Though most DUIs in Georgia are tried as misdemeanor offenses, a second DUI can sometimes be tried as a felony offense. This is true of a second DUI if there’s severe bodily injury or death involved, but it can even be true in some cases if there’s significant property damage. It’s important to ascertain which type of charges you’re facing, because felony penalties are much more severe, and include at least one year of imprisonment.
Whether you’re charged with a felony or misdemeanor, though, second DUI consequences include some pretty harsh penalties. First, if you’re arrested for a second DUI within 10 years of your first, your license will automatically be suspended for 3 years, without any limited driving permit. The criminal penalties, if you’re convicted, are much worse. Someone convicted of a second DUI will have to serve anywhere from 72 hours to one year in jail, pay a fine of at least $600, and typically perform 30 days of community service. Second DUI consequences also include a $210 license reinstatement fee, mandatory clinical evaluation, leading to possible completion of a substance abuse program, at the offender’s expense, and mandatory ignition interlock devices.
A knowledgeable and experienced Georgia DUI attorney knows how to fight for your rights, and get the best possible results, even if you’re facing second DUI consequences. A good attorney knows, for instance, that you can request an administrative hearing against the suspension of your license within 10 days of arrest, and may be able to have your license reinstated after 120 days if you attend a DUI program and pay a reinstatement fee. Georgia DUI lawyers know the law, and can use it to construct the best possible defense, and help you minimize the chaos a DUI charge can cause in your life.
Attorney Ray Giudice Alleviates Second DUI Consequences
If you are charged with a DUI, it’s important to fight it with every resource available. The first thing to do, especially if this is your second DUI, is to find an experienced DUI attorney, with recent trial experience, and the knowledge to competently represent you in court. With three decades of experience defending people charged with every type of DUI, Atlanta DUI attorney Raymond Giudice is a highly skilled professional who will do whatever it takes to achieve the best possible results for you.
Whether it’s your first time facing DUI charges, or you’ve been down this road before, you shouldn’t have to go it alone. Get the best possible help, by call Raymond Giudice, the DUI lawyer Atlanta trusts. Contact our office (404) 554-8800, or call Ray on his cell (404) 964-4185, to schedule an appointment for a free consultation. Our phones are answered 24 hours a day, seven days a week.