The Atlanta Police Department releases crime reports every week regarding statistics citywide. As of the most recent report, there were 3,578 traffic stops just last week within the City of Atlanta.

This is about 1,000 more than this same week last year in 2018. As an Atlanta DUI Lawyer, it is important for me to point out that most traffic stops do in fact lead to further investigations and arrests. A minor traffic violation can quickly lead to a DUI investigation if the officer observes any actions that may lead him to believe that the accused driver is less safe to drive.

Atlanta DUI Laws are harsh - in fact, the state of Georgia has some of the harshest DUI laws in the country. That being said, Atlanta DUI Penalties follow the same suit and should not be faced without proper representation. In today's post, I will outline DUI penalties in the city of Atlanta.

Atlanta DUI Penalties

Penalties for a DUI conviction in Atlanta are serious. Most people are under the incorrect assumption that

Types of DUI Penalties in Atlanta are similar to other types of traffic violations. This is far from being true.

For even just a first DUI conviction, an individual is looking at a long list of consequences that can be imposed by law. This is why we recommend hiring the best possible representation for your case as soon as possible.
The penalties for a first DUI conviction can include any combination of the following:

• 24 hours - 12 months in jail 
• $300 - $1,000 in fines
• 20-40 hours of community service
• Clinical drug and alcohol evaluation, and treatment if necessary
• DUI School / Risk Reduction Program
• Driver's license suspended for up to 12 months, with a limited driving permit available in some cases

Furthermore, there is no way to expunge a DUI from one's record. In other states, this expungement is a possibility, however, here in Georgia, DUI convictions stay for life.

Practice Note

Getting arrested for DUI in Atlanta is a very overwhelming and humiliating experience. Some people may think that the easiest thing to do is to plead guilty, take whatever sentence comes their way, and have the whole thing be over.

This is a huge mistake. DUI convictions are lifelong, and without the help of an Atlanta DUI Attorney, you have no idea what possible defenses may apply to your case. If you have been arrested for DUI or a related offense in Atlanta, contact our offices now.