DUI and Out-of-State Drivers: What Happens If You’re Arrested in Georgia?
Each year, the Georgia roads welcome millions of people who come to visit, travel on business, or even just pass through the state. However, if you are a driver who comes from another state and you’re stopped for a DUI offense while visiting Georgia, you might be confused about how this could impact your driver’s license upon your return. The truth is that traveling out of state does not protect you from the ramifications of a DUI charge.
Facing DUI charges in Georgia
If you are arrested for driving under the influence in Georgia, your case will normally be processed through the courts at the location of your arrest. You may have to show up in court regardless of which state you come from, since the case involves you.
The rules for driving under the influence are applicable to everyone who is driving a vehicle in Georgia, regardless of their place of origin. Therefore, people from other states can also be charged with a Georgia DUI. This can lead to fines, license suspension, and sometimes even jail time.
Georgia reports DUI arrests to other states
The majority of states use an information-sharing network, referred to as the Driver License Compact, for the purpose of informing each other about DUI offenses and convictions.
If a driver’s state of residence becomes aware of a DUI conviction that took place in Georgia, it has the right to levy penalties on the individual according to the law in its jurisdiction.
At times, these penalties can be comparable to what the individual would have faced had they been convicted of a DUI in their home state.
Impact on your driver’s license
For out-of-state offenders, it is likely that the status of their driver’s license becomes an issue once they’re convicted. While Georgia does not provide licenses to out-of-state drivers, the state is authorized to suspend an individual’s right to drive in Georgia.
Once Georgia suspends the offender’s right to drive within the state, that is reported back to the state that granted their license. The home state will consider whether to suspend or restrict the offender’s driving rights in their home state.
The implications are that DUI proceedings in Georgia may influence one’s driving rights both in and out of the state.
Travel and court appearances
In some cases, drivers from other states have concerns about the hassle of having to travel back to Georgia for their court date. This depends on the situation of the particular case, but in many instances, it is likely that a lawyer can attend court on the driver’s behalf. A Cobb County, GA, DUI lawyer can help determine which court dates are necessary for your case. Contact Andrew L. Schwartz, P.C. today.
