Georgia DUI 3rd Offense
The stakes are high if you are facing a Georgia DUI 3rd offense. In addition to increased jail time and fines, your license will be suspended for a significant period of time. The only way to avoid the effects of a driving under the influence conviction is to fight your charges. By hiring an attorney who specializes in drunk driving defense, you can benefit from his or her years of training and knowledge.
Judges must follow the court’s “mandatory minimum” guidelines during sentencing; however, they may impose a harsher sentence depending on the circumstances of the case. For example, the mandatory minimum for a Georgia DUI 3rd offense is 15 days, though you could be sentenced to 120 days to 12 months in jail. You will also be put on probation for 12 months, less any actual jail time served.
The fines for a 3rd offense may range from $1000-$5000, in addition to any statutory surcharges. Community service may be ordered and you may be required to get an assessment for substance abuse—if recommended after the assessment, you may have to receive treatment.
As a punishment for habitual offenders, you could be required to pay $25 to have your name, addresses, arrest information, and photo published in your local paper.
For a 3rd offense, you may face a five-year license revocation, though you may apply for a license reinstatement after two years if you attend DUI School and receive substance abuse counseling. You may also be ordered to have an ignition interlock device installed in the dashboard of your vehicle for six months. While your license is revoked, you must turn over the license plates for any vehicles in your name; however you may apply for a hardship plate if another family member is dependent on or co-owns the vehicle.
Hope still exists, even if you are facing your 3rd DUI charge. Our lawyers will review all of the evidence, including the police reports, results of the chemical test, and performance on the field sobriety tests to uncover facts that may be used in your defense. We also have access to a team of expert witnesses who can investigate your case and present compelling testimony to the jury on your behalf.
Don’t face your DUI charges on your own. Contact our law office today for a free consultation with one of our experienced defense attorneys.
