DUI charges can be costly. Of course, this is to make it clear how dangerous drunk driving is. Knowing what kind of DUI penalties people face can help you make the right decision when it comes to possibly driving after drinking…
DUI Penalties: Know What’s at Stake
Jail, fines and fees
The most immediate DUI penalties are those of jail time and fees. In most states, you’ll be arrested and charged with a DUI when your BAC is above the legal limit. Then, you’ll either have to wait until someone pays your bail, you sober up, or you serve a mandatory 1-2 day jail sentence, depending on the state.
However, the immediate penalties don’t end there. Part of your sentence can also include paying a fine. These fines can range from the hundreds into the thousands of dollars. Combined with court and other fees, and a DUI quickly adds up in terms of cost.
Court penalties
Your court appearance can also lead to some more DUI penalties. The court will probably suspend or even revoke your license. Of course, this drastically restricts your driving privileges.
The court may also give you a probation sentence as well. Additionally, you may be required to attend drunk driving classes if you want to get your license back. Some states might also require you to attend alcohol counseling to help you manage your drinking.
Other costs
DUI penalties can show up even outside of the legal system. For example, you might have to get a special car insurance plan after a DUI. These plans can be two or three times as expensive as the normal plans!
After a DUI, driving itself might not be a simple thing anymore. More states are starting to use ignition interlock devices for first-time offenders. Many of these are set for “zero-tolerance”, meaning that even a .01 BAC will prevent you from driving.
The penalties that come with a DUI make it clear that driving drunk is a risk that you should always avoid. If you feel like you shouldn’t drive, then don’t. The risks that come with drunk driving are too important to ignore. If you are facing a DUI charge and aren’t sure what your first step should be, consider reaching out to an attorney who has experience with cases like yours. Don’y waste time worrying and guessing when it comes to your DUI. Instead, let the professionals ease your mind.