Will I Face Jail Time for a First DUI Offense in Georgia?

Whether or not you have faced DUI charges before, getting accused of driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or an illegal amount of prescription drugs can be overwhelming and confusing. Finding out if you will face jail time for a first DUI offense in Georgia is a multi-step process, but a Georgia DUI defense lawyer can help you.

Will I Face Jail Time for a First DUI Offense in Georgia?

A Georgia DUI lawyer can help you determine the likelihood that you will face jail time for your first DUI offense in Georgia, as well as help you develop a defense strategy and advocate on your behalf.

In 2024, 19,497 individuals were convicted of DUIs in the state of Georgia alone. Out of this total amount, 17,013 of them were first-time offenders. Now, just because they were found guilty does not mean they went to prison, but there are some specific DUI circumstances where a conviction could lead to serving time in jail.

It is important to note that, regardless of whether or not you are sentenced to jail if convicted, Georgia law requires that anyone charged with a DUI must spend 24 hours in jail. This does not mean that you are guaranteed to be found guilty or serve future prison time, but it is a mandatory part of the process.

After you have served your 24-hour jail sentence, your case will go to trial. This is when, if you are found guilty of the applicable charges, you could end up serving prison time for any of the following aggravating circumstances:

• A child was present during the DUI and/or any connected accidents
• Someone was harmed, injured, or killed because of a DUI-related accident
• You had a felony-level BAC at the time of your DUI

License suspensions, mandatory probation, and monetary fines are all additional things you may be subjected to if convicted of a DUI, as well as performing community service, undergoing clinical evaluations, undergoing additional DUI education, and maybe even being made to attend a rehabilitation facility.

Depending on the severity of the circumstances surrounding your DUI, you may be able to avoid conviction with the help of your DUI lawyer and the First Offenders Act (O.C.G.A. § 42-8-60).

How May I Benefit From the Help of a DUI Defense Lawyer in Georgia?

Regardless of whether or not you feel your DUI case seems severe enough, it is always better to be safe than sorry. Hiring a DUI lawyer could help prevent you from being convicted, therefore protecting you from the potential consequences that accompany being found guilty.

There is a lot at stake when it comes to being charged with a DUI in the state of Georgia, and without the assistance of Miller North & Brill, you could end up spending time in prison. When you hire our team to represent you, we can walk alongside you toward better results and a safer future for all.

FAQs

Could I Go to Jail for a First Time DUI in Georgia?

Yes, you could end up being sentenced to serve time in prison, even for your first DUI. Here are some examples of potential reasons you could face prison time for your first DUI:

• Your BAC at the time of the event was a felony level or above
• Someone was injured or killed while you were operating a vehicle and under the influence
• A minor was involved, harmed, or killed in direct correlation with your DUI

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a DUI Defense Lawyer in Georgia?

Due to the unique nature of every DUI case, it can be hard to determine a one-size-fits-all cost for hiring a lawyer in Georgia. Who you hire, how long your case takes, and the level of complexity are all examples of the unique variables that can have a direct impact on your pricing results. At Miller North & Brill, we do everything in our power to help you secure results that you feel justify the cost you may pay.

What Is the First Offenders Act for a First-Time DUI Case in Georgia?

The First Offenders Act, as it is laid out in O.C.G.A. § 42-8-60, is a law that enables eligible first-time offenders to potentially avoid a criminal conviction. This can apply to DUI cases, as well. Sometimes, first-time DUI offenders will be able to avoid a conviction by attending a rehabilitation program and/or taking various driving safety education classes. This can keep your DUI from staining your permanent record and is helpful if you are guilty of your charges.

Should I Get a Lawyer to Represent Me for My First DUI in Georgia?

While it is legal for you to represent yourself in your own DUI case in Georgia, many people find that hiring a DUI lawyer can be incredibly beneficial and monumentally helpful. Not only will you have a skilled and knowledgeable individual representing you, but you can also avoid having to sort through the various confusing steps you would have had to handle alone. Your lawyer can defend you, your rights, and your desired outcomes with clarity and compassion.

Get Representation Today

Sometimes, the impulsive decisions we make in a split second can have long-lasting repercussions. Facing DUI charges can lead to a conviction, which may alter your life forever. While you may feel like being accused of driving under the influence is the end of the world, it does not need to be. Hiring a Griffin DUI lawyer can help you turn your case and your life around.

At Miller North & Brill, we understand how easy it is for people to make mistakes, and we want to help you protect your future from unnecessary and unfair ramifications. Whether you are innocent or guilty, we can help you strategize and deliver your defense in a compelling and effective manner.

We can also bring clarity to confusing jargon and circumstances, putting compassion and insight into every aspect of your case. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.