Another year, another crop of tougher DUI laws.
Just when you thought it wasn’t possible, the Georgia General Assembly has done it again! Not only are they throwing the book at people with a prior DUI plea or conviction, but people who have never been in trouble before are facing harsher sentences. What does this mean? It signals more jail time, higher fines, and extra helpings of DUI School for anyone convicted of driving under the influence.
In the past, a first-time offender could expect around 24 hours in jail and fines of about $300. Since July 1st, a new requirement calls for first-time offenders to complete Georgia DUI School classes at a cost of $280 for a 20-hour course. In addition, a clinical medical evaluation and completion of an alcohol treatment program is also necessary.
Before July, the “look-back” period for prior convictions in Georgia was 5 years. House Bill 336 increased this look-back period to 10 years. The look-back period helps the court establish the punishment you will receive at sentencing. In the past, if you had a DUI more than 5 years ago – you’d be sentenced as a first-time offender. Now, a prior DUI conviction up to 10 years ago nets you more jail time, higher fines, and a longer driver’s license suspension.
When you think of felons, most people normally picture outlaws like drug dealers, rapists, armed bandits, and murderers — not someone who perhaps had one drink too many and was stopped on their way home. However, new Georgia laws make DUI a felony upon 4th conviction, in some cases even less. It’s important to note that it doesn’t matter where prior convictions occurred, even if they were out of state. If your fourth incident occurs in Georgia, you will be sentenced as a felon in Georgia.
The new sentencing for DUI felony includes a prison of one to five years. No more than 90 days may probated or suspended. In addition to stiffer criminal penalties, convicted felons are unable to vote, own firearms, or serve in the military.
Georgia keeps enacting tougher DUI penalties year after year – with no end in sight.
It makes reasonable people wonder what could possibly be coming next!
What DUI laws do you think will be passed in the upcoming year?
