1st offense DUI in Atlanta, GA

[distressed101]

What is the name of your state? GA

A friend of mine was stopped for DUI - of which he said he was under the leagl imit, but was told he was "not safe driving". He was arrested - later bailed next day. He also got charged for running a red light, following too closely and incorrect lane change. Does anyone know what his possible sentence might be - given that he has so many other charges and is it ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY to get a lawyer - the fact that his limit was under the limit? I just need any advice and information and possible sites he can go to for help with his case.

[Happy Trails]

Originally Posted by distressed101

What is the name of your state? GA

A friend of mine was stopped for DUI - of which he said he was under the leagl imit, but was told he was "not safe driving". He was arrested - later bailed next day. He also got charged for running a red light, following too closely and incorrect lane change. Does anyone know what his possible sentence might be - given that he has so many other charges and is it ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY to get a lawyer - the fact that his limit was under the limit? I just need any advice and information and possible sites he can go to for help with his case.

Here are some info. links to get you started:

[url]http://www.ga-drunkdrivinglawyer.com/georgia-drunk-driving/law-summary-01.htm[/url]

[url]http://www.jimwhitlock.com/penalties.htm[/url]

[url]http://www.duiguy.com/firstoffense.htm[/url]

[gadui]

I just came back from court today on my first ever DUI and I can tell you this.

You friend should ABSOLUTELY talk to an attorney immediately. The court will strongly encourage him to get an attorney and the initial consultation with an attorney is free, so why not? When your friend meets with the attorney, have him bring with him a copy of the incident report and a copy of his driving record. Bringing these things will help your attorney to make a better recommendation to him. He also may need help in preparing an ALS appeal, which must be done within 10 days or your friend will automatically lose his drivers license for one year on the 30th day after his arrest.

All that being said, penalties for my first DUI (of which I pleaded today in Cherokee County) went like this:
1. Fine: $1506 which I can pay in installments
2. Jail: 12 months with all but 24hrs suspended. I was taken into custoy IN THE COURTROOM and transported to the jail to serve my time. Actual time served today was really about 2-3 hours, but they called it " time served."
3. 40 hours community service
4. Attend a MADD Victim Impact Panel meeting - about 3hrs and costs $50-65
5. DUI Risk Reduction School - which is 20 hours (mine was 9am-5pm Sat/Sun and 6:30-9:30pm Mon/Tue = 20 hours) at a total cost of $280. I did mine before even going to court.
6. Drivers License suspended for 1yr, but I went to DMV today and got a limited driving permit that is valid for 120days and cost $25. It is only good for driving to school, work or medical appointments.
7. 12 months probation at a cost of $44/month and multiple conditions which include zero consumption of alcohol, random drug/alcohol testing, etc (I don't know what else since my jailer wouldn't give me back my papers)

Last bit of advice... Learn from the mistake that your friend made. If you even have one drink - don't drive. One drink may be under the legal limit of .08 but it can still get you arrested. A cab is much cheaper that a DUI.