DUI Punishment

Across the United States, it is illegal to operate a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 percent or higher. If your BAC is over the legal limit, you may be arrested and charged with driving under the influence, or DUI. For drivers under the age of 21, this limit is even lower.

The punishment for drinking and driving varies from state to state and even county to county. If you are facing DUI charges, it is important to contact an experienced DUI lawyer in your area to discuss your state’s laws and the penalties you may be facing.

There are several factors that are used to determine your DUI punishment. These may include the number of drunk-driving offenses on your record and whether any punishment enhancements apply in your case.

The penalties for a first offense may include fines, loss of driving privileges, mandatory attendance at an alcohol education program, and possible jail time. For a multiple DUI offender, jail time may be mandatory. The offender will also pay higher fines and have a longer driver’s license suspension. In some cases, the judge may order the offender to have an ignition interlock device installed in his or her car. This device measures the driver’s BAC before the ignition can start. If the driver’s BAC is over a preset limit, the vehicle will not start.

There are punishment enhancements that can trigger additional penalties. These include: transporting a child while intoxicated, speeding 20-30 miles over the speed limit, refusing to take a blood, breath, or urine test, causing an accident or property damage, driving with a BAC of .20 percent or higher.

In many states, a drunk driver who causes injury to another party will be charged with felony DUI. The penalties for a felony include time in the state prison.

If there is a death related to the drunk-driving case, the offender may be charged with vehicular manslaughter or murder.

Besides the court-ordered DUI punishment, you can face consequences in your personal life if convicted of drinking and driving. For instance, your auto insurance rates may go up, or the company can decide to drop your coverage because you are high risk.

You may also have problems finding employment if the employer requires a clean background check.

Do you have questions about the DUI punishment in your state? If so, contact a DUI lawyer today.