North Carolina DUI Consequences
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As a licensed driver, you undoubtedly know the dangers of driving under the influence (DUI). Indeed, impaired motorists account for a large number of traffic collisions that occur in the United States—many of them leading to the death or injury of others. With such staggering statistics, it’s no surprise to learn that lawmakers are now taking a tougher stance on drunk driving than they have in the past. From subjecting drivers to stringent alcohol limits to imposing strict sentencing guidelines, each state has laws in place to prevent impaired drivers from getting behind the wheel of a vehicle. However, because these laws vary from state to state, drivers in some areas face harsher penalties than others. North Carolina DUI consequences, for example, are some of the most severe in the nation.
Assuming you have never been convicted of DUI, the maximum penalties for a first drunk driving conviction include a $4,000 fine, one-year license suspension, 24 hours of community service, and two-year jail sentence. However, if you had a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.15% or more at the time of your arrest, you may also be required to have an ignition interlock device installed in your vehicle—a device that requires you to perform a breath test each time you attempt to start your vehicle.
If you think the penalties for a first-time offender seem harsh, just wait until you learn what you will face if you are convicted of a second DUI. Under state law, if you are charged with drunk driving for a second time within a three-year period, you could pay as much as $4,000 in fines, lose your license for as long as four years, and spend a maximum of two years behind bars. A second conviction also carries a mandatory ignition interlock device requirement.
Individuals who are convicted of a third DUI within five years after their last conviction are subjected to even tougher sentencing guidelines. Indeed, a third DUI carries a minimum $2,000 fine and a mandatory jail sentence of anywhere from one week to two years. Your driving privileges will also be permanently revoked if you are convicted of a third drunk driving charge. It is also important to know that, after a third conviction, any future DUI charge will be classified as a felony offense. Along with up to a 59-month jail sentence, a felony DUI conviction will result in the loss of your voting rights, as well as your right to purchase a weapon and travel outside of the country.
Regardless of how your offense is classified, a DUI conviction will haunt you long after you’ve completed the terms of your sentence. Because it will be permanently reflected on your criminal record, prospective employers, landlords, and anyone who checks your background will find out you were convicted of drunk driving—and as you can probably guess, this can threaten countless opportunities in the future. A DUI conviction can also lead to financial hardship, as drunk drivers often pay two to three times more for auto insurance (and in some cases, it may be years before their rates are reduced).
Fortunately, if you are arrested for driving under the influence, you don’t have to experience all of these difficulties. In fact, with a strong defense, you may be able to challenge your arrest and get your charges reduced or dismissed in court. To discuss ways to avoid a DUI conviction, complete our online form today to get in touch with a skilled DUI defense attorney in your area and receive a free, no-obligation case evaluation.
