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 Pendergrass Law.
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.