When someone is injured by a driver who is impaired by alcohol the injured party often has a separate claim for punitive damages to punish the driver for their reckless conduct. Driving under the influence is one of the very few acts that expose an individual or company to unlimited or "uncapped" punitive damages under Georgia law. We know since our Atlanta injury law partners have recovered record verdicts and settlements under these laws.
What may be just as important are the financial, personal and professional costs that may result from a DUI conviction. Beyond a substantial fine there are attorney fees, surcharges for court authorized programs and probation fees. A 24 hour minimum jail stay is mandatory for even a first conviction. Community service, DUI School and license suspension are always imposed as part of the sentencing.
Professionally, law and medical students careers can be threatened. Military officers can lose their commissions and soldiers can be barred from reenlistment. Future employers may decide not to employ an applicant with a DUI conviction as a matter of policy.
If you think that you can handle a first DUI charge without serious consequences then think again.
