Oftentimes, people make the choice to plead guilty after a drunk driving arrest because they think that cooperating with the state could limit the penalties they face. However, the judge presiding over their case must still impose a sentence that aligns with state law.
Someone who pleads guilty or gets convicted of a driving under the influence (DUI) infraction in Georgia might face a variety of different consequences. Depending on the circumstances, someone might face time in state facilities. They may have to undergo special educational programs and pay fines. It is also standard to suspend or revoke someone’s driver’s license.
The loss of driving privileges can be a major setback for a working professional or someone with a family. Personal transportation is often necessary to maintain a comfortable standard of living. Losing driving privileges can lead to significant expenses for transportation and logistical challenges.
People can lose their licenses for years
The more prior offenses someone has on their record, the longer the suspension of their license for a DUI offense may last. Those with multiple prior offenses might face license revocation instead of licensed suspension.
After someone’s first DUI offense within the last five years, a driver typically loses their license for 12 months. In some cases, drivers can apply for license reinstatement after 120 days. A second DUI charge within five years of a prior conviction leads to more consequences. The judge hearing the case can suspend someone’s license for up to three years. If a driver gets arrested for a third DUI within five years of their second conviction, the state could revoke their license for five years.
Even after someone regains their license, they may have to pay substantially more for insurance because of their DUI conviction. Fighting against impaired driving charges is often a better way to reduce the potential consequences, like license suspension, than pleading guilty to pending charges. Drivers aware of how the state might punish them can use that information to inspire a robust defense.