As with other penalties, suspension periods are normally tied to how many prior convictions the driver has. A driver's unlawful refusal to take a blood, breath, or urine test can also result in a license suspension.
Typically, the suspension imposed for an unlawful refusal is longer than what the driver would otherwise face. It's sometimes possible for a motorist to obtain a " hardship license " to drive to and from places like work and school during a DUI suspension. Some states take further steps to make sure the person particularly a repeat offender doesn't get back on the road while under the influence.
The state might confiscate the car or cancel its registration, either temporarily or permanently. Or the state might require an ignition interlock device IID to be attached to the offender's car. In a number of states, alternative sentencing options are available to certain offenders such as substance abuse education and prevention programs, treatment for substance abuse, and community service.
Judges in these states might recommend these steps instead of jail time or paying fines, most likely for a first offender. Or the judge might combine them with other penalties. A minor who's convicted of driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs might face somewhat different penalties than convicted adults.
Most states have zero-tolerance laws that prohibit drivers who are younger than 21 years old to drive with even a small amount of alcohol in their system. Zero-tolerance offenses typically don't carry jail time but will result in license suspension and fines. In addition to legal penalties, the driver's insurance company may cancel the insurance policy or drastically increase the rates because of a DUI conviction.
And a DUI conviction stays on a person's driving record for many years. Also, certain jobs may be closed to those who've been convicted of a DUI, such as driving a school bus, delivery van, or any other vehicle as part of their employment. Finally, the driver may face a separate civil lawsuit if accident victims decide to sue for property damages or bodily injuries.
To find out what the fines, jail time, and other penalties for a drunk driving conviction are in your state, choose from the list below:. If you need to find a lawyer, use the tool below to help you find the right attorney. The information provided on this site is not legal advice, does not constitute a lawyer referral service, and no attorney-client or confidential relationship is or will be formed by use of the site.
In some instances, it might also be possible to plea bargain for an infraction even though you've been charged with a DUI.
Having a DUI or any other crime on your record can cause all sorts of problems. But in some states, DUI convictions can be expunged from your record after a certain period of time has passed.
Once a conviction has been expunged, it generally allows you to truthfully report that you don't have any convictions. The information provided on this site is not legal advice, does not constitute a lawyer referral service, and no attorney-client or confidential relationship is or will be formed by use of the site. The attorney listings on this site are paid attorney advertising.
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Law Directory. Call Us: 1 Call us at 1 How a drunk driving offense can affect your criminal record. In many states, if you refuse to take a breath test you can be subjected to more penalties that you would have if you submitted to the testing.
In some states, refusal means immediate revocation of your license and in other states, it means mandatory jail time. You can no longer be given an enhanced sentence for refusing to take a blood or urine test unless the police first obtain a warrant, the Supreme Court ruled in June If you had a wreck while driving under the influence, your penalties will be greater in most states; even greater if you do not have required auto insurance. Drunk driving laws vary from state to state and new legislation is passed every year.
If you are charged with a felony DUI, you'll need a lawyer, who depending on your situation, may try to reduce your sentence or lessen your charges. In some states, however, this may be a waste of time and money as the penalties are mandated by state law and can't be changed. In addition to hefty fines and mandatory jail time, if you are charged with a felony DUI you will likely lose the following:.
You'll also be required to use a monitoring device breath alcohol ignition interlock device or a blood alcohol continuous monitoring device SCRAM ankle bracelet. Most states also have laws that require anyone convicted of drunk driving to undergo an alcohol evaluation.
A counselor will evaluate you to see whether your drinking behavior can be considered alcohol dependence or alcohol abuse. You may be required to enter an alcohol treatment program or an alcohol education program to learn how binge drinking and other problem drinking can affect your health and life.
Learn the best ways to manage stress and negativity in your life. National Conference of State Legislatures. State Ignition Interlock Laws. Drunk Driving. August Alcohol Impaired Driving. Your Privacy Rights.
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