Intoxicated driving can result in significant injuries and property damage. If you’ve been in an accident caused by a drunk driver, reach out to an experienced car accident attorney in Atlanta at Turnbull, Moak & Pendergrass.
The ins and outs of drunk driving laws in Atlanta
In Georgia, as in the rest of the country, the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is 0.08%.
A driver who breaks the law by driving with a higher BAC level can face serious consequences. The minimum penalties for a first drunk-driving offense in Georgia include 10 days in jail, a $300 fine, and 40 hours of community service. A second offense can come with a sentence mandating anywhere from 90 days to one year in jail, a minimum of 30 days of community service, and fines ranging from $600 to $1,000. A third offense can mean 120 days to one year in jail, a minimum of 30 days of community service, and anywhere from $1,000 to $5,000 in fines. Once someone commits their fourth drunk-driving offense, it becomes a felony, which means one to five years in federal prison and up to a $5,000 fine. Despite these laws, drunk driving remains a pervasive issue in Georgia, with accidents frequently leading to severe injuries and even fatalities.