Putnan County License Hearing Guide

Putnan DUI License Suspension & ALR Hearing

(Updated for 2024)

If you've just been arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) in Putnan County, Georgia, you're likely feeling overwhelmed and uncertain about the future. One of the most immediate concerns is what will happen to your driver's license. This guide is designed to provide you with the critical information you need to understand the process, meet crucial deadlines, and fight to protect your driving privileges.

It's important to understand that a DUI arrest triggers two separate legal processes: a criminal case in the Putnan County courts and an administrative action against your driver's license by the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS). This guide focuses on the administrative action – specifically, the potential suspension of your license and the Administrative License Revocation (ALR) hearing process. These are time-sensitive matters, and failing to act quickly can result in an automatic license suspension.

CRITICAL DEADLINE: Request Hearing Within 30 Days

YOU ONLY HAVE 30 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF YOUR ARREST TO REQUEST AN ALR HEARING. Missing this deadline will result in an automatic suspension of your driver's license. Do not delay!

Where to Request: You must request the ALR hearing from the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS).

How to Request: You can request the hearing online, by mail, or in person. It is strongly recommended that you send your request via certified mail with return receipt requested to ensure proof of timely submission.

• Online: Visit the DDS website at . Look for the section related to DUI and ALR hearings.
• Mail: Send a written request to:

Georgia Department of Driver Services ALR Unit

Your written request must include your full name, date of birth, driver's license number, date of arrest, arresting officer's name, and a clear statement that you are requesting an Administrative License Revocation (ALR) hearing.

• In Person: You can submit your request in person at a DDS Customer Service Center. Find a location near you at .

What Happens If You Miss the Deadline: If you fail to request an ALR hearing within 30 days of your arrest, your driver's license will be automatically suspended. There are very limited exceptions to this rule, so it is crucial to act quickly.

Automatic License Suspension

Even if you request an ALR hearing, your license may still be subject to an administrative suspension. The reason for the suspension depends on whether you submitted to chemical testing (breath, blood, or urine) and the results of that test, or if you refused to submit to testing.

If You Took the Breath/Blood Test and Failed

• BAC Over 0.08: If your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) was 0.08 or higher, your license will be suspended. The suspension period for a first DUI offense is generally 12 months. However, you may be eligible for a restricted license (see below).
• Temporary Permit: After your DUI arrest, you should have received a temporary driving permit. This permit is typically valid for 45 days or until the date of your ALR hearing (if requested), whichever comes first. If you do not request a hearing, the suspension will begin after the temporary permit expires.

If You Refused Testing

• Refusal Penalty: Georgia law imposes a harsher penalty for refusing to submit to chemical testing. If you refused to take a breath, blood, or urine test, your license will be suspended for 12 months, and you will not be eligible for a limited driving permit during this suspension period.
• Implied Consent Law in Georgia: Georgia operates under an implied consent law. This means that by driving on Georgia roads, you have implicitly agreed to submit to chemical testing if lawfully arrested for DUI. Refusal to submit to testing can result in the penalties described above.

The ALR/Administrative Hearing

What It Is

The ALR hearing is a separate administrative proceeding from your criminal DUI case. It is conducted by an administrative law judge (ALJ) and focuses solely on whether the DDS has sufficient evidence to suspend your driver's license. The burden of proof is lower than in a criminal trial. The DDS only needs to show by a preponderance of the evidence (more likely than not) that the suspension is warranted.

How to Prepare

Preparing for your ALR hearing is crucial to increasing your chances of keeping your license. Consider the following:

• Gather Evidence: Collect any evidence that could support your case, such as witness statements, video footage (if available), and any documentation related to the arrest.
• Consider Hiring a DUI Attorney: A DUI attorney experienced in Georgia ALR hearings can provide invaluable assistance in preparing your case, presenting evidence, and cross-examining witnesses. They understand the nuances of the law and can advocate effectively on your behalf.
• Understand What You Can Challenge: Common challenges in ALR hearings include:
• Whether the officer had reasonable suspicion to stop you.
• Whether the officer had probable cause to arrest you for DUI.
• Whether you were properly advised of your implied consent rights.
• Whether the breathalyzer or blood test was administered correctly.
• The accuracy and reliability of the testing equipment.

