Atlanta, Georgia enforces a stringent DUI statute. Individuals can be charged with operating their vehicles with an excess blood-alcohol concentration (BAC) above legal limit or when under the influence of drugs (whether alcoholic or otherwise).
An alcohol or drug DUI conviction can have long-term repercussions, potentially impacting employment, school enrollment and professional licensing opportunities.
Refusing to submit to a field sobriety test
At times it can happen so suddenly – as you drive toward Center Ice Arena or Allen Park and notice blue flashing lights behind you – to then find yourself pulled over, put into handcuffs, and charged with DUI – making an already stressful situation even more taxing. It could have long-term ramifications.
Georgia law states that any conviction for DUI remains on your criminal record for life and can have long-term repercussions, affecting various areas of life such as employment or housing opportunities and even car insurance rates; insurers view DUI offenders as high-risk drivers and rate them accordingly.
Under Georgia law, you must submit to a breath, blood or urine test administered by an officer if there is reason to suspect you of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Refusal comes with its own set of consequences.
As is often assumed, DUI charges in Georgia are treated as misdemeanors; however, first-time offenders could face jail time and penalties such as paying fines, attending DUI school and losing your license among others. Your driving abilities could also be permanently diminished; furthermore, any impact to family life could be devastating; ignorance of the law cannot be used as an excuse in these matters either.
