How Does Speed Affect a DUI Charge in Georgia?
How Does Speed Affect a DUI Charge in Georgia?
Being charged with a DUI (Driving Under the Influence) in Georgia is a serious offense, but factors like speeding can make the situation even more severe. Speeding not only increases the risk of an accident but can also escalate the penalties associated with a DUI charge. At the Law Offices Of Thomas J. Thomas, we assist the Atlanta public with DUI matters, ensuring that individuals facing these charges understand how certain factors, like speed, can impact their case.
Speed as an Aggravating Factor in DUI Charges
In Georgia, the penalties for a DUI are influenced by various factors, including your blood alcohol content (BAC), prior offenses, and dangerous driving behaviors such as excessive speed. If you are caught speeding while under the influence, this can be considered an aggravating factor. Aggravating factors can lead to harsher penalties because they increase the severity of the crime in the eyes of the court.
Impact on Penalties
Speeding while driving under the influence can lead to:
- Increased fines: The court may impose higher fines if you were driving at an excessively high speed while under the influence.
- Longer jail time: Speeding can contribute to longer jail sentences or harsher probation terms, especially if it is considered reckless driving.
- More severe license suspension: Georgia courts may lengthen the duration of your driver's license suspension or impose additional restrictions if speeding is involved in your DUI charge.
- Higher risk of an accident: If speeding while intoxicated results in an accident, especially with injuries or fatalities, you may face more severe charges, such as vehicular manslaughter, which carries significant penalties.
DUI and Reckless Driving
In some cases, speeding while under the influence can lead to additional charges like reckless driving. Georgia law defines reckless driving as operating a vehicle with "reckless disregard" for the safety of others. When combined with a DUI charge, reckless driving can lead to steeper penalties and long-term consequences, such as increased insurance rates or the inability to obtain certain jobs that require a clean driving record.
How the Law Offices Of Thomas J. Thomas Can Help
Facing a DUI charge with aggravating factors like speeding can be overwhelming, but with the right legal guidance, you can build a strong defense. At the Law Offices Of Thomas J. Thomas, we are dedicated to defending clients in Atlanta who are facing DUI charges. We will thoroughly evaluate your case and work to mitigate the impact of any aggravating factors.
If you’ve been charged with a DUI in Georgia, contact the Law Offices Of Thomas J. Thomas today for a consultation to discuss your case and protect your rights.
