Atlanta, Georgia DUI 10-Day Rule License Suspension

There’s no way around it—you need a vehicle to get around in Atlanta. Unfortunately, your ability to drive is one of the first things to be taken away from you after being arrested for driving under the influence (DUI). In fact, you have only 10 business days from the date of your drunk-driving arrest to file an appeal with the Department of Driver Services (DDS) in order to contest the automatic suspension of your driving privileges.

Some people think they cannot lose their license before being convicted of impaired driving; however, this is not the case. The DDS has the authority to suspend the license of any driver arrested for DUI if he or she either (a) takes a breath, blood, or urine test and is over the legal blood alcohol content (BAC) limit or (b) refuses to take the test altogether. Please note that the BAC limit differs based on age and type of vehicle being operated. In Georgia, the limit for an underage driver is only .02%, the limit for a driver over 21 is .08%, and the limit for a person operating a commercial vehicle is .04%.

The length of the license suspension depends on the number of prior DUIs or test refusals on your record. For a first offense, you may be subject to a one-year license suspension. This period increases for each subsequent offense: a second offense carries a three-year suspension and a third offense carries a five-year suspension. Offenders with prior DUIs are also subject to a “hard” license suspension, meaning they are ineligible for a limited driving permit.

An experienced defense lawyer can help you fight your Atlanta, Georgia DUI 10-Day rule license suspension so you can continue driving to school or work. To do this, he or she will first prepare a license appeal letter to request a hearing with the DDS. Your lawyer will then go to court in order to help you retain your driver’s license. The good news is that if the arresting officer fails to show up to court, there is a 90% chance that the prosecution will not oppose your appeal.

The ability to drive is important to many Atlantans. Be sure to hire an Atlanta lawyer with a proven track record rather than a cheap attorney to ensure that your license isn’t taken away from you. Learn more about the Atlanta, Georgia 10-Day DUI rule license suspension by submitting your information online now!