Possible Outcomes

The ALJ will issue a decision after the hearing. Possible outcomes include:

• Suspension Upheld: The ALJ finds that the DDS has sufficient evidence to support the license suspension.
• Suspension Overturned: The ALJ finds that the DDS has not met its burden of proof, and your license will not be suspended.
• Restricted/Hardship License Granted: In some cases, the ALJ may grant a restricted or hardship license, allowing you to drive under certain conditions (see below).

Hardship/Restricted License in Georgia

Even if your license is suspended, you may be eligible for a limited driving permit, often called a hardship or restricted license.

• Eligibility Requirements: To be eligible, you typically must meet the following requirements:
• You must not have any prior DUI convictions within the past five years.
• You must have requested an ALR hearing within the 30-day deadline (unless the suspension is due to a criminal conviction).
• You must demonstrate a need to drive for work, school, medical appointments, or court-ordered obligations.
• What You Can Drive For: A restricted license typically allows you to drive only for specific purposes, such as:
• Traveling to and from work.
• Attending classes at an accredited school.
• Seeking medical treatment for yourself or a dependent.
• Attending court-ordered DUI Alcohol or Drug Use Risk Reduction Program (DUI School).
• Costs and Application Process: The application process for a restricted license involves completing an application form, providing supporting documentation (e.g., proof of employment, school enrollment), and paying a fee. Contact the DDS for specific details on the application process and current fees.
• IID Requirement: In some cases, the DDS may require you to install an ignition interlock device (IID) on your vehicle as a condition of receiving a restricted license. An IID requires you to blow into a device before starting your car to ensure you have not consumed alcohol.

Getting Your License Back

After Criminal Case Concludes

Even if you win your ALR hearing, you may still face a license suspension as a result of your criminal DUI case. If you are convicted of DUI, your license will be suspended.

• Reinstatement Requirements: To reinstate your license after a DUI suspension, you will typically need to:
• Pay a reinstatement fee.
• Complete a DUI Alcohol or Drug Use Risk Reduction Program (DUI School).
• Provide proof of SR-22 insurance (high-risk auto insurance).
• Potentially install an ignition interlock device (IID).
• Fees: Reinstatement fees vary and are subject to change. Check with the DDS for current fee amounts.
• SR-22 Insurance Requirement: SR-22 insurance is a certificate of financial responsibility required by the state after certain traffic offenses, including DUI. It demonstrates that you have the minimum required auto insurance coverage.
• Classes/Programs That Must Be Completed: Georgia requires anyone convicted of DUI to complete a DUI Alcohol or Drug Use Risk Reduction Program (DUI School). You must complete this program before your license can be reinstated.

Putnan DMV Offices

Unfortunately, Putnan County does not have a dedicated DDS office due to its low population. You will need to visit the nearest DDS Customer Service Center in a neighboring county. Please consult the Georgia DDS website at for the most up-to-date information on locations, hours, and services offered.

Special Programs

• Ignition Interlock Device Program: As mentioned above, an IID may be required as a condition of a restricted license or as part of your criminal DUI sentence.
• Occupational License: In certain circumstances, you may be eligible for an occupational license, which allows you to drive for work-related purposes even if your license is suspended. Eligibility requirements vary.
• DUI Alcohol or Drug Use Risk Reduction Program (DUI School): Required for license reinstatement after a DUI conviction.

This guide provides general information and should not be considered legal advice. Given the complexities of Georgia DUI law and the time-sensitive nature of the ALR hearing process, it is highly recommended that you consult with a qualified DUI attorney in Putnan County to protect your rights and explore all available options. Act quickly to protect your driving privileges!