DUI Cases: Legal Penalties and Consequences
Impaired driving is the reason millions of people lose their lives every year. Alcohol and drugs are the primary substances drivers sometimes use before going out on the road.
In a bid to curtail the growing number of DUI casualties each year, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has set legal penalties and consequences to deter individuals from indulging in intoxicated driving.
If you’ve been charged with a DUI, you may need to get help against the DUI charges by hiring a competent attorney.
Consequences of a DUI
Here are the top legal consequences of being involved in a DUI:
Fines
70% of DUI convictions lead to fines. Sometimes, you'll be let off with just a fine; in other cases, you'll be fined in addition to other penalties.
The exact amount you'll be asked to pay depends on your jurisdiction (and sometimes, the traffic court judge). If you're a repeat offender, you'll likely be taxed with a higher fine.
The more you commit the same offense, the higher your rates will spike. For first-timers, the fines will likely range from $500 to $2000.
License Suspension
The Department of Motor Vehicles has the right to suspend the license of a repeat offender. The license can stay suspended for months or even years.
Within this period, the convicted individual can obtain a hardship license, which allows them to drive to places of necessity such as school, work, or even the hospital.
Any other errands will have to be sorted out using public transportation, or they can ask to be driven around by someone else.
Some states take the extra step to ensure that unrepentant offenders do not get back on the road. The offenders might have their car registration cancelled or even have the car itself confiscated.
The casualties DUI causes every year are not trivial issues, so it's no surprise that law enforcement agencies make concerted efforts to stop these unrepentant offenders before they cause more havoc on the road.
Termination of Employment
People who function in roles that require them to drive may find themselves at risk of unemployment after being involved in a DUI.
A DUI record shows irresponsibility on their part and reduces the initial credibility that got them employed in these roles in the first place.
Community Service
First-time offenders are likely to be let off the hook with community service sentences. The number of hours would depend on their level of intoxication or their willingness to cooperate with officers at the time of their arrest.
Lawsuits
The offender will likely face a lawsuit if the DUI resulted in an accident that caused harm or damage to another person.
The result of this lawsuit can either be jail time, rehabilitation, or any of the other consequences listed above.
Jail Time
Some states have mandatory minimum jail sentences for DUIs. However, even in states without mandatory minimums, the judge can still sentence you to jail time for a first-time DUI offense.
While not the most common penalty, the likelihood of jail time depends on the specifics of your case, such as:
Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) level at the time of arrest
Any property damage caused by the DUI
Any injuries caused by the DUI
Whether there were any prior DUI convictions
FAQ
What is the most common penalty for DUIs?
In most states, the most common penalty for a first-time DUI offense is a fine, driver's license suspension, and mandatory alcohol education classes.
Will I go to jail on my first DUI?
Jail time is less common for a first-offense DUI, but it is possible. Factors like blood alcohol level and whether there were any similar occurrences can increase the likelihood of jail time.
What is the maximum fine for a DUI?
The maximum fine for a DUI also varies by location. In New York, for instance, the maximum fine for a first-time DUI is $1,000, but it can be higher for subsequent offenses.
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