Wilmington Island Out-of-State DUI Attorney

How Out-of-State DUI Offenses Work in Georgia

When a driver from another state is arrested for DUI in Georgia, the case is fully governed by Georgia law, including Georgia’s implied consent requirements. In other words, even if the person holds an out-of-state license, Georgia has the authority to prosecute the criminal charge, impose fines, require jail time, mandate DUI school, and restrict driving privileges within Georgia. 

That means that a non-resident cannot avoid the charge by returning home. Georgia also reports arrests and administrative license actions to the driver’s home state. In most cases, the home state will receive notice of any refusal to submit to chemical testing, any conviction, and any suspension imposed by Georgia. That you are a driver from another state does not mean you will avoid a charge. 

Note: Georgia participates in the Driver’s License Compact. Most other states do as well. That means the Georgia Department of Driver Services (and similar agencies in other states) receives notification of most out-of-state DUI convictions. Once notified, Georgia can impose its own administrative penalties, including suspension or revocation.

How Our Wilmington Island Out-of-State DUI Defense Lawyer Jarrett Maillet Can Help

Being arrested and charged with a DUI is stressful and confusing, especially if you are outside of your home state. Our founding attorney, Jarrett Maillet, is a criminal defense lawyer who has the skills and experience needed to effectively protect the rights of non-Georgia drivers. We are proactive. Among other things, our Wilmington Island DUI defense attorney is ready to: 

• Conduct a comprehensive review and evaluation of your case;
• Investigate your drunk driving arrest in Chatham County; 
• Take whatever legal action is needed to help you get the best outcome.  

Out-of-State DUIs in Georgia: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Will my home state find out about my Georgia DUI arrest?

Most likely, your state will find out. The reason is that Georgia participates in the Driver’s License Compact. It notifies other states that are also in the program. In other words, states share conviction information, license actions, and refusal notices with each other. The Driver’s License Compact includes 45 member states. Georgia is technically not one of them, but it shares information nonetheless. Other non-members, such as Tennessee, also share information through the program. Your home state may impose its own penalties on top of the Georgia penalties. 

Can I still drive in my home state if Georgia suspends my license?

Georgia cannot directly suspend a license issued by another state, but it can suspend your privilege to drive within Georgia. Once that occurs, Georgia will report the suspension to your home state. Most states treat that report as grounds for suspending your actual license. Still, the specific rules in your home state will matter. Georgia can only regulate what happens on Georgia roads for driver’s licenses in other states. 

Do I have to return to Georgia for court if I live far away?

Yes. Or at least you do in most cases. Georgia courts require personal appearances for key hearings, and failure to appear can lead to a bench warrant. Your Wilmington Island, GA DUI defense attorney can handle some procedural matters on your behalf, but you should expect to travel for at least one or two hearings. 

Will a Georgia DUI count as a prior if I get another DUI in my home state later?

It will in most cases. Georgia DUI convictions are typically recognized as prior offenses in other states for sentencing purposes. In other words, a future DUI in your home state could be treated as a second or third offense based on the Georgia conviction. 

Contact Our Wilmington Island Out-of-State DUI Attorney Today

At Jarrett Maillet J.D., P.C., our Wilmington Island, GA DUI defense lawyer has the skills and experience to represent out-of-state drivers. If you are a licensed driver from another state who was arrested for a DUI in Georgia, we are here to help. Contact us today at 912-713-3426 for your completely confidential, no-commitment case evaluation. We defend out-of-state drivers against DUIs in Wilmington Island, Chatham County, and throughout the surrounding region in Georgia.