Wyoming DUI Consequences
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Being convicted of driving under the influence (DUI) is a life-changing experience. Along with facing penalties such as a license suspension, fine, and jail sentence, a conviction can cause long-term damage to your future—especially if you were arrested in Wyoming. As a result, it is important to obtain legal representation immediately if you are charged with the offense. Otherwise, you may be unable to avoid the devastating Wyoming DUI consequences that follow a drunk driving conviction.
As long as you are a first-time offender, the maximum penalties you will face if you are convicted of DUI include a $750 fine, 90-day license suspension, and a six-month jail sentence. However, in some cases, the judge may require you to undergo treatment for substance abuse.
Of course, if you are convicted of a second DUI within the next five years, you will face much harsher sentencing requirements than before. Under state law, a subsequent offense carries a $200 to $750 fine, six-month license suspension, and 7-day to six-month jail sentence. The penalties for a third DUI are even more severe than a second offense. In fact, a third conviction could cost you as much as $3,000 in fines and a three-year license suspension—and you could even spend 30 days to six months behind bars.
If you are unfortunate enough to be convicted of a fourth DUI within a five-year period, your offense will be considered a felony. As a result, you could spend up to two years in jail and fined up to $10,000. What’s more, a felony conviction could also result in the loss of personal liberties, such as your right to vote, purchase firearms, and travel outside of the country.
Regardless of your criminal history, your punishment will be far more severe if you are convicted of “Aggravated DUI”—a charge reserved for drivers who are arrested with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.15% or more. Along with more expensive fines, a longer license suspension, and a mandatory jail sentence, you will have to get an ignition interlock device installed in your vehicle (meaning you won’t be able to start your car unless you pass a breath test). Plus, you will be held responsible for any expenses related to the device, such as its installation cost, monthly monitoring fees, and repairs.
Unfortunately, the consequences of a DUI conviction can haunt you long after you have completed your sentencing requirements. Your conviction will be a permanent blemish on your criminal record—which means prospective employers, housing providers, and educational instructions will see your offense. Not only can this limit countless opportunities in the future, but it may impact your insurance rates as well. In fact, many companies charge convicted drunk drivers two to three times more for auto, health, and/or life insurance (and in most cases, it may be years before you are eligible for a lower rate).
The good news, however, is that being arrested for DUI does not mean you will be convicted of the charge in court. Indeed, there are a number of ways to challenge your arrest and avoid the consequences of a drunk driving conviction. To learn the best strategy for your case, complete our online form to receive a free, no-obligation consultation with a skilled DUI defense attorney in your area.
