On January 1, 2013, significant changes in Georgia’s driving under the influence (DUI) laws took effect. Senate Bill 236, which passed last April, changed Georgia DUI laws in order to improve treatment for those who drink and drive.
Up until this month, drivers convicted of DUI were issued very specific and strict hardship permits that governed their driving. These permits allowed convicted drivers to drive only to work, school, medical appointments, support group gatherings, and sponsored DUI classes.
Now, first-time DUI offenders over the age of 21 will get hardship permits with some expanded privileges including attending court, reporting to a probation officer, and transporting family members without licenses to work, school, and medical appointments. In addition, they will be allowed to drive to locations where they are involved in community service.
Georgia drivers arrested twice for DUI in five years will also see a bit more freedom in their hardship permits. These drivers will get an automatic 120-day license suspension, but afterwards will be able to have an ignition interlock installed in their vehicles if they have:
- Completed a state regulated DUI Alcohol or Drug Risk Reduction program
- Been evaluated and enrolled in a substance abuse program approved by the Department of Human Services, or enrolled in a drug court program
- Installed an ignition interlock device in any vehicle that will be operated
- Gotten a certificate of eligibility from the sentencing court allowing the use of an ignition interlock device
If you have been arrested for DUI, don’t go it alone. Contact an Alpharetta DUI lawyer at the Law Office of Scott Miller to find out what your legal options are. Call us today at 770-408-1001
770-408-1001 or fill out the contact form on this page. We can help!
