Receiving a DUI charge comes with the potential for far-reaching consequences. Even if you do not see jail time following a DUI conviction, you might have questions about how an instance of drunk driving on your record will affect your living situation and other aspects of your life.
Georgia impaired driving laws outline the penalties for a first-time DUI offense, including a fine of up to $1,000, jail time of up to one year and possible license suspension. An even more pressing concern for you and your family might be whether or not your landlord will evict you from a rental property following a DUI conviction.
Can a Georgia landlord evict you for a DUI?
A first DUI offense is a misdemeanor under Georgia law and, therefore, not as likely to give rise to the top of eviction. However, landlords are free to discriminate against tenants on the basis of criminal history and are more likely to do so if repeat offenses or aggravating circumstances lead to a felony conviction.
Will future landlords deny your application because of a DUI?
A current landlord may struggle to find solid grounds for evicting you after a misdemeanor DUI, especially if you have a history with them as a reliable tenant. Even so, a criminal record can make it difficult to apply for future rental properties successfully. A DUI conviction will show up on your background check during the application process, and the landlord might then choose a different applicant with a cleaner record.
DUI conviction entails consequences beyond those that the law spells out. It is important to build the best defense possible when facing a DUI charge so you can effectively protect your way of life.
