The effects of a DUI conviction are no doubt long lasting, which can haunt you for years to come, even if you are a first time offender. This is because drunk driving is considered a serious offense in all the states of the US and once a DUI charge becomes a conviction, it can leave a permanent criminal mark on your record. Here are some of the most common consequences and penalties you will have to face if you are proven guilty in court:
Jail Sentence
Whether you are a first time DUI offender or a repeat offender, you will have to serve a mandatory minimum jail time, according to the laws laid down in the particular state where you have been charged with drunk driving. If you have a good DUI lawyer representing you, he/she may be able to appeal and have the jail sentence reduced to as little as possible, or interchanged for hours of community service or fines.
Heavy Fines
Along with the jail sentence, fines are also imposed on every offender, depending on the severity of the case. These fines can range from $300 for first time offenders up to $10,000 for subsequent offenses or felony DUI. The offender also has to pay court fees, attend alcohol treatment or drug abuse program all at their own cost, which can amount to a lot of money, even if the initial DUI fine or court fee was less.
Drivers License Suspension
The offenders driver’s license is suspended within 10 days of the arrest. This is why the offender has to appeal for the reinstatement of the driving privileges in court within 10 days of the arrest. This case is dealt in the civil court with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) who initiates the suspension of your driving rights. In some states, the offender will need to apply for an SR-22 insurance policy to get back his/her driver’s license. In almost all cases, the length of driver’s license suspension depends on prior DUI convictions. Attorney William Duffy will always offer honest and straightforward legal advice in such situations.
Hours of community service
If the court orders community service, you may be required to spend any where between 40 to 480 hours doing it, again depending on the severity of your offense. The court may also order you to visit regularly during this time as proof that you are carrying out the services regularly.
Alcohol education and assessment program
Repeat offenders or those arrested with very high blood alcohol content (BAC) often have to undergo an alcohol education and treatment program, all at their own expense. Again, the offender may be asked to attend mandatory weekly court sessions to prove that they are attending the counselling sessions.
Installation of an ignition interlock device
DUI offenders are required to install an ignition interlock device on all vehicles they operate to test the level of alcohol on their breath before driving. The device is usually attached to the dashboard and if the limit of BAC is found to be above 0.2 or 0.4 in some cases, the vehicle will not start. Repeat offenders may be required to install it for a couple of years, whereas first time offenders may have to install it for 4 to 6 months after release from jail, all at their own expense.
Soaring Auto insurance rates
Your insurance rates reach sky high rates once you are convicted of drunk driving. Your insurance company may even terminate their policy with you as a result of a DUI conviction. Getting an insurance policy from another company will become near to impossible after that. Your life insurance and health insurance rates will also increase after a drunk driving conviction.
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Difficulties in keeping and seeking jobs
The jail sentence, heavy fines, and court appearances can ruin your relationship with your current employer, and a permanent criminal mark on your record after a DUI conviction will make it extremely difficult for you to maintain your current job, or get a new one after that. Travelling will also become impossible for you as some states and counties do not allow DUI offenders to enter freely.
Other than all these penalties, a DUI conviction also ruins your relations with family and friends, and affects the mental state of the offenders, making them emotional and unstable. Getting legal representation at the right time is very important for you to avoid a DUI charge from becoming a conviction. Therefore, get in touch with a DUI attorney immediately if you have been charged with drunk driving.
Author Bio:
Richard Jacobs is a chief editor since early 2007, and he currently works for MyDUIattorney. A webiste that helps you to find the right DUI lawyer, you can search for a New Jersey DUI Attorney or a Maryland DUI Attorney online, anytime!