DUI- DRUGS
Being charged with driving under the influence of drugs can devastate your life. In Georgia, even a first-time DUI drug offense can lead to jail time, substantial fines, and a mandatory 6-month license suspension with no limited permit. Don't face these serious charges alone.
Understanding Georgia DUI Drug Laws
In Georgia, DUI-Drug charges aren't just about illegal substances. The law (O.C.G.A. § 40-6-391) defines several ways you can be charged with DUI-Drugs:
Driving under the influence of any drug to the extent it makes you a less safe driver
Driving under the influence of inhalants (toxic vapors, aerosols, or glue)
Driving while impaired by a combination of drugs and alcohol
Take action today with an experienced DUI defense attorney who understands how to challenge the prosecution's evidence of DUI.
Important: Even Legal Prescriptions Can Lead to DUI Charges
Having a valid prescription is NOT a defense if the medication impaired your driving ability. Georgia law explicitly states that legal entitlement to use a drug is not a defense to DUI charges.
DUI Drug Penalties in Georgia Can Be Severe
| Offense | Potential Penalties |
|---|---|
| First Offense | Up to 12 months in jail, $300-$1,000 fine, 40 hours community service, 6-month license suspension with NO limited permit |
| Second Offense (within 10 years) | Minimum 48 hours in jail, $600-$1,000 fine, 30 days community service, 3-year license suspension |
| Third Offense (within 10 years) | Minimum 15 days in jail, $1,000-$5,000 fine, habitual violator status (5-year license revocation) |
| Fourth Offense (within 10 years) | Felony: 1-5 years imprisonment, up to $5,000 fine |
Don't risk your future. Contact our experienced DUI defense attorney today.
The Hidden Consequences of a DUI Drug Conviction
Many people underestimate how a DUI drug conviction can affect their lives long after any sentence is complete:
Employment Impact
A DUI drug conviction creates a permanent criminal record. Many employers are reluctant to hire individuals with drug-related convictions, especially for positions involving driving or safety responsibilities.
Insurance Consequences
Insurance premiums typically increase by 80% or more after a DUI conviction, with some companies canceling policies altogether. You'll likely be required to file SR-22 insurance for at least three years.
Professional Licensing Issues
Professional licenses for healthcare workers, educators, pilots, commercial drivers, and many other professions can be denied, suspended, or revoked based on DUI drug convictions.
Travel Restrictions
Canada and other countries may deny entry to individuals with DUI convictions, limiting international travel opportunities.
Don't let a DUI charge define your future. Get experienced legal help now.
Our Defense Strategies Include:
Challenging the traffic stop: We examine whether the officer had legal grounds to stop you and whether your rights were respected.
Questioning testing methods: Drug tests often have reliability issues, and we scrutinize how tests were administered and interpreted.
Disputing impairment evidence: We challenge the connection between drug presence and actual impairment, especially with prescription medications.
Examining Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) protocols: We scrutinize whether proper procedures were followed in assessing impairment.
Exploring alternative resolutions: When appropriate, we work to secure reduced charges or diversion programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
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It varies significantly by substance. Some drugs can be detected for days or even weeks after use, which creates challenges in establishing when impairment actually occurred.
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Generally, yes. Following Supreme Court rulings, officers typically need to obtain a search warrant to conduct blood tests without your consent, though exceptions exist in emergency situations.
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The most significant difference is the license suspension. First-time drug DUI offenders face a mandatory 6-month suspension with NO limited permit, while alcohol DUI offenders may be eligible for immediate limited driving privileges.
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Yes. Having a valid prescription is not a defense if the medication impaired your driving. However, the prosecutor must prove the medication actually made you incapable of driving safely.
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