Trusted Legal Help for DUI Charges in Georgia
Attorney Scott Fortas has been defending individuals charged with DUI in Georgia since 2007. With a deep understanding of state DUI laws and courtroom procedures, our legal team is committed to building strong defenses tailored to each client’s unique situation. If you’re dealing with a DUI arrest, or facing serious legal consequences, contact us for a free consultation.
📞 Call (404) 315-9936 anytime, 24/7, or click here to request a free DUI case review.
Understanding Georgia DUI Laws
Georgia’s DUI laws are strict and come with severe penalties. Knowing these laws is crucial if you find yourself facing a DUI charge.
Key Points of Georgia DUI Laws
- Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) Limits: In Georgia, a BAC of 0.08% or higher if you are over 21, is illegal. For commercial drivers, the limit is 0.04%, and for drivers under 21, it is 0.02%.
- Implied Consent Law: By driving in Georgia, you automatically consent to chemical tests to determine your BAC. Refusing these tests can result in a one-year license suspension.
- Penalties for DUI: First-time offenders can face fines up to $1,000, jail time up to 12 months, mandatory DUI education programs, and community service. Repeat offenders face harsher penalties, including longer jail time and higher fines.
Potential Consequences and Outcomes of a DUI Charge
- Criminal Penalties: Jail time, fines, community service, and mandatory DUI education programs.
- Administrative Penalties: License suspension, increased insurance rates, and installation of an ignition interlock device.
- Long-term Impact: A DUI conviction can affect your employment opportunities, ability to obtain certain licenses, and can result in a permanent criminal record.
Frequently Asked Questions About DUI Charges in Georgia
What should I do if I get pulled over for DUI?
Stay calm and respectful. Provide your license, registration, and proof of insurance. You may politely decline to answer questions and ask to speak with an attorney. Avoid discussing alcohol use.
Can I say no to a breath or field sobriety test?
You can refuse; however, Georgia’s Implied Consent Law allows the state to suspend your license for up to one year simply for declining the test.
What are the penalties for a first DUI conviction?
You could face jail time, fines, community service, DUI education classes, and a suspended license. Additional consequences may apply depending on your specific case.
How will a DUI affect my future?
It can raise your insurance costs, impact job prospects, and result in a criminal record. For drivers under 21, the consequences are even more severe due to Georgia’s zero-tolerance policy.
Why You Need a Georgia DUI Attorney
Legal Experience That Matters
With years of courtroom experience, Attorney Scott Fortas understands what it takes to build an effective defense in DUI cases. He’s well-versed in Georgia’s DUI statutes and has successfully handled hundreds of cases.
Personalized Legal Strategy
No two DUI cases are the same. Our approach is never one-size-fits-all. We take the time to analyze the evidence, challenge weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, and design a legal strategy focused on the best possible outcome for you.
Protecting Your Legal Rights
From the moment you’re pulled over to your final court date, your rights must be upheld. We’ll ensure due process is followed and that your side of the story is heard in court.
Reducing or Avoiding Penalties
An experienced DUI lawyer knows how to negotiate with prosecutors and may help get charges reduced, or even dismissed, depending on the circumstances.
Buzzed Driving vs. Drunk Driving: The Legal Reality
The Dangers of Buzzed Driving
Driving after “just a couple of drinks” might not push your BAC over 0.08%, but it can still impair your judgment and motor skills. Georgia law allows officers to charge drivers with a DUI even if they are tested and found to be under the legal limit. This is known as a “Less Safe” DUI.
What the Law Says
- Field Tests: Officers can require field sobriety tests if they suspect impairment.
- Less Safe DUI: If you’re driving erratically or fail those tests, a charge can be made—even if your BAC is under 0.08%.
- Accidents and Injuries: If buzzed driving leads to a crash, legal liability increases, especially in cases involving injuries or fatalities.
Drunk Driving: Clear-Cut and Costly
Driving with a BAC of 0.08% or more brings serious consequences:
- Stronger Penalties: Higher fines, longer jail terms, and steeper community service requirements.
- License Suspension: You have only 30 days from the date of your arrest to request a hearing to stop an automatic license suspension. Failing to act means losing your license.
- Repeat Offenses: A second or third DUI can lead to felony charges, extended jail time, and permanent license revocation.
Even low levels of alcohol can impair your ability to drive safely. Everyone processes alcohol differently, so the safest option is always to avoid drinking and subsequently, driving, no matter how little.
Start Your Defense Today – Free DUI Case Evaluation
If you’ve been charged with DUI in Georgia, above all, know that you don’t have to face it on your own. Let Attorney Scott Fortas and our legal team fight to protect your future.
📞 Call us anytime at (404) 315-9936 for a confidential consultation, or complete our online form to request your free DUI case review.
We’ll listen to your concerns, review your case in detail, and walk you through your legal options, step by step. Our goal is to help you move forward with confidence—and with your rights intact.
