Driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol or drugs is always a serious offense with potentially harsh penalties in Georgia. However, the possible consequences for a DUI conviction can substantially increase if you have a prior DUI conviction on your criminal record. While a 2nd DUI is still charged as a misdemeanor under Georgia DUI laws, the criminal courts take multiple offense significantly more seriously than a first-time offense. If you have been arrested and you have a previous DUI, you should contact us for 2nd DUI defense help immediately.
Under Georgia DUI laws, there is a “look back period” of ten years for the purposes of DUI charges. This means that if you had a prior conviction within the ten years before your 2nd arrest, you can be charged as a multiple offender. As in any other DUI case, the prosecutor must prove that your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) was over the legal limit of 0.08 percent or that your driving abilities were impaired. Prosecutors can use different types of evidence to do so, including the following:
In addition, if you are being charged with a 2nd DUI, the prosecutor must further prove that you had previously been convicted of DUI within the look back period.
The consequences for DUI can increase with each subsequent conviction. 2nd DUI laws in Georgia allow for the following penalties and more:
While the above penalties are already harsh, having a 2nd DUI conviction on your record can have additional effects on your life. You may lose your job if it requires you to drive, you may experience difficulty finding new employment or getting accepted to educational programs, and you will certainly face even harsher consequences if you are ever arrested for DUI again in the future. For this reason, it is always better to avoid a conviction for even a 1st DUI.
If you need DUI law help in Atlanta, your first call should be to the law office of Thomas, Webb and Willis, LLC. Our experienced legal team provides the highest quality of 2nd DUI defense and will protect your rights throughout every stage of your case. We understand how seriously a 2nd DUI conviction can affect your life and we strive to avoid conviction whenever possible. If you have been arrested, call our office today at 404-250-1113 for a free consultation.
Many people arrested for DUI feel as though they have already been pronounced guilty of a crime. If you have been charged with DUI, you should speak with expert DUI attorney Thomas J. Thomas.
750 Hammond Dr. Building 10 Suite 200
Atlanta, GA 30328
