If you are a driver in Georgia and you have been charged with driving under the influence, your driver’s license could be taken away. This is called a license suspension. It means you are not allowed to drive for a certain amount of time. This can be hard because many people need to drive to work, take their kids to school, or go to the store. When your license is suspended, you can get into more trouble if you keep driving. It is important to know what this means and what to do next.
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Why a DUI Can Lead to Losing Your License
When someone is arrested for DUI in Georgia, the state sees it as a serious safety issue. The law says that driving with alcohol or drugs in your system can be dangerous for you and others on the road. Because of that, the Georgia Department of Driver Services can suspend your license, even before you go to court. This is known as an administrative license suspension. It can happen just because you refused to take a breath test or if your test showed a high blood alcohol level. So, even if your case hasn’t gone to trial, you could already be facing a suspension.
How Long the Suspension Can Last
The length of your suspension depends on a few things. If this is your first DUI, the suspension might be for one year. But you could get a limited permit that lets you drive to certain places like work or school. If it’s your second DUI within five years, the suspension could be for three years. After a third DUI, the suspension may be for five years or more. In some cases, you could be declared a habitual violator, and getting your license back can take a lot longer. Every case is different, so the time frame depends on what happened.
Greg Willis has been successful at defending DUI cases (over 93.1% without a conviction)
He's the only lawyer in the State of Georgia to ever be recognized for all three of these accomplishments.
Received the Samurai Lawyer Award for having gone to jail for a total of 4 days in order to save his own client
Received the BadAss Lawyer Award for the biggest impact of all DUI lawyers in DUI defense in the country
Received the vote of Georgia Lawyers as a Superlawyer in DUI Law for 10 straight consecutive years
What You Can Do After Your License Is Suspended
If your license gets suspended, you still have options. One important thing to do is request a hearing with the Georgia Department of Driver Services. You only have 30 days after your arrest to ask for this hearing. This is called the ALS hearing. If you miss that deadline, you could lose your license automatically. At the hearing, a judge will look at your case and decide if the suspension should stay in place. It’s a good chance to fight the suspension, but you need to act fast and be ready with the right information.
The Role of the Court in DUI Cases
While the Department of Driver Services handles the license suspension, the court handles the DUI charge itself. This means there are two parts to your case. One part is about whether or not you can keep driving. The other part is about what happens in court, like possible fines, probation, or even jail time. If you are found guilty of DUI in court, your license could be suspended again. That’s why it is important to deal with both parts of the case. Paying attention to court dates and legal steps can help protect your rights and your future.
Can You Drive With a Permit During Suspension
Sometimes, drivers can apply for a limited driving permit. This permit lets you drive only for certain reasons, like going to work, school, or doctor’s appointments. Not everyone gets one, and there are rules you must follow if you do. If you break those rules or get another DUI, the permit can be taken away, and your full suspension time may begin again. You can also be charged with more serious crimes if you drive when you are not supposed to. Following the rules of the permit is the only way to keep some driving freedom during the suspension.
Greg has truly mastered his craft. His preparation is second to none and his confidence helps reduce the nervousness and anxiety his clients face. He is a real life version of Harvey Specter and I highly recommend him.”
- Travis
Greg and his team are absolutely incredible. Greg explained everything to me in detail, as this is the first ever time I have been arrested. Regular updates throughout the process which allowed me to get on with everyday life. 200% I would recommend Greg and his team to anyone with a DUI case."
- James Hellens
Mr Willis is the best in the business. He knows the law inside and out. I was in a serious jam and Greg got my dui reduced to a reckless driving. This man will fight for you every step of the way."
- Anonymous
Getting Your License Back After Suspension
After the suspension period ends, you may be able to get your license back, but it doesn’t happen automatically. You will need to complete certain steps. This might include a DUI Risk Reduction Program, sometimes called DUI school. You may also need to pay reinstatement fees and show proof that you are ready to drive safely again. In some cases, you might have to install a device in your car that checks your breath before you can start it. This is called an ignition interlock device. All of these steps are required by Georgia law if you want to drive again legally.
How a DUI Affects Your Record and Future
A DUI charge does not just affect your license. It can also stay on your driving record and even your criminal record for a long time. This can make it hard to get certain jobs or lower your car insurance costs. Some employers check driving records, and having a DUI can make them think twice. In Georgia, a DUI stays on your criminal record permanently unless a special order removes it. That is why handling it the right way from the start is so important. The choices you make now can have long-lasting effects.
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What Happens If You Drive on a Suspended License
Driving when your license is suspended is very risky. In Georgia, this is a crime, and you can be arrested again. If caught, you could face jail time, more fines, and a longer suspension. The court might also decide that you should never get your license back. That’s why it is so important to find other ways to get around during your suspension, like using a ride service, carpooling, or asking a friend or family member for help. Staying off the road can protect you from more trouble and give you time to handle the DUI case the right way.
How Georgia’s DUI Laws Work With the DMV
The Georgia Department of Driver Services plays a big part in what happens to your license after a DUI. They follow the rules set by state law, and they have the power to suspend, revoke, or let you apply for a limited permit. They also decide when and how you can reinstate your license. Every driver has a record with the DDS, and keeping that record clean is a big deal. If you need help understanding what is on your record or what to do next, there are ways to check your status online or in person.
Featured Case Results
Protecting a Professional License After a DUI and Refusal of a Blood Test
Result: DUI Dismissed with No Jail Time and No Loss of License
Challenging Admissibility of a .19 BAC Blood Test and Field Sobriety Evaluation
Result: No Jail Time, No DUI on Record, No License Suspension
Important Timelines and Deadlines You Should Know
Timing is everything in DUI cases. Right after your arrest, you only have 30 days to request the ALS hearing. If you miss this, you may not be able to stop your license from being suspended. If you are found guilty in court, there will also be deadlines to pay fines, start DUI school, or install a breath device in your car. Missing any of these can lead to more problems. Writing down your court dates and DDS deadlines can help you stay on track. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed, but keeping a calendar and asking for help can make things clearer.
What to Do If This Happened to You or a Loved One
If you or someone close to you is going through a DUI charge and facing license suspension, the best thing to do is stay calm and take action right away. Learn your rights, understand the law, and ask for help if you need it. Georgia’s DUI laws are strict, but they also offer steps that can help you move forward. You don’t have to go through this alone. Help is available, and the right guidance can make a big difference.
If you are facing a DUI and worried about losing your license, now is the time to act. The team at Willis Law Firm has helped many Georgia drivers understand their options and take the right steps. We are here to help you fight for your rights and keep your future on track. Call Willis Law Firm today and let us stand by your side.