Driving Under the Influence
(OCGA § 40-6-391)

Driving Under the Influence (DUI) in Atlanta, Georgia (OCGA § 40-6-391)

Understanding DUI Charges in Georgia

Driving under the influence (DUI) is a serious criminal offense in Atlanta, Georgia, carrying severe penalties, including:

  • Fines
  • License suspension
  • Mandatory DUI education programs
  • Potential jail time

Under OCGA § 40-6-391, a person is guilty of DUI if they:

  • Operate a motor vehicle while impaired by alcohol, drugs, or other intoxicating substances.
  • Exceed the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit while driving.

Georgia has strict DUI enforcement policies, and a conviction can lead to:

  • Increased insurance rates
  • Employment difficulties
  • Habitual violator status for repeat offenders

Law enforcement uses:

  • Field sobriety tests
  • Breathalyzer readings
  • Chemical tests

to establish impairment. However, these tests are not always accurate or legally conducted, making it essential to challenge improper procedures, flawed evidence, and unlawful arrests.

At Khalil Eaddy Trial Attorney, our firm aggressively defends individuals charged with DUI in Atlanta, Georgia, by:

  • Examining the validity of evidence
  • Challenging law enforcement procedures
  • Working to get charges dismissed or reduced
1. Legal Limits & Types of DUI Charges in Atlanta, Georgia

A person can be charged with DUI Per Se or DUI Less Safe, depending on the circumstances of the arrest.

A. DUI Per Se – Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) Over the Legal Limit

A driver is automatically guilty of DUI if their BAC is:

  • 0.08% or higher for drivers 21 and older.
  • 0.04% or higher for commercial drivers (CDL holders).
  • 0.02% or higher for drivers under 21.

A DUI Per Se charge is based solely on BAC results, regardless of whether the driver showed signs of impairment.

B. DUI Less Safe – Impaired Driving Without Exceeding the BAC Limit

A person can be convicted of DUI even if their BAC is below the legal limit, as long as the prosecution proves they were “less safe” to drive due to alcohol or drugs.

Common Evidence Used for a DUI Less Safe Charge:
  • Erratic driving (swerving, speeding, or slow reaction time).
  • Slurred speech, bloodshot eyes, or unsteady movements.
  • Poor performance on field sobriety tests.
  • Admission of consuming alcohol or drugs before driving.

Even if a driver refuses a breathalyzer or blood test, they can still be charged with DUI Less Safe based on officer observations.

 

2. First, Second, & Repeat DUI Penalties in Georgia

Georgia imposes increasingly harsh penalties for repeat DUI offenses.

A. First DUI Offense (Misdemeanor)

  • License Suspension: 12 months (eligible for reinstatement after 120 days with DUI education program).
  • Jail Time: 24 hours to 12 months.
  • Fines & Fees: $300 to $1,000 plus court costs.
  • Community Service: Minimum 40 hours.
  • DUI Risk Reduction Program & Drug/Alcohol Evaluation Required.

B. Second DUI Offense (Misdemeanor, Within 10 Years)

  • License Suspension: 3 years (eligible for reinstatement after 18 months).
  • Jail Time: 3 days to 12 months.
  • Fines & Fees: $600 to $1,000.
  • Community Service: Minimum 30 days (240 hours).
  • Mandatory Ignition Interlock Device (IID) for 12 months.

C. Third DUI Offense (High & Aggravated Misdemeanor, Within 10 Years)

  • License Revocation: 5 years.
  • Jail Time: 15 days to 12 months.
  • Fines & Fees: $1,000 to $5,000.
  • Community Service: Minimum 30 days.
  • Mandatory IID, Alcohol Treatment Program, & Habitual Violator Status.

D. Fourth DUI Offense (Felony, Within 10 Years)

  • License Revocation: Permanent license revocation.
  • Jail Time: 1 to 5 years in state prison.
  • Fines & Fees: $1,000 to $5,000.
  • Community Service & Alcohol Treatment Required.

Multiple DUI convictions result in longer jail sentences, higher fines, and loss of driving privileges. Defending against a first DUI is critical to preventing escalating penalties for future offenses.

3. Refusing a Breathalyzer or Blood Test – Georgia’s Implied Consent Law

Under Georgia’s Implied Consent Law, drivers automatically consent to BAC testing when they operate a vehicle.

Refusing a breathalyzer or blood test results in:

  • Automatic license suspension
  • Harsher penalties, even without a DUI conviction
Consequences of Refusing a Breathalyzer or Blood Test:

Offense

Penalty

First Refusal

12-month license suspension (no eligibility for a limited permit)

Second Refusal (Within 5 Years)

3-year license suspension

Refusal Used as Evidence in Court

Prosecutors may argue that refusing a test indicates guilt

Refusal cases can be challenged in court if:

  • Police failed to properly inform the driver of their rights
  • The traffic stop was conducted without legal justification
4. Defending Against DUI Charges in Georgia

A DUI charge does not automatically lead to a conviction. Many cases involve:

  • Flawed evidence
  • Inaccurate test results
  • Unlawful police conduct

Common DUI Defenses:

  • Illegal Traffic Stop: If law enforcement lacked reasonable suspicion to pull the driver over, the charges may be dismissed.
  • Faulty Breathalyzer or Blood Test Results:
    • Breathalyzer machines must be properly calibrated.
    • Blood tests must be administered correctly.
  • Improper Field Sobriety Testing:
    • Officers must follow specific procedures.
    • Roadside tests are often unreliable.
  • Medical Conditions or Prescription Medications:
    • Certain medical conditions mimic signs of impairment, leading to false accusations.
  • Violation of Implied Consent Rights:
    • If police failed to properly inform the driver of their rights, breathalyzer results may be suppressed.

DUI charges can often be reduced or dismissed with a strong legal defense. Our firm works to:

  • Challenge weak evidence
  • Expose law enforcement mistakes
  • Protect clients from harsh penalties

Why Choose Khalil Eaddy Trial Attorney?

A DUI conviction can cost thousands of dollars, revoke driving privileges, and lead to jail time, affecting:

  • Employment
  • Housing
  • Personal freedom

Our firm specializes in DUI defense, providing clients with:

  • Experienced legal representation
  • Aggressive case investigation
  • A strategic approach to suppress unreliable evidence

Call 770-303-0700 today for a confidential consultation and start building your defense.

Give Us A Call

770-303-0700

Contact us

Khalil@attorneyeaddy.com

Office Location

1827 Powers Ferry Rd. Building 25, Suite 100.

Our firm is committed to fighting for justice, challenging weak evidence, and ensuring that your constitutional rights are upheld at every stage of the legal process.

Facebook-f Twitter Instagram Linkedin-in

Quick Links

Useful Links

Work Hours

  • 8 AM - 5 PM , Monday - Saturday
Call Us Today

Copyright © 2025. All rights reserved.