2024 How Much Does A DUI Cost in Georgia?

Getting a DUI in Georgia can be devastating to your economic and social future. The stigma of a conviction alone can be enough to harm your professional relationships and your reputation. It can cost more than you expect, especially when you consider the long-term damage that a DUI can cost you in subsequent years. It is vital that you ask yourself, “How much does a DUI cost in Georgia?” The total answer may surprise you, but you need to fully understand what is at stake for you.

How Much Does a DUI Cost in Georgia?

Essentially, a DUI can cost you a great deal. The financial cost alone can be a setback for most people. You must consider legal fees, various losses, and court costs, among other important factors. The amount that your DUI can end up costing you is going to be unique to your case. Every DUI case is different, with each case having its own specific set of circumstances, details, and fees associated with it. What you may pay could be wildly different from someone else’s fees for a similar case.

Georgia state law declares a person to be drunk behind the wheel if they are pulled over by police, given a breathalyzer test, and found to have a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. At that point, you will be arrested and charged with a DUI. You should seriously consider calling a lawyer at that point, as you may be on the verge of losing a lot of money, as well as your reputation and various opportunities if things do not go your way.

Here are some of the costs that a DUI can bring to your life:

• Bail: Early on in the stages of your case, you may have to pay bail to be released before your trial. You may have to have someone pay bail on your behalf. Depending on the circumstances of your arrest and your past criminal history, your bail could be wildly expensive.
• Your Car: When you are arrested for a DUI, your car is towed by the police and impounded. You will have to pay the total costs to have your car removed from the impound lot, and those costs can be high.
• Insurance Premiums: A DUI has the potential to greatly increase your car insurance rates. In some cases, your insurance carrier may simply decide to drop you as a client or not renew your coverage. It depends on the insurer and their policy towards DUI offenders.
• Legal Fees: While you may decide not to hire a lawyer for your case, you will likely get better results if you retain legal counsel. Having someone on your side who understands what is at stake and can help defend you could only help you in the long run. Hiring a lawyer may not be cheap, but this is a necessary charge.
• Potential Fines: Depending on the outcome of your case, you may be ordered to pay a certain amount in fines to the state. A misdemeanor DUI in Georgia could carry a fine of up to $1,000, while an aggravated DUI could raise that fine up to $5,000. It depends entirely on the nature of your case and the evidence against you.

FAQs

Q: How Much Does a First Offense DUI Cost in Georgia?

A: A first-offense DUI in Georgia is likely going to be charged as a misdemeanor unless there are aggravating factors that result in someone’s injury or death. Otherwise, a misdemeanor DUI could cost you a fine of at least $1,000. This does not include the court costs, legal fees, and additional fines you could incur as a result of your conviction. It depends on the nature of your case and what the judge is prepared to fine you for.

Q: What Is the Penalty for a DUI in Georgia?

A: The penalty for a DUI in Georgia depends on a number of significant factors. These factors include your past criminal history with DUIs, any aggravating factors that were present in your case, and your lawyer’s defense strategy. For a first offense, the maximum penalty is a $1,000 fine and a year in jail. You could also face significant community service hours, probation, and a suspension of your driver’s license.

Q: Do You Lose Your License for a First Offense DUI in Georgia?

A: Yes, you will likely lose your license for your first offense DUI in Georgia. A first-offense conviction will see your license either revoked or suspended, depending on your situation. The court will hold onto it until you are allowed to get it reinstated. After the suspension period is over, you can call the Georgia Department of Driver’s Services or request a reinstatement in person.

Q: How Much Does a DUI Course Cost in Georgia?

A: The total cost of a DUI Risk Reduction Course is going to be around $360. This cost includes the assessment component, the intervention component, and a workbook. This course is designed as an intervention program for those who have been convicted of a DUI. It helps determine the extent of a subject’s alcohol use and provides them with therapeutic education.

Reach Out to an Experienced DUI Lawyer Today

Fighting a DUI charge can be tough work, especially in Georgia. Georgia takes DUI charges very seriously. A conviction could stay on your criminal record for the rest of your life. If you do not reach out to an experienced DUI lawyer to fight those charges, you could be branded forever as a drunk driver. A good lawyer can help you build a defense strategy and help you avoid the many costs that a DUI brings to your life.

The legal team at Jarrett Maillet J.D., P.C. understands the kind of legal help you will need when facing a potential DUI conviction. We have helped many clients facing DUI charges, and we can help you by building a robust defense and making sure law enforcement does not take advantage of you. Contact us to schedule a consultation as soon as you can.