How Much Does an Atlanta DUI Cost?

Atlanta Municipal Court

The question of how much will a DUI in Atlanta cost me is something that I am asked quite often. Most people have no idea just how expensive and costly a DUI charge in the City of Atlanta can be.

As an Atlanta DUI Lawyer, I will break down the various costs and fees associated with a DUI.

The Costs of a DUI in Atlanta

A standard DUI in Georgia is considered to be a misdemeanor. A misdemeanor carries a penalty of up to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000. However, this $1,000 is a base fine that will be evaluated with each ticket connected to a person's DUI charge. For example, if you are charged with DUI, Reckless Driving, Failure to Maintain Lane, and Speeding, you are facing a fine of up to $4,000 and a term of 48 months in jail.

More so than the immediate costs, there are also the opportunity costs that occur from a DUI conviction. In reality, many employers will not hire someone with a DUI charge. Additionally, many government certificates may be delayed when a person is convicted of a DUI. It may affect a person's military career and will prevent someone from obtaining top-secret security clearance.

In fact, many employers give their employees a company car. If an employee has a DUI, however, the car will be much more difficult to insure. Most rental car companies will likewise not rent vehicles to those with DUI convictions. Moreover, some countries will not permit people with DUI convictions to travel there. For example, Canada considers DUIs to be a felony and will not allow someone convicted to visit for up to ten years.

The basic calculation of a DUI conviction is not encouraging. A person who has been arrested for DUI will have to take time to attend court, complete community service, attend DUI classes, and attend court-mandated counseling sessions. This will surely require a great deal of unpaid time.

Consider, for example, having to complete community service. Many places that offer community service hours are businesses that operate during normal business hours. This means that instead of working at your job and making your usual hourly salary, you will be required to skip work to complete your community service hours. This can add up.

Practice Note

The follow up question to receiving the answers regarding DUI costs is: well, how do I avoid a DUI conviction in the first place?

This is where we come in. A DUI conviction is preventable. If you have been arrested in Atlanta, call an Atlanta DUI Attorney now.