Levels of DUI Suwanee & Gwinnett County

If you or a loved one is facing a DUI charge, it’s important to understand the legal ramifications.

The Levels Of DUI: Let Your DUI Attorney Help You Understand

Everyone knows that a DUI is a serious criminal charge, but not everyone knows that there are different levels of DUI charges in Georgia. Georgia can charge a defendant with four levels of DUI, and the level of DUI you are charged with can make a big difference in the possible penalties you are confronting –the higher the level, the more serious the possible penalties. Regardless of which level you are charged with, however, being convicted of a DUI has long-lasting consequences.

If you have been charged with DUI in Georgia, you need to contact Banks, Stubbs & McFarland LLP, Attorneys at Law. Located in Suwanee, Georgia, and serving Gwinnett County, Forsyth County, Cumming, Buford, Lawrenceville, Braselton, Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Duluth, Norcross, Hoschton, Jefferson, Commerce, Dawsonville, Gainesville, and other surrounding areas, the experienced attorneys at Banks, Stubbs & McFarland LLP will vigorously defend you no matter what level of DUI you are charged with. Our comprehensive knowledge of Georgia DUI laws and extensive experience representing DUI defendants ensure that we will provide you with the strong legal representation you deserve.

Georgia DUI Level 1

A Level 1 Georgia DUI is charged when you have never before been convicted of a previous DUI offense. Many people mistakenly think that if it is their first DUI offense the penalties will not be significant. On the contrary, Georgia has extremely tough penalties for all DUI offenses, even first-time offenses. If you are convicted of a Level 1 DUI, you can be sentenced to up to one year in jail and face a minimum fine of $300, which can be increased to $1,000. Additionally, your license will be suspended for up to one year and you will pay a $210 reinstatement fee. Finally, you must perform a minimum of 40 hours of community service.

A first-time DUI should not be taken lightly. Even if it is your first Georgia DUI, a conviction will set you back professionally, financially, and personally. If you have been charged with your first DUI, contact one or our Georgia DUI attorneys immediately.

Georgia DUI Level 2

A Level 2 Georgia DUI is charged when, within the past five years, you were convicted of your first Georgia DUI. If you are convicted of a Level 2 DUI, you face a mandatory minimum of 48 hours in jail, which can be increased up to one year. You also face a minimum fine of $600 that can be increased to $1,000. Additionally, your license will be suspended for three years and you will pay a $210 reinstatement fee. You must perform a minimum of 30 days community service and complete a clinical evaluation or treatment program for substance abuse, at your expense. Finally, you must install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle.

The social stigma associated with a Level 2 DUI is significant, as your name, picture, and address will be published in a local newspaper at your expense, identifying you as a convicted DUI offender. A Level 2 DUI significantly increases the penalties for a Georgia DUI conviction. If you are charged with a Level 2 Georgia DUI, contact the experienced Georgia DUI defense attorneys at Banks, Stubbs & McFarland LLP today.

Georgia DUI Level 3

A Level 3 Georgia DUI is charged when, within the past five years, you were convicted of your second Georgia DUI offense. Level 3 DUI convictions result in a mandatory minimum of 15 days in jail that can be increased to a year. You face a minimum fine of $1,000, which can be increased to $5,000. Your license is revoked for five years and you will perform at least 30 days community service. The court will also order you to have an ignition interlock device attached to your vehicle.

As with a Level 2 DUI, your name, picture, and address will be published in a local newspaper at your expense, identifying you as a convicted DUI offender. Additionally, the state will declare you to be a habitual violator and will seize your license plate. Finally, you must complete a clinical evaluation or treatment program for substance abuse, at your expense.

Georgia vigorously prosecutes Level 3 DUIs, and if you do not have an experienced DUI defense attorney by your side you will face severe consequences. If you have been charged with a Level 3 Georgia DUI, your first call should be to Banks, Stubbs & McFarland LLP.

Georgia DUI Level 4

A Level 4 Georgia DUI is a felony and is charged when you have been convicted of three Georgia DUIs since July 1, 2008. The penalties for a Level 4 DUI are substantial. You face a minimum of one year in jail which can be increased up to five years. You must pay a minimum fine of $1,000 which can be increased up to $5,000, along with court fees. Additionally, you must perform 60 days of community service, attend DUI school, and complete any recommended substance abuse treatment.

As with a Level 2 and 3 DUI, your name, picture, and address will be published in a local newspaper at your expense, identifying you as a convicted DUI offender, and the state will declare you a habitual violator and will seize your license plate. Further, your driver’s license will be revoked for 5 years.

The State of Georgia often seeks the maximum fine and jail sentence for Level 4 Georgia DUIs. If you are charged with Level 4 DUI, you simply cannot afford not to hire the experienced Georgia DUI defense attorneys at Banks, Stubbs & McFarland LLP to represent you.

Charged With DUI in Georgia?

If you have been charged with a first, second, third, or fourth Georgia DUI in Gwinnett County, Forsyth County, Hall County, Barrow County, Dawson County, Cumming, Buford, Lawrenceville, Braselton, Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Duluth, Norcross, Hoschton, Jefferson, Commerce, Dawsonville, Gainesville, and other surrounding areas, you should immediately contact the experienced Georgia DUI defense attorneys at Banks, Stubbs & McFarland LLP. Our attorneys understand how much is at stake with a DUI charge and will use their extensive knowledge to aggressively defend you against your DUI charge. Our attorneys are ready to help you. Contact us today.