Will You Lose Your License After a DUI in Georgia?

People need a license to get to work or school, as well as to run errands and buy groceries. One of the most feared consequences of a DUI is losing your license. Not every community has reliable public transportation, so getting to work is a challenge. Contact Moffit Law, LLC if you were picked up for driving under the influence. Our Carrollton DUI attorney will do everything possible to keep your driving privileges. Call us to schedule a consultation.

Do You Lose Your License for a DUI in Carrollton, Georgia?

Yes, you probably will lose your license for a little while after being arrested for DUI. There are two ways.

Administrative License Suspension

First, you will automatically lose your license after being arrested for DUI in Georgia if you:

Took a test (like the breathalyzer) and your blood alcohol concentration was over the legal limit, or
You refused to take a test.

Under Georgia’s implied consent law, you consent to a chemical test simply by driving in the state. Refusal to submit to a test will result in an automatic suspension for one year.

This administrative suspension occurs regardless of whether you are ever convicted or plead guilty to DUI. Simply by blowing a high number or refusing to blow, you suffer a suspension.

Helpfully, you can challenge the DUI loss of license by requesting an administrative hearing. Your attorney can challenge the officer’s actions, such as arguing that they lacked reasons to stop you. The time limit is very short, only 30 days, as spelled out in Georgia Code § 40-5-67.1. Call us to get started.

Conviction for DUI

The state will also suspend your license if you are convicted of DUI. The duration will depend on whether this is your first DUI or if you have previous convictions:

First offense in 10 years: one-year suspension
Second offense in 10 years: three-year suspension
Third offense: license revocation

Even if your license is suspended or revoked, you might seek reinstatement after the passage of a certain amount of time. Work closely with your attorney to fully understand all the penalties you face and what you will need to prove to get a license reinstated.

Do You Lose Your License for a First DUI in Georgia?

Yes, it is possible. As mentioned above, you can have your license automatically suspended for having a high BAC or refusing to take a chemical test when stopped by the police. That suspension applies even if you are a first-time offender.

Second, the judge will suspend your license if you are convicted of the crime. The suspension lasts for a year.

Obtain Help with a Carrollton DUI Lawyer

DUI cases have many moving parts. There is the administrative suspension, which you must take seriously. Your lawyer can also review whether you can request a license reinstatement or limited driving privileges. These options can get you back behind the wheel legally. Remember, driving on a suspended license is also a crime.

Your DUI attorney can also strategize how to handle the DUI criminal charge. Although some defendants might benefit from seeking probation, others might need to gear up and fight the charges in a jury trial. For example, you might have a prior DUI conviction. Consequently, you could be staring at a license revocation and years in prison if you are convicted. A vigorous defense might be the only way to escape these penalties, especially if the state does not want to offer a plea deal.

Why Moffitt Law?

There are many DUI lawyers in Carrollton and the surrounding areas. Why should you call us?

Broad experience in DUI law. Our firm has handled first-time DUI cases, DUI appeals, and CDL cases. You can count on us to know the relevant law and how it applies to your case.
Local knowledge. Our founder grew up in the area and is familiar with the court system. A lawyer from a different city might be an ineffective advocate in court or even while negotiating plea deals.
Reasonable fees. We can handle the administrative hearing as well as the criminal charge for a reasonable price.

Anyone living in Carrollton, Georgia, should reach out to us today.

Call to Speak with Our Carrollton DUI Lawyer

A DUI loss of license is one of the worst consequences of a drunk driving charge. At Moffitt Law, we realize that one mistake can have long-lasting repercussions. Call us at 762-200-2924 to discuss any issue. Our firm can provide advice in a confidential consultation.