Georgia DUI Facts
Driving under the influence facts cover a wide-range of topics such as DUI statistics, jurisdictional regulations, and legal defenses effective at shielding individuals from unwarranted conviction. Georgia has laws regarding the interpretation of DUI facts and courts of law base penalties on specific case circumstances. Some of these circumstances include driver age, blood alcohol content (BAC), and prior criminal record, as well as actions at the time of arrest and any property damage or bodily injury.
The majority of the general population in the United States considers DUI a grievous offense. Approximately 40% of all fatal vehicle accidents involve alcohol. Each year, tens of thousands of people lose their lives in alcohol-related accidents. These DUI facts have given ammunition to groups such as MADD making it easier for them to pressure lawmakers into enacting stricter and more intimidating drunk-driving laws.
Georgia BAC Limits
It is illegal for Georgia drivers over the age of 21 to operate a motor vehicle with a BAC of .08% or higher. Minors can be charged with DUI for a measurable BAC over .02% because of the state’s zero tolerance laws.
DUI Driver’s License Suspension
Fair or not, a driver in Georgia can lose their license and go to jail for refusing a blood, breath, or urine test if suspected by law enforcement of driving under the influence. Why? This is because licensed drivers agree to an “implied consent” provision when accepting a driver’s license. This means that a driver consents to comply with an officer’s request to undergo testing when probable cause exists for a DUI check. The penalties for refusing to comply with DUI testing under implied consent are frequently harsher than for taking a sobriety test and failing outright.
DUI Penalties
Georgia DUI facts involved in a particular case can have a large bearing on the severity of the punishment. If a driver caused substantial property damage or personal injury during the incident, or was transporting a child, the driver may be subject to amplified penalties. These facts, as well as whether or not a driver is a repeat offender may influence whether a DUI is prosecuted as a misdemeanor or a felony offense.
After reviewing the specific DUI facts in your case, the judge may choose to sentence you to a combination of jail time, fines, loss of driving privileges, community service or probation. You may also face additional unexpected consequences, such as the loss of employment or skyrocketing insurance costs.
Don’t let a DUI arrest ruin your life. Contact an experienced defense attorney at HTW&W to discuss the facts in your Georgia DUI case today.
