Driving while under the influence (DUI) of alcohol or drugs places your life and the lives of others at risk. If convicted, you could face lasting impacts to your personal and professional life.
Moving violations can result in a wide range of fines and penalties. Your driver’s license status is one of the many factors that you need to consider when facing a DUI charge.
The loss of your driver’s license can affect your ability to earn a living and meet your everyday responsibilities.
The following will help you understand how a DUI affects your driver’s license status so that you’re able to obtain the proper legal resources and choose the best legal options for your needs.
DRIVER’S LICENSE PENALTIES
Driver’s licenses can be canceled, revoked, or suspended for a variety of reasons.
Cancellations typically occur if a driver is ineligible or provides false information when applying for his or her license. A driver may take steps to meet any requirements in order to rectify a cancellation.
Driver’s licenses that are revoked remove all driving privileges. Permanent revocation can occur due to driving offenses or existing medical issues.
In some cases, drivers may apply to receive a new license by going through the licensing procedures of their state. Although your previous license cannot be reinstated, completing a written and practical driving exam can provide you with a new one.
Driver’s licenses may also be suspended, which means that your driving privileges are withdrawn for a specific time period. Once this period ends and any other requirements are met, you can apply to have your license reinstated.
The type of suspension will determine what requirements must be met in order to regain your driving privileges.
GEORGIA DUI
Individuals driving under the influence may receive a Department of Driver Services (DDS) Form 1205, a Uniform Traffic Citation for DUI, and a Criminal Court summons.
A blood alcohol concentration (BAC) above .08 or the refusal to take a blood, urine, or breath test will result in these citations.
Form 1205 indicates an intention to suspend your driving privileges while providing you with a temporary 30-day driver’s license. Arresting officers must also declare that there were reasonable grounds for the DUI arrest.
Drivers have a 10-day (business) period to submit a request for an appeal of the suspension. Also, many drivers may face more than one DUI license suspensions in both administrative and criminal courts.
There are rules and other issues that are specific to each court. So it’s important to have a legal professional guide you through this process to prevent further penalties against your driving privileges.
LEGAL PROTECTION FOR YOUR DRIVER’S LICENSE
Working with an attorney who has experience in DUI cases is critical to protecting your driver’s license status and avoiding the lasting effects of a DUI conviction.
Your attorney will be much more familiar with the court system and can help you implement appeals, plea bargains, and other strategies that may be the best options for your case.
The administrative processes related to a DUI charge can be complex. A skilled attorney guides you through these processes so that you have a full understanding of the potential fines and penalties that may be placed on you.
Understanding the DUI laws in Georgia is the first step to protecting your legal rights and avoiding the suspension or revocation of your driver’s license.