Hawaii DUI Consequences
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Hawaii may be known for its beautiful beaches and relaxing lifestyle, but when it comes to drunk driving, the state’s laws are not quite so laidback. In fact, the penalties for driving under the influence (DUI) typically include a license suspension, fine, and jail sentence. What’s more, since DUI is a serious criminal offense, a conviction can also have a long-term impact on a driver’s future—and with such devastating Hawaii DUI consequences, life on the island will no longer feel like a year-round vacation.
A DUI conviction can lead to a number of penalties in the state of Hawaii. For starters, your license will be suspended for 90 days or more and—assuming it’s your first offense—you may face up to $1,000 in fines and/or a five-day jail sentence. These penalties will also increase if you are arrested with an extremely high blood alcohol content (BAC).
As a measurement of blood to alcohol ratio, BAC refers to the percentage of alcohol found in a person's bloodstream. Under state law, it is illegal to operate a vehicle with a BAC of 0.08% or higher. Therefore, if you are arrested with a blood alcohol content above 0.15%, you will face an additional six-month license suspension and $500 fine for driving with an excessive amount of alcohol in your system.
If you already have a DUI conviction on your record, a second offense will carry harsher penalties as well. Along with a one-year license suspension, $1,500 fine, and 14-day jail sentence, you may have to perform up to 240 hours of community service and/or obtain treatment for substance abuse.
Although the penalties above may seem tough, drivers who are convicted of three or more DUIs within a five-year period face the harshest penalties of all: a five-year license suspension, $2,500 fine, and 30-day jail sentence. Once again, an additional $500 fine and 48-hour jail sentence may be imposed in cases where the individual was arrested with a BAC above 0.15%.
Last, but certainly not least, it is important to understand the long-term impact a DUI conviction can have on your future. Because your offense will be permanently reflected on your criminal record, future employers, housing providers, and even colleges or universities will see that you were found guilty of driving under the influence—a fact that can jeopardize many opportunities. You may even have difficulties obtaining insurance, as many companies may deny you coverage or charge you two to three times more for coverage due to your conviction.
Given the penalties you face if convicted of DUI, it is in your best interest to obtain legal counsel immediately after being arrested for drunk driving. In many cases, a strong defense strategy is all it takes to avoid many of the life-altering consequences of a conviction.
To learn how you can challenge your arrest and increase your chances of obtaining a positive resolution to your case, submit your information online today. A local DUI defense attorney will contact you to schedule a free, no-obligation evaluation of your case.
