Georgia DUI Statistics

To cope with motorists driving under the influence (DUI), the state of Georgia has started a program of increased vigilance during holiday periods, when drunk drivers make the roads most dangerous. The program, called Operation Zero Tolerance (OZT), began in the summer of 2005.

OZT includes not only extra sobriety checkpoints, but a blitz of radio public service announcements to get the message out. Slogans include, "Drive Buzzed? Get Busted!" and warn that over the limit means under arrest, referring to a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 percent or higher for adults and 0.02 percent for minors.

Georgia Law Includes Implied Consent to Testing

To make it easier to enforce DUI laws, Georgia is one of many states that assumes driving a motor vehicle implies consent to submit to a chemical test for alcohol or drugs.

In 2008, Georgia law enforcement agencies reported 25,421 DUI arrests to the Federal Bureau of Investigation for its annual Crime in the U.S. report.

A first-time DUI conviction carries penalties that include a fine of $300 to $1,000, ten days to 12 months in jail, suspension of driving privileges, at least 40 hours of community service, completion of a DUI education program, clinical evaluation and completion of any necessary treatment, and 12 months of probation, less any jail time served.

Penalties Increase for Repeat Offenders

For a second offense, fines increase to $600 to $1,000, and jail time increases to 90 days to 12 months. Subsequent convictions incur further increased penalties.

Contact a Drunk Driving Defense Lawyer

If you have been arrested for DUI, don't make a move without an experienced attorney on your side. You have constitutional rights as a defendant. Your attorney can make sure those rights are recognized in any proceedings. If you are convicted of even simple DUI, the financial consequences can be severe. Besides the fines, jail time, relying on public transportation to get to and from work, and increased insurance premiums can mean loss of income. Your attorney will fight to keep your losses from ruining your finances. Contact an attorney today.