DUI Consequences

In an increasing number of states across the U.S., lawmakers are cracking down on DUI (driving under the influence) and DWI (driving while intoxicated) offenses and ordering harsher penalties for drivers who are convicted of these crimes. These punishments can vary from state to state, and even county to county.

In many states, even first-time DUI offenders can be sentenced to time in jail and a lengthy driver’s license suspension. Judges are now required to dole out even stricter penalties and fines.

If you have been arrested for impaired driving, it is extremely important that you hire a knowledgeable and experienced DUI defense attorney. A good lawyer can make sure you avoid the life-altering penalties that come along with a drunk-driving conviction.

What consequences am I looking at if convicted?

The potential penalties will depend on whether or not you have been convicted of driving under the influence in the past. If this is your first offense, you are looking at fines, possible jail time, a license suspension, community service, and mandatory attendance at alcohol and drug education classes (also known as “DUI School”).

These are just the legal ramifications of a DUI conviction. Many employers require their employees to have a clean driving and/or criminal record. If a DUI shows up on a background check, you may lose the job you currently have or have trouble finding future employment.

You will also face increased insurance rates, if you can find an insurance company to offer you coverage at all.

There are certain instances where your punishment can be enhanced. If you have been convicted of a DUI in the past, you will certainly face mandatory jail time, a longer license suspension and much higher fines and court costs.

Additional factors that will increase your punishment include transporting a minor while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, having an excessively high blood alcohol content (BAC) while driving, and causing an accident or injury while under the influence.

Drivers under the age of 21 are also subject to enhanced DUI consequences due to Zero Tolerance laws. These laws are designed to punish minors who are driving with any alcohol in their systems.

To begin fighting a DUI or DWI conviction, contact a qualified defense attorney right now.

States/Abbreviations
AK	Alaska	LA	Louisiana	OH	Ohio
AL	Alabama	MA	Massachusetts	OK	Oklahoma
AR	Arkansas	MD	Maryland	OR	Oregon
AZ	Arizona	ME	Maine	PA	Pennsylvania
CA	California	MI	Michigan	RI	Rhode Island
CO	Colorado	MN	Minnesota	SC	South Carolina
CT	Connecticut	MO	Missouri	SD	South Dakota
DE	Delaware	MS	Mississippi	TN	Tennessee
FL	Florida	MT	Montana	TX	Texas
GA	Georgia	NC	North Carolina	UT	Utah
HI	Hawaii	ND	North Dakota	VT	Vermont
IA	Iowa	NE	Nebraska	VA	Virginia
ID	Idaho	NH	New Hampshire	WA	Washington State
IL	Illinois	NJ	New Jersey	WI	Wisconsin
IN	Indiana	NM	New Mexico	WV	West Virginia
KS	Kansas	NV	Nevada	WY	Wyoming
KY	Kentucky	NY	New York	DC	Washington DC