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December 23, 2019

Getting arrested for a DUI is often a confusing and challenging process since many uncertainties arise — from what will happen to your driving privileges, the steps that you’ll follow to regain those privileges, and how other aspects of your life will be affected. Therefore, you need to understand the drunk driving laws in your state and the consequences.

While each DUI case depends on your specific unlawful act and the state in which you’re facing the charges, you may face many of the following DUI consequences:

1. You’ll Be Arrested

After failing a breathalyzer test or a sobriety test, the police officer will issue a ticket or a summons with a court date after which he or she arrests you. Depending on the state in which you are facing the charges, your vehicle may also be impounded. There, the officers will take your fingerprints and mugshot.

In some states, you may go home if someone comes to bail you out. But if it’s a Friday night, you’ll probably stay in jail over the weekend as you may not be able to see a judge to set bail until Monday.

2. You’ll Appear in Court

The court will give you a chance to defend your DUI, either to plead innocent or guilty based on the specific offense and the evidence presented against you. Even though you might handle your court hearing, it’s wise to get a professional DUI defense lawyer to handle your case.

3. Suspension of Your Driver’s License

All states usually include the loss of driving privileges for a specific duration — even if it’s a first-time conviction. Even if you get arrested in a state that offers a hardship license that permits you to drive to school or to work, you will have restrictions.

However, you might get a temporary license that will expire on the date that you’ll appear in court. The period of your suspension will vary depending on the state of your arrest and what offense you committed.

4. You’ll Have to Pay Fines and Fees to the State

If you’re convicted of driving under the influence, you’ll probably receive a sentence that includes a fine. The amount of the penalty depends on your state, but the penalties will increase in case of additional charges such as property damage or pedestrian/passenger injury.

5. You May Go to Jail

In some states, a first-time offender may spend a day or two in jail. On the other hand, jail may be mandatory for repeat offenders, and the jail term is often longer. And if there are extra charges that are above the DUI, the penalties will increase.

6. You May Receive Probation

Instead of being sentenced to jail time, you may receive a probation sentence for your DUI conviction. The terms are dependent on the judge who is assigned to your case.

7. You May Need to Attend DUI School

Attending a DUI school is to teach you the dangers associated with driving under the influence of alcohol. Most DUI offenders are to pay for and attend these lessons.

8. You Could Be Asked to Participate in an Alcohol Evaluation

The main aim of penalties is to make sure that you never drink and drive again. Therefore, as a DUI offender, you may have to go for an evaluation to help you with your alcohol use or addiction.

9. Install an Ignition Interlock Device

In most states, DUI offenders, including first-time offenders, are usually asked to install an ignition interlock device on their private vehicles.

10. You May Pay Higher Auto Insurance

After completing your probation, paying your fines, and receiving an ignition interlock device, you may be asked to acquire SR-22 insurance. This insurance policy can multiply your premiums.

If you have been arrested for drunk driving and are facing DUI consequences, you may be required to obtain an ignition interlock device. Here at RoadGuard Interlock, we want to help you navigate drunk driving laws and get back in the driver’s seat as quickly as possible. Find an install location here to schedule an appointment today.

 

*Links to any third-party websites herein are provided for your reference and convenience only. RoadGuard Interlock did not create nor develop and does not own any such third-party websites. RoadGuard Interlock does not endorse nor support the content of, nor any opinions stated in any such third-party website links. RoadGuard Interlock is not responsible for the content of any third-party website or its accuracy or reliability. Nothing contained in this article or in any such third-party website shall be considered legal advice or be deemed to constitute legal advice. For any legal advice concerning a DUI arrest, charge, conviction, or consequences thereof, you should contact an attorney of your choice.