If you are caught driving under the influence of alcohol in Georgia, you may be facing criminal charges. This can result in a number of consequences, including jail time, fines, and license suspension. Knowing what is the legal limit in Georgia for DUI can help you avoid these charges and the negative effects they can have on your life. DUI lawyer Atlanta
OCGA 40-6-391 (plus other related info) defines when someone is considered to be under the influence of alcohol.
When a driver is arrested for drunk driving in Georgia, they usually have to take a blood alcohol content test, which can either be done through a breathalyzer or by drawing blood. These tests must be done within three hours of the driving incident.
In Georgia, the BAC (blood alcohol content) limit for non-commercial drivers is 0.08% and the limit for commercial drivers is 0.04%. In addition, school bus drivers are subject to a lower BAC limit than other drivers.
It is also important to remember that the BAC limit for underage drivers is a different amount than that of adults, and if they are charged with driving under the influence of alcohol in Georgia, they will be charged with a lesser offense than a DUI. This charge is called DUI Less Safe and it can carry harsh penalties if you are convicted of this crime in Georgia.
The legal limits for driving under the influence of alcohol in Georgia are determined by a combination of state laws and federal regulations. These limits have changed over the years and it is important to know the current BAC guidelines in Georgia for drinking and driving.
Generally, it is not recommended to consume more than 3 drinks in one sitting or you will exceed the legal limit. However, many Georgians are consuming alcohol on a regular basis and don't realize they can get into trouble for driving under the influence of alcohol in Georgia if they exceed this limit.
A large majority of these people do not even consider using an alcohol calculator or a BAC chart to determine their impairment level and how many drinks they should have before determining whether they are over the legal limit in Georgia for drinking and driving.
If you are over the legal limit for drinking and driving in Georgia, your first offense is a misdemeanor that will be recorded on your permanent criminal record. You will be required to pay a fine, serve community service, and complete an alcohol or drug education program.
The second offense will be a felony and can be punishable by jail time, fines, and license suspension. You will also have to complete a alcohol or drug course and treatment programs, and you may be subject to a 240 hour community service requirement.
There are a number of reasons why a person can be arrested for drinking and driving in Georgia, but the most common are: a) Driving while under the influence of drugs; b) Driving while under the influence of a controlled substance; c) Driving while under the influence of marijuana or another illegal drug; d) Driving under the influence of a prescription drug; e) Furnishing alcoholic beverages to minors; f) Driving without proof of insurance; and g) Driving while using the wrong type of license. If you are charged with any of these crimes in Georgia, contact an experienced attorney immediately for assistance.