First Time DUI Charges

Athens DUI Defense Lawyer

Being charged with driving under the influence (“DUI”) is a very scary experience, and has potentially life altering consequences. If you have been charged with DUI, you need an experienced and passionate Athens criminal defense attorney who will fight to get the charges dropped, reduced, or win a trial.

Do not wait to start planning your DUI defense. Call (706) 705-5122 today.

Penalties For A 1st Time DUI In Athens

A conviction for a first time DUI in Georgia means you will spend a minimum of 24 hours in jail, but it can be higher. You will also have your license suspended. The suspension is for 1 year, but if you are over 21 years old, it is possible to have your license reinstated after 120 days by agreeing to take certain state-mandated courses on alcohol safety.

1^st time DUI penalties could include:

• Up to 1 year license suspension
• License reinstatement fees
• A 20 hour risk reduction course
• Heavy DUI fines
• Community service

Additionally, a conviction for a first DUI offense will influence the charges and sentencing brought against you for a subsequent offense, for up to ten years.

Last, it can lead to other Issues if you attend the University of Georgia, or any of the surrounding colleges.

Athens DUI Defense Lawyer J. Lee Webb Can Help You

What you might not be aware of is that under certain circumstances, your first time DUI charge can be reduced to a reckless driving charge. Athens DUI defense lawyer J. Lee Webb stands ready to help have Dui charges dismissed or reduced to a reckless driving charge or another non-DUI offense. In Georgia, the law allows the prosecutor to reduce DUI charges.

Reduction of DUI charges to a reckless driving charge is more likely if it is your first offense. It is imperative that you enter a not guilty plea to preserve your right to have the charges reduced to reckless driving. It is worth your while to see if this option is possible for you, as future employers will be much less hesitant to hire someone with a reckless driving conviction than a drunk driving conviction. Additionally, the punishment for reckless driving can be lower than those for DUI. If you are convicted or plead to reckless driving, there is no statutory punishment required. The law allows for zero fines up to $1000.00. Of course, the Judge can impose additional requirements. Importantly, there is no license suspension with a reckless driving charge, and if your license has been administratively suspended, it will be reinstated.

You can discuss all the details of a DUI charge by calling (706) 705-5122 and requesting a free case evaluation.