You know what a DUI is and what the first one cost you. You paid the fines, took the classes, thought it was behind you, then this happened. A Second DUI Charge in Georgia.
This is not your first DUI offense, but it is the first time you are experiencing these penalties. You worry about what effects they may have. You wonder if they can be lessened.
In Georgia, a Second DUI Charge can be lessened. It requires an adept attorney, and it requires action.
Second DUI offenses are some of the cases that we have the most experience with at Downie Law, LLC. Here is what you should know about a Second DUI Charge.
If you are arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) with a previous DUI conviction within the past ten years, you have a Second DUI charge in Georgia. Georgia applies the “lookback” rule to DUI’s, which means the courts consider only the past ten years when calculating if a DUI falls under a Second DUI charge.
If your first conviction was in the last 5 years, it is a Second DUI Charge in 5 Years. If it was in the last 10 years, it is a Second DUI Charge in 10 Years in Georgia. They are both serious offenses with mandatory penalties.
A second DUI offense will result in the mandatory penalties of jail time, more fines, longer suspension of your driver’s license, more community service, a longer stay in DUI School, and more years of probation.
What are the consequences for a 2nd DUI in Georgia?
The penalties are as follows:
Yes. Everyone can see that you have two DUIs- your job, your insurance, your future.
Yes. There are ways to lower penalties for a Second DUI in Georgia.
Challenging Evidence. A defense attorney can challenge the legality of the stop. It is possible to suppress evidence if your rights were violated. This can result in the charge being lessened or even dismissed.
Bargaining with the DA. A defense attorney can also plea bargain. It is possible for them to get the charge lessened to a simple reckless driving charge.
Alternative Sentencing. It is also possible to argue for some alternative sentencing to satisfy the penalties, such as treatment programs, community service, or even house arrest instead of jail time.
Administrative Hearing. You have the right to request an administrative hearing to dispute your driver's license suspension; however, you only have 30 days to do so. A defense attorney can take care of this for you.
It is extremely rare to get 2nd DUI with no jail time. The least that can be expected is 72 hours of jail time. While it is possible to do a work release or weekend jail, it will not be avoided entirely.
What happens the second time someone gets a DUI? They get the penalties listed above. Insurance costs go up. They can lose their job and get a criminal record.
What happens after a DUI? Not everyone goes to jail right away. Many people are able to post bail until their court date, where they will face penalties.
What happens if you get a DUI twice? For law enforcement, it's nearly impossible to get hired. Most agencies have strict hiring standards. A DUI can disqualify you from becoming a police officer.
Two DUI Charges and Double DUI Charge mean the same thing: a second DUI. The consequences are the same.
A Second Drink Driving Charge means a second DUI. The consequences are the same.
Trying to navigate a Second DUI Charge by yourself is extremely difficult. A lawyer will defend your rights as best they can. They will investigate the case to find the evidence in your favor. A lawyer will negotiate a deal with the prosecutor.
People who have a Second DUI Charge in Georgia come to us. We know the law and the consequences. We defend our clients. We offer free consultations. We can go over your case and the options you have.
Absolutely. Having two DUIs impacts your career, insurance, and infrastructure.
There is a probable jail sentence, a fine, a period of probation, community service, DUI school for DUIs, having one’s license suspended, and an interlock system for your vehicle.
It is nearly impossible. Almost all police departments have firm cutoffs.
One will face strict sentencing, increased insurance costs, and a valid criminal record.
One cannot assume that. Persons do post bond, but the state will implement judicial remedies.
A Second DUI Charge In Georgia is serious. Its penalties are severe. It is possible to lessen the severity of the penalties with the appropriate legal defense.
Downie Law, LLC provides legal defense for a second DUI. We can help guide you through this. If you are in need of representation for a second DUI, contact our offices today.