A DUI arrest can threaten your license to drive, and make driving more expensive because of higher insurance premiums. But most people don't consider all the other penalties that automatically come with a conviction for driving under the influence in Georgia. Not only could you face jail time and court fines, but you will have to spend hours doing community service as part of a DUI conviction.
Mandatory Community Service
For anyone convicted of a first DUI, they will have to do 40 hours of community service. For multiple DUIs, the community service requirement increases to 30 days or more. Before signing up to do volunteer work towards DUI community service hours, make sure that the work will qualify as approved community service recognized by the court.
There are a number of organizations which qualify as court-approved community service work. Many registered not-for-profit groups will qualify, but it may be best to contact the court, or see if they have an approved listing of community service groups. There are also online resources, including Hands On Atlanta, which allows you to search for qualifying volunteer opportunities, with a check box for Court Ordered Volunteers.
There are many kinds of activities that you can find when fulfilling DUI community service hours. This could include working at a farmer's market; prep and serve food at a homeless shelter; checking tickets and providing information a museum; working at a community farm; and even opportunities for skilled tradesmen in restoring a historic structure.
Georgia DUI Lawyer
If you or a loved one have been arrested for a DUI, you may be facing community service work in addition to the other penalties associated with a conviction. So it is important to consider all the requirements that come with a guilty conviction before deciding how to handle your DUI charges. Your Atlanta DUI defense lawyer will be able to advise you on all the consequences of a criminal record for a DUI arrest, and let you know what possible defenses you have to make sure you don't get convicted.
However, even if you plan to fight the charges, and plead not guilty, doing community service may be recommended. If the judge sees that you are taking your case seriously, and completing DUI school and community service hours, it may go a long way to gaining a successful plea deal. Even if your case is later dismissed, or you are found not guilty, community service will also allow you to give back to your community, and can be a very rewarding experience.
Before completing any community service after a DUI, be sure that the hours will satisfy the court requirements. Your Atlanta DUI lawyer can help make sure you find the proper volunteer work that will qualify. Contact an experienced Georgia lawyer who can identify all the defenses to get your case dismissed, so you'll have no criminal record. Call me today, anytime day or night, so I can fight the criminal charges against you, and defend your driving privileges