Delaware DUI Consequences
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Delaware drivers beware: if you were arrested for driving under the influence (DUI), you could be facing a number of harsh penalties. From paying hundreds of dollars in fines to losing your license or spending time in jail, Delaware DUI consequences include some of the toughest sentencing guidelines in the nation—and a conviction can haunt you long after you’ve fulfilled the terms of your sentence.
In Delaware, the penalties for driving under the influence are based primarily on two things: the amount of alcohol in your bloodstream (a percentage known as blood alcohol content, or BAC), and your history of drunk driving. If you are a first-time offender and were arrested with a BAC slightly above the legal 0.08% limit, your sentence will typically include a $500 fine, up to a one-year license suspension, and a minimum 60-day jail sentence. However, even if this is your first DUI, you can expect to receive a much harsher punishment if you are arrested with a BAC well above the legal limit.
Under Delaware law, any driver who has a BAC of 0.16% or higher will face enhanced penalties for their actions. For example, if you are arrested with a BAC of 0.20% or higher, your punishment may include a maximum $2,500 fine, a 30-month license suspension, and up to an 18-month jail sentence.
On the other hand, if you have a prior DUI conviction on your record, you will also face additional penalties if you are convicted of a second offense—regardless of your BAC. Along with more expensive fines, longer license suspensions, and more time behind bars, repeat offenders are often required to have an ignition interlock device installed in their vehicle (which means you will have to perform a breath test before you can use your automobile).
It is important to know that after four drunk driving convictions, any subsequent DUI charge will be classified as a felony offense. In Delaware, a felony DUI conviction carries a minimum three-year prison sentence and a fine of up to $10,000. A felony conviction can also result in the loss of numerous personal freedoms, including your right to vote, obtain a passport, and purchase a firearm.
Whether you are a first-time offender or have a history of drunk driving, a DUI conviction will significantly impact your future. Because your conviction will remain on your criminal record indefinitely, potential employers, landlords, and anyone who pulls your background report will see that you were found guilty of driving under the influence—a fact that can jeopardize countless opportunities.
You can even expect to encounter problems when you look for insurance, as most companies charge convicted DUI offenders two to three times more for coverage (and some simply refuse to insure them at all).
Fortunately, there are many ways to avoid a DUI conviction. From challenging your BAC results to proving the arresting officer did not have a valid reason to assume you were impaired, there are a number of strategies that can be used to fight your arrest and help you avoid the Delaware DUI consequences listed above.
To determine the right defense for your case, submit your information online today to receive a free, no-obligation consultation with a skilled DUI defense attorney in your area.
