Driving Under the Influence (DUI) is a mistake that attracts different penalties depending on the offense’s severity and the incident’s jurisdiction. Common factors like blood alcohol concentration (BAC) levels and any resulting harm also play a part in what the defendant will face.
The penalties for repeat DUI offenders are often more serious than those for first-time offenders. When facing DUI charges, it’s best to consult a local lawyer or refer to the specific laws of the state. Different states have different penalties for DUI offenses, and below are some of the common penalties to expect.
Criminal Penalties
Potential liability for damages or injuries caused while driving under the influence is criminal charges and penalties. Criminal penalties can include fines, jail time, and probation. Monetary fines often range from hundreds to thousands of dollars depending on the jurisdiction and severity of the offense.
First-time DUI offenders can also expect short jail terms ranging from 1 day to 30 days. Repetitive offenders with severe cases can be jailed for several years or face longer prison sentences. DUI offenders with less severe cases can be put on probation for months and up to years with strict conditions.
Licensing Penalties
DUIs also attract license penalties. The court can decide to revoke or suspend your license for a while. This mostly ranges from a few months for first-time offenders to several years for repetitive offenders.
Consequently, the court can demand the installation of ignition interlock devices (IID) with breathalyzer-like devices that require a breath sample before the vehicle starts.
Mandatory Programs
DUI offenders can be mandated to attend alcohol education classes to understand the consequences of driving while intoxicated with alcohol. Rehabilitation programs ensure alcohol awareness, substance abuse treatment, and counseling.
Financial Costs
As a driver convicted of a DUI offense, you are likely to start paying higher insurance premium rates. Insurance companies see you as a liability, hence the need to spend slightly more than the average driver.
Financial costs also involve payment for damages or injuries caused by a DUI incident. For example, vehicle damage. Additionally, you will have to incur extra costs and fees for court processing and administration.
Community Service
For minor DUI offenses, the court can decide that the driver has to perform a set number of community service hours as part of the sentencing. You’ll be required to work for some hours on a daily or weekly basis as punishment for driving while intoxicated.
Vehicle Impoundment or Forfeiture
The authorities can permanently or temporarily impound your vehicle if you keep making DUI offenses. Impoundment is when a vehicle is permanently or temporarily seized for a certain period, often at the owner’s expense, to discourage certain behavior.
Forfeiture, on the other hand, is the permanent confiscation of a car, which can be sold or destroyed. This is common for severe DUI cases with casualties or significant property damage.
Personal and Professional Consequences
Having a DUI record can cost you personally and professionally. Most employers often check the criminal records of potential employees.
For roles that involve driving, you normally require a clean driving record. DUI records can also affect your travels abroad because some countries, like Canada and Mexico, bar entry for individuals with DUI convictions.
Aggravating Factors that Lead to Harsher DUI Penalties
Some factors that will lead to harsher penalties. These include:
- Having high blood alcohol (BAC) levels of 0.15% or higher
- Causing serious injury, death, or property damage
- Driving with minors in the car
- Having multiple DUI offenses
- Refusing to take a BAC test
Conclusion
Driving Under the Influence (DUI) can seem like a minor offense, but it can have serious implications in terms of charges and penalties. It is always safe to drive sober so that you can avoid the mentioned penalties. However, should you be in a DUI case, you must seek reputable legal experts to represent you or provide legal advice on the way forward.
