A minor DUI (driving under the influence) charge can still carry harsh penalties for a driver, especially depending on the state. Most minor DUI charges are filed as misdemeanors, and most states offer diversion or alternative sentencing programs for first time offenders who committed a minor DUI violation. Those drivers with multiple DUI convictions on their record, however, can face much stronger penalties for a minor DUI, including mandatory minimums, long term loss of their drivers license and jail time. All drivers involved in a minor DUI incident risk having their license suspended for a set amount of time and fines. They also face major insurance hikes that can climb as high as 400%, and can even be dropped from their insurance policy. The total financial cost for minor first time offenders in the state of California alone is around $12,000 on average, and for those with priors, that cost is much higher.