Pulaski County License Hearing Guide

Pulaski DUI License Suspension & ALR Hearing: What You Need to Know NOW

Just arrested for a DUI in Pulaski, Georgia? The next few days are critical for protecting your driving privileges. While you're facing criminal charges, there's also an administrative process that can lead to a license suspension – completely separate from the criminal court. This guide will walk you through the process and give you the immediate steps you need to take to potentially save your license.

The administrative process is handled by the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) and centers around an Administrative License Revocation (ALR) hearing. This hearing determines whether your license will be suspended based on the circumstances of your arrest. It's crucial to understand that this is a separate process from your criminal DUI case. You can be found not guilty in criminal court and still have your license suspended through the ALR process, and vice versa.

CRITICAL DEADLINE: Request an ALR Hearing Within 15 Days

This is not an exaggeration: you have only 15 days from the date of your DUI arrest to request an Administrative License Revocation (ALR) hearing. Missing this deadline automatically results in a license suspension. No exceptions are typically made.

Where to Request the Hearing:

You request the hearing through the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS).

How to Request the Hearing:

You can request the hearing online, by phone, or by mail. Online is generally the fastest and most reliable method.

• Online: Visit the Georgia DDS website (dds.georgia.gov). Look for the section on DUI and Administrative License Revocations. The exact location may vary, so use the search function on the DDS website to find "ALR Hearing Request."

• Phone: Contact the DDS at their customer service number. Be prepared for potential wait times. Get the name of the person you speak with and a confirmation number for your request.

• Mail: Send a written request to the DDS address (which you can find on their website). This is the least recommended method due to the risk of delays. If you choose this option, send it via certified mail with return receipt requested to prove it was received within the 15-day window.

What to Include in Your Request:

Your request should include:

• Your full name
• Your driver's license number
• Your date of birth
• Your current address
• The date of your DUI arrest
• A clear statement that you are requesting an Administrative License Revocation (ALR) hearing.

What Happens If You Miss the Deadline?

If you fail to request a hearing within 15 days, your driver's license will be automatically suspended. There are very limited exceptions to this rule. Don't risk it – act now!

Automatic License Suspension

Even if you request a hearing, your license may still be subject to an automatic suspension depending on the circumstances of your arrest.

If You Took the Breath/Blood Test and Failed

If you submitted to a breath or blood test and your Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) was 0.08% or higher, your license will be suspended. The length of the suspension varies depending on prior DUI offenses. For a first offense, the suspension period is typically [Specific suspension period for Georgia].

You should have received a temporary driving permit at the time of your arrest. This permit is valid until your ALR hearing or until the date your suspension begins, whichever comes first.

If You Refused Testing

Georgia, like most states, has an implied consent law. This means that by driving on Georgia roads, you have implicitly agreed to submit to chemical testing (breath, blood, or urine) if lawfully arrested for DUI. Refusing to submit to testing carries a much harsher penalty than failing the test.

The penalty for refusing to submit to a chemical test for a first offense in Georgia is a suspension of [Specific suspension period for refusal in Georgia]. This suspension is separate from any suspension that might result from a criminal conviction.

The ALR/Administrative Hearing

What It Is

The ALR hearing is a civil proceeding, separate from your criminal DUI case. Its sole purpose is to determine whether the Georgia DDS has sufficient evidence to suspend your driver's license. The burden of proof in an ALR hearing is lower than in a criminal trial. The DDS only needs to show that it is "more likely than not" that you were driving under the influence.

How to Prepare

Preparing for your ALR hearing is crucial. Here are some steps you can take:

• Gather Evidence: Collect any evidence that supports your case, such as witness statements, dashcam footage, or medical records.
• Consider Hiring a DUI Attorney: A DUI attorney experienced in Georgia ALR hearings can significantly increase your chances of a favorable outcome. They understand the law, the procedures, and the arguments that are most likely to succeed. An attorney can help you prepare your case, present evidence, and cross-examine witnesses.
• Understand What You Can Challenge: You can challenge several aspects of the case at the ALR hearing, including:
• Whether the officer had probable cause to stop you.
• Whether the officer properly administered the breath or blood test.
• Whether you were properly informed of your implied consent rights.
• Whether the BAC results were accurate.

Possible Outcomes

The ALR hearing can have one of three possible outcomes:

• Suspension Upheld: The DDS presents sufficient evidence to support the suspension of your license.
• Suspension Overturned: The DDS fails to present sufficient evidence, and your license is not suspended.
• Restricted/Hardship License Granted: Even if the suspension is upheld, you may be eligible for a restricted or hardship license, allowing you to drive under certain conditions.

Hardship/Restricted License in Georgia

Even if your license is suspended, you may be able to obtain a hardship or restricted license in Georgia. This allows you to drive for specific purposes, such as:

• Work
• School
• Medical appointments

Eligibility Requirements:

The specific eligibility requirements for a hardship license vary depending on the circumstances of your case. Generally, you must:

• Have had your license suspended for at least [Specific duration in Georgia].
• Demonstrate a genuine need to drive for work, school, or medical purposes.
• Not have any other outstanding license suspensions or revocations.

What You Can Drive For:

A hardship license typically restricts you to driving only for the purposes listed above. You may be required to provide proof of your employment, school enrollment, or medical appointments.

Costs and Application Process:

The application process for a hardship license involves submitting an application to the DDS and paying a fee. You may also be required to attend a hearing.

IID Requirement:

In some cases, you may be required to install an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) in your vehicle as a condition of obtaining a hardship license. An IID is a device that requires you to blow into it before starting your car. If the device detects alcohol, the car will not start.

Getting Your License Back

After Criminal Case Concludes

Once your criminal DUI case is resolved, whether through a plea bargain or trial, you will need to take steps to reinstate your driver's license.

Reinstatement Requirements:

The reinstatement requirements vary depending on the outcome of your criminal case and the length of your suspension. Generally, you will need to:

• Pay a reinstatement fee to the DDS.
• Provide proof of completion of any court-ordered DUI Alcohol or Drug Use Risk Reduction Program (DUI school).
• Provide proof of SR-22 insurance (high-risk auto insurance).

Fees:

The reinstatement fees vary depending on the length of your suspension and the number of prior offenses.

SR-22 Insurance Requirement:

SR-22 insurance is a certificate of financial responsibility that you must obtain from your insurance company. It proves to the state that you have the minimum required auto insurance coverage.

Classes/Programs That Must Be Completed:

You will likely be required to complete a DUI Alcohol or Drug Use Risk Reduction Program (DUI school) as part of your criminal sentence and as a condition of reinstating your license.

Pulaski DMV Offices

Unfortunately, I cannot provide specific Pulaski DMV/DDS office addresses and hours without real-time access to a directory. However, you can easily find this information by:

1. Visiting the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) website: dds.georgia.gov
2. Using the "Office Locator" or "Find a Location" tool on the DDS website.
3. Entering "Pulaski County" or a nearby city to find the closest DDS office.

Special Programs

• Ignition Interlock Device Program: This program allows individuals convicted of DUI to drive with an IID installed in their vehicle. The requirements and restrictions vary based on the number of prior offenses.
• Occupational License: While Georgia doesn't have a specific "Occupational License," a hardship license can serve a similar purpose, allowing you to drive for work-related activities.

Disclaimer: This guide provides general information and is not a substitute for legal advice. DUI laws are complex and can vary based on the specific circumstances of your case. It is highly recommended that you consult with a qualified Georgia DUI attorney to discuss your case and protect your rights.