Driving under the influence (DUI) is a serious offense in Georgia, and a felony DUI conviction can have severe consequences for your driver’s license. A felony DUI occurs when a driver is charged with driving under the influence and has previously been convicted of DUI or has other aggravating factors in their case, such as causing an accident that resulted in serious injury or death.
In Georgia, a felony DUI conviction carries a mandatory minimum sentence of one year in prison, a fine of up to $5,000, and a license suspension of at least five years. However, the consequences of a felony DUI conviction go beyond the criminal penalties. Your driver’s license will also be affected, and it may be suspended or revoked, depending on the circumstances of your case.
License Suspension
If you are convicted of felony DUI in Georgia, your driver’s license will be suspended for at least five years. This means that you will not be able to drive legally during that time, and you will need to find alternative transportation. After the suspension period is over, you may be required to complete a DUI education program and pay a reinstatement fee before your license can be restored.
License Revocation
If you have multiple DUI convictions on your record or if you caused a serious accident while driving under the influence, your driver’s license may be revoked instead of suspended. This means that your license will be canceled, and you will need to reapply for a new one once the revocation period is over. The length of the revocation period depends on the specifics of your case, but it can be as long as ten years.
Ignition Interlock Devices
In some cases, a driver may be required to install an ignition interlock device (IID) on their vehicle as a condition of their driver’s license reinstatement. An IID is a breathalyzer device that is connected to the vehicle’s ignition system. The driver must blow into the device before starting the car, and if alcohol is detected, the car will not start. IIDs can be costly to install and maintain, and they can be embarrassing and inconvenient to use.
Additionally, a felony DUI conviction can have long-term consequences on your personal and professional life. Having a criminal record can make it difficult to find employment, obtain a professional license, or even find a place to live. It can also impact your ability to travel, as some countries may deny entry to individuals with a criminal record.
Therefore, it is crucial to take DUI charges seriously and seek legal representation as soon as possible. A skilled DUI attorney can review the evidence against you, identify any potential defenses, and work to negotiate a plea bargain or reduce the charges against you.
If you have been arrested for DUI in Georgia, it is essential to remember that you have rights. You have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney. It is in your best interest to exercise these rights and seek the guidance of an experienced DUI attorney.
A felony DUI conviction can have severe consequences on your driver’s license and your life. It is crucial to understand the potential consequences and take steps to protect your rights and your future. If you are facing DUI charges in Georgia, seek legal representation as soon as possible to help minimize the impact on your life.
Willis Law Firm can provide legal representation and guidance to individuals facing felony DUI charges and the potential impact on their driver’s license in Georgia. Our experienced DUI attorneys can help you understand your legal rights and options, including potential defenses and plea bargains.
We can assist with the following:
License suspension and revocation: Our attorneys can help you navigate the complex process of license suspension or revocation, including filing the appropriate paperwork and requesting a hearing to contest the suspension or revocation.
Ignition interlock device (IID): If you are required to install an IID in your vehicle as a condition of license reinstatement, our attorneys can help you understand the process and requirements for installation and maintenance.
DUI education program: If you are required to complete a DUI education program as a condition of license reinstatement, our attorneys can help you find an approved program and ensure that you complete it within the required timeframe.
Plea bargaining: Our attorneys can work with the prosecutor to negotiate a plea bargain that reduces the charges against you and minimizes the impact on your driver’s license and your life.
Defending your case: Our attorneys can review the evidence against you and identify any potential defenses, including challenging the validity of the DUI test or questioning the legality of the traffic stop.
At Willis Law Firm, we understand the seriousness of felony DUI charges and the potential impact on your life. We are committed to providing personalized, compassionate legal representation to help you through this difficult time. Contact us today for a consultation to discuss your case and how we can help.