What Happens When You Get A DUI in Georgia?

By Sarah Sevcech

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DUI

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Last Modified on Feb 20, 2026

Being arrested for Driving Under the Influence (DUI) in Georgia can be confusing and overwhelming, especially if it is your first encounter with the justice system. Georgia enforces strict DUI laws, so even a single arrest can have serious penalties and a lasting impact on your freedom. If you’ve been arrested for suspected impaired driving, it’s important to know what happens when you get a DUI in Georgia.

Understanding DUI Charges in Georgia

Because DUIs result in almost 30% of traffic deaths in Georgia, charges of this nature are prosecuted harshly, regardless of whether it’s your first offense.

In Georgia, you can be charged with a DUI if you are driving while under the influence of alcohol or other drugs, such as marijuana, or if you are alleged to be a less safe driver. This can be determined through the presence of alcohol or drugs in your breath, blood, or urine. You could have a DUI case if your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is:

• 08% or higher for drivers 21 years or older
• Below 0.08%, but your alcohol consumption dangerously impaired your driving
• 02% for drivers younger than 21 years
• 04% for commercial drivers

What Happens After a DUI Arrest Occurs in Georgia?

Immediately after an arrest for suspected impaired driving in Georgia, the arresting officer will request you to submit to a chemical test. The type of test can vary, but could include breath, urine, or blood tests that identify the levels of alcohol and other substances in your body.

If law enforcement decides that they have enough evidence to move forward with your charges, your case begins with an arraignment, where your charges will formally be read out to you, but most often times this step in the process is waived when you have legal counsel. From there, you can plead guilty or not guilty, and wait to see whether your case can be settled outside of court or if it your attorney will argue motions on your behalf or set the case for a trial. It’s imperative that you hire an experienced DUI lawyer as soon as you are facing impaired driving charges in Georgia.

In addition, an experiences DUI attorney will handle your potential administrative license suspension (ALS) through the office of state administrative hearings, which begins with an appeal to the Department of Driver Services. Depending on your history, age and circumstances, you may also have the option to install an interlock device on your vehicle during the pendency of your case to avoid the ALS process. This decision can heavily affect the outcome of your case and it is imperative to discuss the difference between these two options with an experienced DUI lawyer.

What Happens to Your Driver’s License After a DUI Conviction in Georgia?

Your driver’s license is typically confiscated when you are arrested for a DUI in Georgia. While you await hearings, you will be given a temporary, 30-day license. During these 30 days, you must request an Administrative License Suspension (ALS) hearing or choose to install an ignition interlock device (IID) in your vehicle. If you don’t act within the 30-day time limit, your license will be suspended automatically.

An ALS hearing is separate from your criminal case, as it only focuses on your ability to drive. Your attorney can try to appeal the suspension and can use a variety of defenses that challenge your charges. Choosing to install an IID is another option that can be used to avoid license suspension. With an IID permit, you can install an IID and give a breath sample before starting your car, and randomly while driving.

DUI Penalties in Georgia

If your case goes to trial, a judge will decide your penalties if you are convicted. Penalties can vary depending on the severity of your case and whether it was your first DUI. Your lawyer can advocate for lesser penalties that can help you move on after a DUI conviction.

Penalties for a first-time DUI conviction in Georgia could include:

• 24 hours to one year in jail
• Fines
• Community service
• Driver’s license suspension up to one year
• $210 driver’s license reinstatement fee

Penalties for second or third DUI convictions are more serious, involving longer sentences and license suspensions, heavier fines, and more community service hours. If you are facing a repeat DUI offense in Georgia, hiring legal aid as soon as possible is critical to ensure you can protect your future.

How a DUI Lawyer From Sevcech Law Can Help You

A Georgia DUI attorney is your strongest source of advice, guidance, and advocacy throughout a DUI investigation and trial. A lawyer from our firm can:

• Protecting your rights during an investigation
• Assessing the prosecution’s evidence and finding holes in it
• Assessing whether law enforcement officers violated your rights during your arrest
• Evaluating whether the prosecution even has enough evidence to pursue the charges against you
• Negotiating for reduced charges
• Fighting to protect your driving rights and criminal record
• Collecting evidence on your behalf

FAQs

How Long Does a DUI Conviction Stay on Your Record in Georgia?

A DUI in Georgia will stay on your driving and criminal record permanently. Georgia does not generally allow individuals to expunge a DUI. This means employers, landlords, schools, and others who run a background check can see that you have a DUI on your record when you apply for new opportunities. To avoid lasting penalties and a criminal record, hire a DUI lawyer who can fight for your rights as soon as you face charges.

How Long Will My License Be Suspended After a DUI Conviction in Georgia?

For a first DUI conviction in Georgia, your license can be suspended for up to 12 months. However, you may be able to apply for reinstatement after 120 days by completing a DUI risk reduction program and paying the fees. For second or third convictions, the suspension is longer and requires the installation of an interlock device prior to reinstating your driving privileges. Your lawyer can help you fight license suspensions and secure your right to drive in Georgia again.

How Soon Should I Contact a DUI Lawyer After an Arrest in Georgia?

You should contact a Georgia DUI lawyer from Sevcech Law as soon as you are arrested. An experienced defense lawyer can advise you of your rights, help you understand the charges against you, and ensure you don’t say or do anything that makes your case more complicated. The sooner you hire a DUI lawyer, the sooner they can begin pulling apart the prosecution’s evidence and fighting for reduced or dismissed charges.

Hire a DUI Lawyer in Georgia You Can Trust

Don’t face a DUI charge in Georgia alone. Contact Sevcech Law today to learn how our knowledge of DUI laws and extensive litigation experience can protect your future.