What Is the Cost of a DUI in Georgia?

What Happens When you Get a DUI for the First Time in Georgia?

Under Georgia law, driving under the influence is a misdemeanor punishable by a jail sentence of 10 days to 12 months. However, the judge can suspend the whole jail sentence except for 24 hours which is mandatory if an individual’s BAC or blood alcohol concentration exceeds the legal limit.

In addition to potential jail time, an individual can face hefty fines. Depending on the number of DUI convictions a person has had over a 10-year period, fines can range from $300 to $5,000.

Most convicted DUI drivers will have to attend the DUI Alcohol or Risk Reduction Program, also called a DUI School. It is typically a 20-hour course that can cost over $350.

A convicted driver may be required to submit to random drug or alcohol tests at their expense. That may cost you around $100 or more. In addition, community service can be a required part of your penalty. That can involve a supervision fee that is usually around $100.

Additional fines and expenses may exist if it is not your first DUI conviction. For example, drivers may be required to install an ignition interlock device on their vehicle, which comes with installation and maintenance costs and a monthly monitoring fee.

Other expenses could include towing and impoundment fees, court costs, license reinstatement fees, auto insurance surcharges, and fines for other offenses associated with the DUI charge.

The cost of a DUI in Georgia can be high and should not be taken lightly. You need an experienced attorney to help you navigate the complex legal system and minimize or avoid some of these costs as much as possible.

Philip Kim Law, P.C., specializes in DUI cases and can help you understand the costs associated with a DUI conviction in Georgia.

How Much Does a First DUI Cost in Georgia?

A DUI arrest rarely results in a person avoiding jail time. You will have to put up bail if you do not want to remain in jail longer than necessary, which can cost anything from $150 to more than $2,000. You can recover this money in the future as long as you follow all court procedures and orders.

Without a designated driver, you might have to get your car towed. Depending on the distance, towing costs can range from $50 to $200, plus daily impound fees.

In addition, you can expect your monthly automobile insurance premium to skyrocket once you’re convicted of DUI. You will be considered a high-risk driver by your insurance company. High-risk drivers can face as much as an $800 increase in insurance premiums in the first year.

Your insurer can gradually reduce your car insurance premiums if you have a clean record. However, it can take as long as three years for the amount to return to what it was before the DUI conviction.

What Is Considered an Opportunity Cost?

DUIs have costs that extend far beyond the courtroom – not all DUI costs are quantifiable.

DUI convictions in Georgia come with several opportunity costs. Because DUI convictions carry a stigma, many employers are wary of hiring or keeping someone with this record in employment. It may even affect your current job. For example, if your main job is to drive, you may no longer qualify for the required insurance.

A DUI charge can often delay certification procedures if you apply for a high clearance position in the government or another organization. The most common consequence of a DUI conviction in Georgia is disqualification from top-secret security clearances and a negative impact on military careers.

DUI convictions also come with new hurdles when it comes to travel, both personally and professionally. A DUI, for instance, is considered a felony in Canada and therefore disqualifies an individual from visiting for ten years. Your criminal record will follow you wherever you go if you are convicted of a DUI in Georgia.

Can You Lose Your Driver’s License for a First DUI in Georgia?

Yes, you can. A DUI arrest will likely result in the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) suspending your Georgia driver’s license. It will be suspended for one year if the driver is older than 21 and that is their first non-drug-related conviction for driving under the influence.

But, certain drivers may be able to get a limited license, and early license reinstatement may be requested after 120 days. However, these drivers must complete a state-approved Risk Reduction Program and pay a reinstatement fee of up to $200 for a first-offense DUI. 

When you lose your license, even for a few months, you might have to rely on public transportation, resulting in time and money costs. 

Installing an ignition interlock device is one of the requirements for getting your license back. It remains installed for a limited time but can cost up to $150, and the lease amount can be similar. 

How Can a DUI Lawyer Help?

Obtaining legal representation would be a good move for those facing Georgia DUI drugs or alcohol-related charges. It is important to note that attorney legal fees can vary from case to case, even though most attorneys work on a flat rate basis. 

Considering all the costs of a DUI conviction in one place can be overwhelming and terrifying. To avoid these costs, it is best to avoid driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Several defenses to DUI charges exist, such as an incorrect breathalyzer reading or an arresting officer’s lack of probable cause. The sooner you call an experienced DUI lawyer when you are stopped for DUI, the better your chances of successfully fighting the charges against you.

For more questions about DUI conviction costs, contact a Gwinnett County DUI attorney at Philip Kim Law, P.C.