DUI Punishments
DUI punishments vary from state to state and are based on the circumstances of the drunk-driving case. Both the criminal court and Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) may impose DUI punishments. These punishments are intended to penalize the offender for drunk driving, and to deter him or her from drinking and driving in the future. It is important to note that the penalties for habitual DUI offenders are much more severe than the penalties for a first-time offender.The criminal penalties for drunk driving may include jail time, fines, and probation. Depending on the DUI offense, jail time may range from 48 hours to several years of incarceration. Fines can also range from a few hundred dollars to tens of thousands of dollars, and probation can last anywhere from three months to several years.
During probation, the offender must refrain from committing any criminal offenses, including drinking and driving. If the offender violates his or her probation, the penalties will be enhanced and may include jail time and an extended period of probation.
If you fail the breath test or refuse to take it, the DMV may automatically suspend your driver’s license. This is known as an administrative license suspension. You have a certain timeframe during which you can request an administrative hearing. If you do not request it during this timeframe, your license is automatically suspended.
Habitual offenders may have their vehicles impounded or even seized by the DMV. In some cases, the offender may be required to have an ignition interlock device installed in his or her vehicle before the driver’s license can be reinstated. This device measures the driver’s blood alcohol content (BAC) before the vehicle will start.
As part of your sentence, the judge may also order you to perform community service, attend DUI School or participate in a drug and alcohol treatment program.
There are a number of factors that may lead to enhanced DUI punishments. For example, if you had an excessively high BAC, were traveling at excessive speeds, or transporting a child while intoxicated, the punishments may be more severe.
Don’t let DUI punishments affect the rest of your life. If you have recently been arrested and charged with drunk driving, contact a qualified defense attorney as soon as possible!
