When you drink and drive, you put yourself at risk, your passengers, and anyone else who shares the road. Driving under the influence of alcohol is a serious offense that can lead to jail time, fines, and losing your driver’s license. If caught driving drunk, you will take a breathalyzer test to determine your blood alcohol content. The legal limit in most states is .08%. If your BAC exceeds this limit, you will be charged with DUI.
DUI charges can be misdemeanors or felonies, depending on the circumstances. A first offense is usually a misdemeanor, but it can become a felony if there are aggravating factors, such as a high BAC, an accident, or injuries. A second DUI offense is always a felony.
If convicted of a DUI, you will face the consequences, including jail time, fines, and losing your driver’s license. The severity of the consequences will depend on the circumstances of your case. For example, if you have a high BAC or were involved in an accident, you will face more serious penalties than someone with a lower BAC which was not involved in an accident.
Jail time:
The amount of time you spend in jail for a DUI conviction will depend on the severity of the offense and your prior record. You may spend up to 48 hours in jail for a first offense. You may spend up to one year in jail for a second offense. You may spend up to five years in jail for a third offense.
Fines:
The fine you will be required to pay for a DUI conviction will also depend on the severity of the offense and your prior record. For a first offense, you may be required to pay a fine of up to $1,000. For a second offense, you may be required to pay a fine of up to $5,000. For a third offense, you may be required to pay a fine of up to $10,000.
Loss of driver’s license:
You will also lose your driver’s license if convicted of DUI. For a first offense, you may lose your license for up to six months. For a second offense, you may lose your license for up to one year. You may lose your license for up to five years for a third offense.
DUI is a serious offense with severe consequences. If you are charged with DUI, you should contact an experienced criminal defense attorney who can help you fight the charges and protect your rights.
