What new DUI Law in Georgia went into effect July 1, 2008 and how will it change things?
Effective July 1, 2008 ALL look back periods for punishment purposes have changed to 10 years instead of 5 years. So, if you get a DUI in Georgia after July 1, 2008 and you have a prior DUI conviction July 1998 or LATER, you would be punished as a 2nd DUI offender. A 1st DUI conviction in Georgia now REQUIRES a clinical evaluation; however, the Judge can waive that provision. A 2nd DUI in 10 must get a clinical evaluation and follow up with any recommended treatment PRIOR to license reinstatement; (this is important: A person whose prior DUI occurred 6 years ago is entitled to a limited permit under 40-5-63; however under this new law, he cannot get the permit until he has completed the evaluation AND treatment! The treatment could take as long as 6 months to complete! The advice would therefore be to send anyone with a 2nd in 10 immediately to an alcohol evaluator and begin any recommended treatment immediately) The jail time provisions for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd DUIs in 10year period rema
