Georgia DUI Penalties
First Offense Within a Five Year Period
Fine
$300.00 to $1000.00 plus any statutory surcharges (typically 15-25%).
Jail
10 days to 12 months, all except for 24 hours may be suspended, stayed, or probated.
Theoretically, if your blood alcohol level (BAC) is less than 0.08 grams %, you do not even have to do the 24 hours. Practically speaking, don't count on it. Moreover, on all DUI cases made on or after May 1, 1999, if you plead guilty or are convicted of DUI, you must be placed on twelve months probation less any jail time received.
Community Service
The law requires a minimum of 40 hours of community service unless you are under 21 years of age, in which case you must do at least 20 hours; the actual time is set by the Court.
License Suspension
If you are 21 or over, your license will be suspended for one year. You will be able to get your license back at the end of 120 days** if you have completed an alcohol/drug risk reduction course (DUI school) and paid the appropriate reinstatement fee. During those 120 days, you will be able to get a limited driving permit.
If you are under 21, your license will be revoked for either 6 months (under 0.08 blood alcohol level) or 12 months (0.08 or higher) and no limited permit is allowed.
** If you are convicted of a DUI charge that involves drugs, your Georgia driver's license or privilege to drive in Georgia will be suspended for one year, and you will not be able to get it reinstated for six months. No limited driving permit is allowed.