Second DUI Charge In Georgia - You've Been Here Before, But This Time Is Different

You are a convicted drunk driver from several years ago. You went to school. You paid the fines. You believed it was over! This is the second time in as many years. Another arrest. Enforcement of the law – again.Law enforcement – again. An additional phone call you didn't want to make. The real news. The consequences of a Second DUI Charge in Georgia are different from the initial charge. Not even close. The punishment is more severe. The judge isn't as kind. Your destiny is in the balance. Let's discuss the charges for a second DUI and what you are facing.

What is the difference between 2 and 3 DUIs?

Simple. You already have one chance in the law. You used it up. Now the gloves are off. There is a lack of flexibility with a Second DUI Charge In Georgia within 10 years. Some crimes have minimum sentences that cannot be negotiated. The prosecutor will not be as likely to give you a break. The judge has heard the phrase ‘I'm sorry, it won't happen again' before. They don't believe it anymore. If you're wondering, what's the penalty for a second DUI in Georgia, the answer is quite plain and simple: it's serious.

What happens if I get my second DUI?

Let me tell you straight. If a person has a second DUI conviction, he will be forced to serve a minimum of 72 hours in jail. Not probation. Not community service. Actual jail time. You will be sitting inside a cell. Your driving license will be stopped for 18 months. You can get a work permit after 120 days, but that's it – work and school only. Fines will be $600-$1000 plus court costs, which can double that amount. There will be 240 hours of community service to be completed. This equals 30 full 8-hour days. Back to Plus DUI school, yet again. Plus One substance abuse evaluation. Add treatment if they indicate you need it. That's the cost of a second DUI in Georgia – and it's costly by any measure!

Do you ever have to go to jail for a second DUI?

Yes. The minimum duration of the period is 72 hours. That means that the judge cannot do anything else. You'll go to jail. For some people, it's longer. Seeks a period of weeks or months if you had a high BAC, or you were in a crash, or you had a child in the car. Don't be told by anyone that a Second DUI Charge In Georgia isn't a big deal. This is a pretty serious matter. So, if you find yourself asking what charges for a second DUI are, realize that jail time is virtually a certainty.

What About Your License?

You will have an 18-month suspension. The first 120 days are a hard suspension – NO Driving. After this, limited permission may be granted to drive to work, school, or medical appointments. That's it. No shopping. No Collection of children. No going out with friends. For 18 months. Then you'll have an interlock device on your car when you get your full license back. That's the breathalyzer you need to blow into to start your car. It's embarrassing and costly. This is one of the consequences faced for a second DUI in Georgia.

Is it possible to win a 2nd DUI?

Absolutely. The consequences are harsher, but it does not mean that one has to simply plead guilty. You have rights, as well. The case has yet to be made in the state. Was the traffic stop warranted? Were the field sobriety tests done correctly? Did the breathalyzer provide accurate results? Did you have your rights read to you? A competent attorney is familiar with how to spot issues in the state's case. With a Second DUI Charge In Georgia, you need someone fighting for you. This is no do-it-yourself job. There are defense options for a DUI in Georgia, second offense.

What are you supposed to do now?

First, don't talk to anyone about your case. Not your friends. Not social media. Not the police officer who called to inquire about you. Anything you say can be used against you. Second, you only have 30 days to appeal your Georgia driving privileges to the Georgia Department of Driver Services. If you miss that date, your license will be revoked. No second chances. Third, contact a Second DUI Charge in Georgia lawyer. Today. Not next week. Today. They can explain what the charges for a second DUI are and how to fight them.

Do You Think You'll Lose Your Job?

Depends on what you do for a living. For those who drive a job – whether it's a truck or delivery driver, or a salesperson who drives a company vehicle – yes, you could be fired. A second DUI may be a financial liability if you need to have a clean record for your work. If you are not a business driver, you may still lose your job due to the time off that you take when you go to jail, court, or for community service. This is real. The impact of a Second DUI Charge In Georgia is felt in all aspects of life. The career consequences of a second DUI in Georgia are one of the aspects to know about the penalty.

What's the Cost of This?

Consider the other expenses — fines and attorney fees. Long-term insurance coverage. The installation and rental of interlocks. Repayment of DUI school. Missed salary due to the absence. The combined total can be as high as $10,000 or higher. That's not because they wish to frighten you. That's reality. The amount of money you will have to pay for a second DUI in Georgia is the penalty.

Looking to get a head start on your future?

A Second DUI Charge In Georgia is fairly serious. It's not over, though. The Downie Law, LLC team has helped others just like you. We know the system. We know the judges. And we know how to do battle. If you have any questions about the charges for a second DUI, or if you're ready to start a defense, we're here.

Call us today for a confidential conversation. Let's see what we can do to protect your freedom and your future. You don't have to face this alone.  

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