Athens Man Receives 30-Year Sentence Stemming from Repeat DUI

Timothy Lee Collins, 48, of Norwood Road, was recently found guilty of four counts of serious injury by motor vehicle, one count each of failure to maintain lane, and driving without a license. His convictions come after a four-day trial in Clarke County Superior Court.

The case revolved around an accident which occurred on May 6, 2017, when Collins was driving a pickup truck on Danielsville Road and struck a car that was occupied by a man, his wife, and four daughters. The wife in the front passenger seat broke her right arm and leg in three places. One of the girls in the back seat suffered a fractured wrist and pelvis, a concussion, and the loss of two of her bottom teeth.

At the time of the accident, Collins had a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.29%, more than three times the legal limit of 0.08% BAC. At sentencing for the offense, the judge took note of Collins' seven prior convictions for DUI, stating that he was unable to ignore them and that Collins could have easily killed the entire family.

He was sentenced to 15 years in prison, followed by 15 years on probation.

When you have multiple prior DUI convictions, the effect of those prior convictions could be severe and lead to very long prison sentences, including felony level convictions.

If you or someone you care for has been arrested for driving under the influence (DUI), an experienced Georgia DUI defense attorney can represent and defend you to protect your constitutional rights.

Repeat DUI Offenses

In the State of Georgia, repeat DUI offenses will lead to significantly stiffer penalties, including longer sentences, higher fines, and other severe penalties.

For each DUI, there are certain penalties associated with the number the driver has previously been convicted. For every additional DUI conviction, the penalties become more severe.

First Offense DUI

The penalties for a first offense DUI are generally as follows:

• possible one year in jail,
• maximum fine of up to $1,000,
• 40 hours of community service, and
• probation.

Second Offense DUI

The penalties for a second offense DUI are usually as follows:

• possible one year in jail,
• up to $1,000 in fines,
• a suspended driver's license for three years, and
• a minimum of 30 days of community service.

There are also reinstatement fees associated with your license, as well as any costs of an ignition interlock device if one is installed on your vehicle.

Third Offense DUI

The penalties for a third offense DUI is even more serious and includes:

• a jail sentence of up to one year,
• fines of up to $5,000,
• a license suspension for five years, and
• a minimum of 30 days of community service.

Felony DUI (Fourth DUI)

If a person commits four DUIs in a 10-year period, it is considered a felony-level offense. A person now faces

• up to five years in prison, with a minimum of one year in prison;
• a maximum fine of up to $5,000 and a minimum fine of $1,000;
• drug and alcohol treatment;
• 480 hours of community service; and
• five years probation.

Consult a Georgia DUI Defense Attorney

If you face a DUI charge, whether it is your first or fourth, you need an experienced Georgia DUI defense attorney by your side. Contact us today for a free consultation.