DUI Legal Costs in Georgia: Lawyer Fees & Fines

Introduction

DUI legal costs in Georgia can be significant, even for a first offense. Beyond attorney fees, DUI cases often include court fines, mandatory Risk Reduction Programs, license suspension or reinstatement fees, ignition interlock device (IID) costs, and increased insurance premiums. Georgia enforces strict DUI penalties, particularly for high BAC levels and repeat offenses.

This guide explains DUI legal costs in Georgia, including lawyer fees, court fines, and the key factors that most affect total expenses.

Average DUI Lawyer Fees in Georgia

DUI attorneys in Georgia typically charge flat fees, with higher pricing for aggravated circumstances or repeat offenses.

Typical Attorney Fees by DUI Type

DUI Case Type	Typical Cost Range
First-time DUI	$1,200–$3,500
High BAC or enhanced charges	$2,500–$5,500+
Repeat DUI offenses	$4,000–$10,000+
DUI involving accident or injury	$6,000–$14,000+

Fees are often higher in metropolitan areas such as Atlanta and surrounding counties.

👉 Nationwide comparison: How Much Do Lawyers Cost in the United States?

Georgia DUI Court Fines and Fees

In addition to attorney fees, DUI convictions in Georgia involve mandatory court fines and administrative costs that can substantially increase the total expense.

Common Court and Administrative Expenses

Cost Category	Typical Amount
Court fine (first offense)	$300–$1,000
Court costs and surcharges	$300–$900+
License reinstatement fee	~$210
Risk Reduction Program (DUI school)	~$360
Ignition interlock device (IID)	$60–$130 per month

In many cases, court and administrative fees exceed the base fine, especially when IID installation is required.

🔗 Related guide: Court Costs in the United States

Factors That Increase DUI Legal Costs in Georgia

Several factors can significantly raise DUI-related expenses.

Primary Cost Drivers

Factor	Impact on Total Cost
High blood alcohol concentration (BAC)	Enhanced penalties
Prior DUI convictions	Mandatory minimum sanctions
DUI involving accident or injury	Higher fines and legal exposure
Refusal of chemical testing	Automatic license penalties
Driving on a suspended license	Additional criminal charges

Aggravating factors greatly increase both legal complexity and total costs.

First-Time vs Repeat DUI Costs

Cost Comparison by Offense History

Offense Type	Typical Total Cost
First-time DUI	$3,500–$7,500+
First-time DUI (high BAC)	$6,000–$10,000+
Repeat DUI	$15,000+
DUI with injury or felony factors	$18,000+

First-time DUI cases usually involve:

Lower attorney fees
Mandatory education programs
Shorter license suspension periods

Repeat DUI cases often involve:

Possible mandatory jail time
Longer license suspensions or revocations
Significantly higher fines and legal fees

Repeat offenses dramatically increase overall expenses.

How Georgia DUI Costs Compare to Other States

Georgia DUI legal costs are generally lower than California and New York, but comparable to Florida and Texas, particularly for first-time offenses.

📊 Nationwide comparison: Legal Costs by State

How to Reduce DUI Legal Costs in Georgia

Ways to manage DUI expenses in Georgia include:

Hiring an experienced DUI attorney early
Completing the Risk Reduction Program promptly
Complying fully with court and DDS requirements
Avoiding additional violations while the case is pending

Early compliance and strategic legal representation can help reduce long-term financial impact.

FAQ — DUI Legal Costs in Georgia

How much does a DUI cost in Georgia?

A DUI in Georgia typically costs $3,500–$7,500 for a first offense and can exceed $15,000 for repeat or aggravated cases.

How much does a DUI lawyer cost in Georgia?

DUI lawyers generally charge $1,200–$3,500 for first offenses and $4,000–$10,000+ for repeat cases.

Is the Risk Reduction Program mandatory in Georgia?

Yes. Completion of the Risk Reduction Program (DUI school) is required for license reinstatement.

Is ignition interlock required in Georgia?

IID installation may be required for high BAC levels, repeat offenses, or as a condition of license reinstatement.

Do insurance increases count toward DUI costs?

No. Increased insurance premiums are separate and can add thousands of dollars over several years.

External Resources (Official Sources)

Official Code of Georgia Annotated — DUI Laws
Georgia Department of Driver Services — DUI & License Reinstatement
Georgia Courts — Criminal & Traffic Offenses

Conclusion

DUI legal costs in Georgia typically range from around $3,500 for a first offense to well over $15,000 for repeat or aggravated cases. Attorney fees, court fines, mandatory programs, and administrative penalties all contribute to the total expense.

Understanding these costs helps drivers plan financially and make informed decisions when facing a DUI charge in Georgia.