Penalties for a DUI

DUI Penalty Information Center

The penalties for DUI will vary from state to state. With that in mind we have listed here a general overview of what you might be facing.

Please take the time to visit our City Specific DUI Defense Attorneys page to find a local DUI attorney that practices in your city or where the arrest took place. In addition to the penalties, keep in mind that at the time of your arrest the arresting officer will most likely take your drivers license. Your license will be returned at the end of the suspension or revocation, and after you pay a reissue fee to the DMV.  If however, it is determined that there is not a basis for the suspension or revocation, the license will be issued or returned.

Penalties for a DUI

The “good ole days” of the local police officer slapping you on the wrist and escorting you home are long gone. Drunk driving accidents are simply too dangerous & happening far too often. In fact every year DUI laws and penalties become more severe.

Keep in mind these are general penalties depending on the jurisdiction,

• First time offenders may be fined $1,500 and also placed on probation.
• The court and/or DMV may take your driver's license.
  • This license may be critical if needed to get to and from your job.
• Your car could be impounded and ignition "interlocks" could be required.
• You will have to attend a special DUI school, which can be fairly expensive.
• Some states impose a jail sentence for first offenders.
• A second conviction will almost certainly include jail.
• Other penalties include suspension of a license:
  • Up to one year for the first offense
  • Three years for the second offense
  • Five years for the third offense.
• Having the license revoked permanently.
• Performing community service is usually a condition of the sentence.
• Also, there are fines plus impound fees, court costs, attorney fees.

Being arrested for a DUI is expensive as well as embarrassing. By the time it is all said and done the entire incident consisting of bail, a DUI defense attorney, treatment programs, and fines can reach over $10,000. Car insurance rates will increase thousands of dollars over the next few years because you now fall into a high-risk category.

This is only the financial side. Heaven forbid, however, what if an accident took place, if a death resulted from an accident. Lastly, a criminal conviction can be placed on your record.

Lets face it, if you are like most people you made one stupid mistake. A caring, yet aggressive DUI defense lawyer can help you right this wrong. Visit our list of local DUI Defense Attorneys to find a local attorney for you.