Atlanta DUI Lawyer

You are presumed innocent until proven guilty, even with two prior DUI convictions.  However, if you are convicted of a third DUI, then you are facing at least 15 days in jail, which can cost you your job.

Third DUI Penalties

As measured from the dates of previous arrests for which convictions were obtained or pleas of nolo contendere were accepted to the date of the current arrest for which a conviction is obtained or a plea of nolo contendere is accepted, within the previous ten years

• $1,000-$5,000 fine plus any statutory charges
• 12 months active probation
• 120 days to 12 months in jail (the judge may suspend all but 15 days)
• 12 months “hard suspension” (total loss of driving privileges for the first 12 months)
• 18 months mandatory suspension before eligible for probationary license. If it is a third conviction within five years, you can expect a five-year license suspension.  Deemed a habitual violator.  Eligible for reinstatement at the end of the 5-year period (regular driver’s license).
• License reinstatement fee. Reinstatement is possible after 18 months if you have completed DUI school, the clinical evaluation, and the treatment program.  As a condition of your license reinstatement, you must have an interlock ignition device installed in your vehicle for six months.
• DUI Alcohol or Drug Risk Reduction program and all associated costs
• Minimum of 30 days of community service
• Photograph in the newspaper with a $25 notice fee
• Possible imprisonment for up to 1 year
• No limited driving permit
• Surrender license plates