In Georgia, your criminal record is forever.  All arrests, and case outcomes are recorded on your criminal record, which is stored with the Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC).  DUI charges, like most other charges, will never age off, or fall from your record.  You cannot plead under Georgia’s First Offender Act to DUI charges either.

In 2008, Georgia DUI laws actually became tougher.  A 10 year look back window was enacted to replace the previous 5 year window.  Therefore, if you are now convicted of a DUI charge, the court will look back 10 years and hold all previous DUI convictions in the past 10 years against you.  Previous charges will increase the amount of jail time, fines, and other court ordered conditions you face.  Obviously, with a longer look back period, the chances of reoffending and falling under tougher sentencing guidelines increases.   Additionally, as of July 1, 2008, all fourth DUI convictions are considered felony charges in Georgia.

If you have been charged with multiple DUIs, pulling your official criminal history and conducting a thorough examination of your record is an essential step in defending your case.  You must know what sentencing you are looking at before making decisions about your defense options.  If you are interested in pulling your criminal record, call or visit the website of your local law enforcement agency.  For a small fee, these agencies will run your criminal history and give you a copy to provide to your lawyer.