What is the Penalty For Drunk Driving?
DUI convictions can result in license suspension
In many cases, a DUI conviction will result in a license suspension, either as a criminal punishment or an administrative DMV suspension. A criminal conviction will cause the license to be suspended for some time, while an administrative suspension occurs after a DUI arrest and refusal to submit to a chemical test. These suspension periods are usually identical, but some states may give drivers a shorter suspension period if they install an ignition interlock device.
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For a person charged with a DUI, a license suspension can last for six months from the date of the arrest. However, the duration of the suspension can be extended to a year if you have had previous convictions for DUI. However, this can be avoided by filing certain legal motions in time.
Fines
Fines for drunk driving vary based on the nature of the charge and the location in which you were arrested. If you had an accident that caused harm to someone else or property or had a child in your vehicle, the fines will be higher. In addition, the costs associated with a DUI conviction can greatly increase your car insurance rates.
In most states, a first offense can result in a fine of around $1,500. However, if you’ve already had several convictions, you may face fines of up to $25,000 in some states. In these cases, you will need to pay additional fees for regaining your license.
Jail time
In some states, jail time is mandatory for first-time offenders of drunk driving. However, most first-time offenders do not serve jail time. While jail time is not the only penalty, it can be a major source of stress. For this reason, an experienced criminal defense attorney is essential.
In addition to jail time, DUI offenders must also undergo alcohol education programs. If you are convicted of DUI a second time, you will be required to complete an alcohol education program. A trained counselor will evaluate your drinking patterns and determine whether you have an alcohol use disorder.
Insurance consequences
If you have a DUI on your record, there are some insurance consequences. At some point, your insurance company will learn of your arrest and will raise your rate. This will occur either when you renew your policy or during an underwriting review. Your insurance company will also consider the driving record of any household members. If you have no other insurance, your policy may be canceled.
A drunk driving conviction will increase your insurance rates, which will become very expensive. While you may be able to get your insurance rates back down with time and a clean driving history, it is still a significant financial burden.