DUI Penalties

DUI Penalties

Depending on if this DUI arrest is your first offense will determine exactly what dui penalties you face. If you are looking at your first violation, there are some fines and classes you are required to attend. However, if this is your second or higher time with a DUI conviction, then you will have a lot more dui penalties to face. These DUI penalties will include higher fines, more community service hours, more classes, a potential loss of license for a long time and even more if there are additional charges stemming from your DUI.

First Time DUI Penalties

• For first time offenders, penalties usually include a fine of up to $1,000. It may be combined with jail time, that could last up to six months. In addition, there could be a probationary period once you are released from jail that can last for twelve months. Your driver’s license may be suspended or taken away for a set time to be determined by the judge.

• A person who is facing their second DUI offense will have a little bit harsher of DUI penalties, which will include double the fine amount, of up to $2,000. Jail time can last anywhere between 10 days and nine months with a minimum of one year of probation once they are released from jail. A driver’s license will also be suspended once they are released from jail and the time will be determined by the judge.

• When a person is facing or been convicted a third time, the dui penalties are much harsher and it will cost a lot more money and time in order to go through the process. The minimum fee is $2,000 and can go up to $5,000. The minimum time spent in jail is 30 days and it can last up to one year. Once the person is released from jail, there is a two year probationary period where the person is monitored closely. The driver’s license is also suspended or taken away completely for a long time.  In order to get the license back, a device might be ordered to be installed on your vehicle which requires you to blow in to it in order for you to be able to start it and drive down the road. Blowing in to it routinely and proving sober is the only way to keep the engine going.

Other DUI Penalties

• In addition to the stated fines and jail time, a judge might also request a person to do certain things in order to make it look like they are sorry for the crime or trying to get away from drinking and alcohol. Those actions might include community service hours, an alcohol treatment program, attending AA meetings, going to DUI school or attending driving school. If all of the additional requirements they add on to the fees and DUI penalties you are required to pay, you may have your probation revoked and end up back in jail. Judges take drinking and driving seriously and will have your actions during probation monitored, whether it includes mandatory classes or work hours.