DUI Penalties

Although you probably know that drinking and driving is against the law, if you are like most people, you may not realize how serious of a crime it actually is. Indeed, while DUI penalties vary from state to state, a conviction can lead to sentences such as license suspension, fines, probation, and even jail time.

The laws surrounding DUI have changed drastically over the years. In addition to limiting drivers’ blood alcohol content (BAC) levels to .08%, additional laws have been enacted to punish even more drivers. For example, most states now have zero tolerance laws to deter underage drinking. Under these laws, drivers under the age of 21 can be charged with DUI if they are caught driving with any alcohol in their system at all—even if their BAC is well below the legal limit of .08%.

Some states have also enacted legislation to increase penalties if you are caught drinking and driving with a child, or any other passenger, in the vehicle. You can also expect a more severe punishment if someone was injured or killed as a result of your DUI.

Depending on the laws in your state, as well as the circumstances surrounding your DUI offense, you may be sentenced to jail time, fined several hundreds or thousands of dollars, or ordered to perform community service if you are convicted.

Your license may also be suspended for 90 days or more, and you may be required to attend an alcohol education program or have an ignition interlock device installed in your vehicle. In certain situations, your vehicle may even be impounded.

You will also face a whole new set of problems in addition to your court-imposed penalties. Once you are convicted of DUI, your auto insurance costs will skyrocket, and you may even be denied coverage altogether.

Furthermore, because drinking and driving is a criminal offense, a DUI conviction will be a permanent addition to your criminal record. This means anyone who checks your background—such as an employer, landlord, or educational institution—will know you were found guilty of driving under the influence. As a result, many future opportunities may be jeopardized as a result of your DUI conviction.

Fortunately, being charged with DUI does not always mean you will be convicted. If you have been arrested for driving under the influence, it is important for you to discuss your case with an experienced attorney. With the right defense, you may be able to reduce, or even eliminate, the penalties you now face. Contact a DUI lawyer in your area to learn more about your options.