A bill expected to be signed by Georgia Governor Sonny Purdue would stiffen penalties for those convicted of multiple drunk driving offenses. Currently, Georgia’s DUI laws are considered some of the weakest in the nation, when it comes to people with prior DUI convictions.
Charged with a crime in Georgia? Please call (888) 595-9729.
Under the proposed new laws, a 4th DUI offense within 10 years would be a felony charge, with penalties of up to 5 years in prison.
The penalty for a 2nd offense conviction would include a mandatory clinical evaluation for alcohol or drug abuse, as a means to reduce the likelihood of chronic substance abusers committing DUI offenses in the future.
In addition, the bill would also increase the window in which prior offenses enhance the serious of a current offense from 5 to 10 years. So, any drunk driving/DUI convictions within the previous 10 years would be considered priors for sentencing purposes.
If you are facing a DUI charge in Georgia, please contact us for a criminal defense case evaluation and legal consultation as to your defense options and rights under the law.