Glynn County License Hearing Guide

Glynn County DUI License Suspension & ALR Hearing

A DUI arrest in Glynn County, Georgia, triggers two separate legal processes: a criminal case in the State Court and an administrative action against your driver's license by the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS). This guide focuses on the administrative process, specifically the potential suspension of your driver's license and how to fight it. Understanding the deadlines and procedures is crucial to protecting your driving privileges.

CRITICAL DEADLINE: Request Hearing Within 30 Days

Following a DUI arrest in Glynn County, you have a very limited time to act to protect your driving privileges. You have 30 calendar days from the date of your arrest to request an Administrative License Suspension (ALS) hearing with the Georgia DDS.

To request a hearing, you must contact the DDS and follow their specific procedures. While specific contact methods are not detailed in the provided Glynn County data, the DDS generally allows requests to be submitted online, by phone, or by mail.

What happens if you miss the deadline? If you fail to request an ALS hearing within 30 days, your driver's license will be automatically suspended. This suspension will take effect, and you will lose your driving privileges.

Automatic License Suspension

Even if you plan to fight your DUI charge in criminal court, your license may be automatically suspended by the DDS based 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 per Georgia law. The length of the suspension varies depending on whether this is your first DUI offense. You may receive a temporary driving permit at the time of your arrest, which will be valid until your ALS hearing or until the suspension goes into effect.

If You Refused Testing

Under Georgia's implied consent law, by driving on Georgia roads, you have implicitly consented to submit to chemical testing if arrested for DUI. Refusing to submit to a breath, blood, or urine test results in a longer license suspension than failing the test. The DDS will suspend your license for one year for a first-time refusal. This is a "hard suspension," meaning you are not eligible for a limited driving permit during this period.

The ALR/Administrative Hearing

The Administrative License Revocation (ALR) hearing is a separate proceeding from your criminal DUI case. It is conducted by the DDS to determine whether your driver's license should be suspended.

What It Is

The ALR hearing is an administrative hearing, not a criminal trial. The purpose of the hearing is to determine if there was probable cause for your arrest, if you were lawfully arrested, and if your BAC was 0.08 or higher (or if you refused testing). The burden of proof is lower than in a criminal trial.

How to Prepare

Preparing for an ALR hearing is critical to maximizing your chances of retaining your driving privileges.

• Gather evidence: Collect any evidence that supports your case, such as witness statements, dashcam footage, or medical records.
• Understand what you can challenge: You can challenge the probable cause for the stop, the validity of the breath/blood test, or whether you were properly informed of your implied consent rights.

Possible Outcomes

• Suspension upheld: If the DDS finds sufficient evidence to support the suspension, your license will be suspended.
• Suspension overturned: If the DDS finds that the evidence is insufficient, the suspension will be overturned, and your license will be reinstated.
• Restricted/hardship license granted: In some cases, even if the suspension is upheld, you may be eligible for a limited driving permit.

Hardship/Restricted License in Georgia

Even with a suspended license, you may be eligible for a restricted or hardship license in Georgia, allowing you to drive for limited purposes.

• Eligibility requirements: You may be eligible for a limited driving permit if your license is suspended for a first-time DUI and you meet certain requirements, such as enrolling in a DUI Risk Reduction Program.
• What you can drive for: A limited driving permit typically allows you to drive to work, school, medical appointments, and court-ordered obligations.
• Costs and application process: The application process involves submitting an application to the DDS and paying a reinstatement fee.
• IID requirement: An Ignition Interlock Device (IID) may be required as a condition of obtaining a limited driving permit, especially for repeat offenders or those with high BAC levels.

Getting Your License Back

Reinstating your license after a DUI suspension involves several steps.

After Criminal Case Concludes

The outcome of your criminal DUI case can impact your license reinstatement.

• Reinstatement requirements: You must complete all requirements imposed by the court and the DDS, including paying reinstatement fees, completing a DUI Risk Reduction Program, and providing proof of SR-22 insurance.
• Fees: Reinstatement fees vary depending on the length and type of suspension.
• SR-22 insurance requirement: You will likely be required to obtain SR-22 insurance for a period of time, typically three years. An SR-22 is not an insurance policy itself, but rather a certificate of financial responsibility filed by your insurance company with the Georgia DDS. Local physical insurance offices are unnecessary for this process, as SR-22 filings are executed electronically by major national carriers directly with the DDS database.
• Classes/programs that must be completed: You must complete a DUI Risk Reduction Program certified by the state of Georgia. The program consists of a Needs Assessment ($100) and a 20-hour course ($260, including a $20 book fee). The Glynn County DUI School is located at 1601 Gloucester St, Brunswick, GA 31520. Their phone number is 912-334-0275. DDS regulations governing these schools are absolute and unforgiving regarding punctuality. Late arrivals to any session are strictly locked out, forfeit their fees, and are required to restart the entire program from the beginning.

Glynn County DDS Offices

The Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) office in Glynn County is located at:

• Brunswick DDS: 224 Altama Connector, Brunswick, GA 31525. You can contact them at the provided phone number.

Special Programs

• Ignition Interlock Device Program: This program allows individuals with a suspended license to drive with a device installed in their vehicle that prevents it from starting if alcohol is detected on their breath.
• Occupational License: Georgia no longer offers occupational licenses. You must obtain a limited driving permit as described above.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long do I have to request an ALR hearing in Glynn County? A: You have 30 calendar days from the date of your arrest to request an ALR hearing with the Georgia DDS.

Q: Where do I go to complete my DUI Risk Reduction Program in Glynn County? A: The Glynn County DUI School is located at 1601 Gloucester St, Brunswick, GA 31520.

Q: What happens to my vehicle after a DUI arrest in Glynn County? A: Your vehicle will be impounded by a private towing company on a rotational basis managed by the Glynn County Police Department or the Georgia State Patrol. Contact the GCPD Non-Emergency line (912-554-7800) to determine which company holds the vehicle.