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Will I get jail for a first offense DUI or community service?
Question:
Will I get jail for a first offense DUI or community service?
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Get Informed - DUI/DWI Law Information
We've got a large library of DUI and DWI law articles, Q&A's and other resources. Start here to learn about DUI laws, arrests, defense, penalties and more.
DUI Basics
Get the low down on the law and what you can expect if you're arrested and charged with a DUI.
Get the low down on the law and what you can expect if you're arrested and charged with a DUI.
Your DUI and the DMV
Besides the court and criminal charge the Department of Motor Vehicles will also bring you grief.
Besides the court and criminal charge the Department of Motor Vehicles will also bring you grief.
DUI Arrests, Police Reports, Arraignments, and Fees
After you're arrested, booked and released, you'll need to get ready for your arraignment.
After you're arrested, booked and released, you'll need to get ready for your arraignment.
DUI/DWI Charges and Penalties
After a DUI conviction expect fines, license suspension, DUI school, and sometimes jail.
After a DUI conviction expect fines, license suspension, DUI school, and sometimes jail.
Fighting a DUI
You may have options to lessen the sentence, get a reduced charge or get the case dismissed.
You may have options to lessen the sentence, get a reduced charge or get the case dismissed.
Getting Help with a DUI/DWI Charge
There are some things you can do yourself and some which require the help of an attorney.
There are some things you can do yourself and some which require the help of an attorney.
In most States a first time DUI conviction or a “first offense” does not result in the imposition of a penalty involving jail time. A court may, however, impose a penalty of thirty hours of community service. The penalty imposed for a first DUI offense may differ depending on multiple elements concerning the incident but will often involve fines, suspension of license to operate a vehicle, a statutory period of probation and required attendance in a driver alcohol education program. The criminal penalty for operating under the influence of drugs or alcohol is State specific, each State will have enacted its own specific criminal penalties that can be imposed against a driver charged and later convicted of operating a vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol. The Blood Alcohol Condition or BAC test results may also dictate what criminal penalties may be imposed on the offender in many States.
Jail Regardless of First Offense
Many States will not allow an individual to enter the “first offense” DUI program if the incident of driving under the influence involved an accident where there was either serious bodily injury or death. That type of accident could involve jail time if the intoxicated operator is convicted of operating his vehicle in a manner endangering the safety of the public and resulting in severe bodily injury or death. In many States a judge would formally find that the offending DUI individual was not eligible for first offense program.
Getting Legal Help
DUI is a serious criminal charge and offenders need to access the assistance of counsel as soon as possible in order to afford themselves the best possible defense and final outcome.
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