Trial, We're Focused On Winning Your Case

Georgia DUI Penalties

Learn About the Penalties for a Georgia DUI Conviction

Over the past few years, DUI (Driving Under the Influence) penalties in the state of Georgia have increased in severity. Drivers who are facing multiple DUI charges or who have caused an accident resulting in serious injury or death can expect to be sentenced to fines, jail time, and--depending on the circumstances--felony DUI charges.

Are you facing DUI penalties in Georgia? Call (912) 417-5008 or reach out here online to schedule a meeting with our experienced lawyers.

What Are the Penalties for DUI in Georgia?

The penalties for a DUI conviction in Georgia can vary based on the number of prior offenses. Here are the potential penalties for first, second, third, and fourth DUI offenses:

First DUI Offense

  • Fine ranging from $300 to $1,000
  • Driver's license suspension for up to 1 year
  • Mandatory completion of a DUI Alcohol or Drug Use Risk Reduction Program
  • Up to 1 year of probation
  • Possible jail time of up to 1 year (at the judge's discretion)

Second DUI Offense

  • Fine ranging from $600 to $1,000
  • Driver's license suspension for up to 3 years
  • Mandatory completion of a DUI Alcohol or Drug Use Risk Reduction Program
  • Minimum of 72 hours of jail time (up to 1 year)
  • Up to 1 year of probation
  • Possible installation of an ignition interlock device on your vehicle
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Our top priority is to devise customized legal strategies that are tailored to the unique legal needs of our clients, no matter how simple or complicated their situations, might be.

  • Dismissed State Court: Possession of Alcohol by a Minor
  • Dismissed State Court: Obstruction
  • Dismissed Municipal Court: No Tag
  • Dismissed Superior Court: Possession of a Schedule 1 Controlled Substance
  • Dismissed Municipal Court: Driving on the Wrong Side of the Roadway
  • Dismissed State Court: Simple Battery Domestic Violence
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At Schneider Lerch, LLC, you have an entire legal team on your side when dealing with serious criminal matters. We are ready to help you obtain the best possible outcome in your case.

When Is a DUI a Felony in GA?

Generally, a DUI is considered a misdemeanor offense in Georgia. However, it can be elevated to a felony under certain circumstances.

Here are the situations in which a DUI can be classified as a felony in Georgia:

Fourth DUI Conviction

If an individual has been convicted of 3 prior DUI offenses within the past ten years, a fourth DUI will be charged as a felony. The previous DUI convictions can be from any state, not just limited to Georgia.

DUI With Serious Injury or Death

If a person causes serious bodily injury or death to another individual while driving under the influence, they can be charged with felony DUI. A conviction for DUI with a serious injury can result in a prison sentence between 1 and 15 years while getting convicted of DUI vehicular manslaughter is punishable by imprisonment for up to 20 years.

Habitual Violator

A person who has been designated as a habitual violator due to multiple traffic-related convictions, including DUIs, may face felony charges if caught driving under the influence again. Habitual violator status in Georgia usually results from accumulating three or more major traffic offense convictions within 5 years. A DUI conviction for a habitual violator can lead to imprisonment for up to 5 years, fines not exceeding $5,000, and/or license suspension for up to 10 years.

Start Your Defense Today

If you or a loved one has been arrested for Georgia DUI violations, you must Schneider Lerch, LLC immediately. Our attorneys understand your situation, and they know how much a DUI arrest can impact your life and livelihood. That is why we take the time to thoroughly evaluate and analyze your situation and work diligently to prepare your defense. Whether that includes presenting additional evidence, challenging sobriety, and breathalyzer test results, suppressing key evidence, or challenging any other part of the DUI process, we aggressively pursue all legal options to provide high-quality representation.

Call (912) 417-5008 today or contact us online. Your initial case review is free.

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Reasons to Hire Schneider Lerch, LLC
  • Misdemeanor & Felony Charges
    No matter high how the stakes may be, there is nothing that our defense attorneys cannot handle.
  • Former Prosecutor
    Working as a prosecutor gave Attorney Schneider valuable insight into how to develop and prosecute cases.
  • Trial Attorneys
    Our seasoned attorneys have handled thousands of trials. Their knowledge and experience have proven to be successful in the courtroom.
  • Over 40 Years of Combined Experience
    With many years of dedicated criminal law experience, our attorneys know the main concerns many people have when they're in this situation.

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See How We Have Helped Our Clients

At Schneider Lerch, LLC, your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our clients have to say about working with us.

    “Great DUI Representation.”
    I wish to sing the praises of my Savannah Attorney, Courtney Reynolds Lerch in Defense of my DUI Case that began in 2015 and was totally completed in 2019. From my arrest to receipt of the Court Completion Certificate Courtney demonstrated her competence assuring me of the very maximum result with a minimum of total cost. Thank you again Courtney! Ron
    Ron M.
    “Expertise and Experience”
    “They provided expertise and experience to review all evidence and lack thereof which helped me make a sound decision to not accept a plea and take my case to trial. Case dismissed before it even started!”
    Randy E.
    “I would not only recommend Courtney, but I would not use anyone else for my defense needs.”
    “I would not only recommend Courtney, but I would not use anyone else for my defense needs.”
    Rick
    “You can expect the best care possible”
    I needed a lawyer badly – Schneider Lerch, LLC was wonderful with all phases. I was most satisfied by the ease of working with Schneider Lerch, LLC. I absolutely felt that my attorney was well-educated in the subject matter of my case, and he supplied all the information that I needed. ­­­­When I refer my family, friends, and associates to Schneider Lerch, LLC, they can expect the best care possible.
    Past Client
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    I didn't have any doubts or concerns that Schneider Lerch, LLC couldn't help me. Thank you from the bottom of my heart! I appreciate all the hard work!
    Past Client
    “I felt that the firm was fully invested in my case”
    Mr. Schneider and his team really seemed to care about me and my future and were always easy to get in touch with. I felt that the firm was fully invested in my case and would do everything in its power to ensure the best possible outcome. Of all the bad choices I have made in my life, picking Schneider Lerch, LLC to represent me definitely wasn’t one of them!
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    He definitely met my expectations, above and beyond. So thankful to have had your help!
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    I felt like my attorney was well-educated on the subject matter of my case, and my expectations were met. Schneider Lerch, LLC was responsive, they kept in communication with me and were easy to get a hold of. They also provided honest and direct answers.
    Past Client