DUI Consequences

As families continue to suffer from needless deaths and injuries sustained as a result of driving under the influence, there has been increasing pressure on state lawmakers to increase the penalties for DUI convictions.  As a result of this phenomenon, DWI consequences have grown much more stringent than in past years; these severe repercussions, which can include incarceration, community service, fines, driver’s license suspension, and mandatory alcohol / drug education, can impact a person for the remainder of his or her life. To know your states DUI fines and penalties, visit our DUI Laws by State section. 

Consequences of a DUI

Incarceration

A first-time DUI offender typically faces a misdemeanor charge, unless the DUI incident has resulted in serious bodily injury or death of another person.  However, some states are requiring at least a short term of incarceration, even for a first-time offender with no criminal background.  Another alternative might be a sentence of incarceration that is suspended on the condition that the offender comply with all other requirements of the court.  Plus, if an offender is facing a second, third DUI conviction, or fourth, he or she is likely to face felony rather than misdemeanor charges, which can carry a significant term of incarceration.  Whatever the case may be, serving any term of incarceration can have a negative effect on the offender’s family and job situation.

Community Service

It is not uncommon for courts to require DUI offenders to perform a set number of hours of community service.  These requirements can be quite extensive, and may interfere with other job and family obligations.  Furthermore, like any portion of a criminal sentence, failure to complete court-ordered community service can result in incarceration.

Fines and Other Financial Penalties

Depending on the jurisdiction, fines can range from the hundreds to thousands of dollars in fines, particularly for subsequent DUI convictions.  Additional DWI fees may include substantial court costs, probation fees, driver’s license fees, and attorneys’ fees.

Driver’s License Suspension

Many states require an automatic driver’s license suspension for a specified period of time; in some jurisdictions, the suspension takes effect even before you are convicted of DUI, if there is reasonable cause to believe that you are guilty of the charge.  Aside from the obvious inconvenience of being unable to drive, as well as its potential effects on your family and job, you are likely to face reinstatement fees once your period of suspension ends.  While the duration of the license suspension typically varies according to the number of DUI convictions a person has, multiple DUI convictions can result in a lifetime suspension in many jurisdictions.

Alcohol / Drug Education

Finally, it likely that even a first-time DUI offender may be required to undergo some sort of alcohol and/or drug counseling or education as a part of his or her sentence.  This can include a one-time education course, a counseling session, a drug and alcohol abuse assessment, and in extreme cases, alcohol or drug rehabilitation.  Again, these requirements vary from state to state, as well as with regard to the number of prior DUI convictions.

Legal Help for DUI Charges

As a result of potentially severe DWI consequences, you should be sure to immediately contact an experienced DUI lawyer for assistance if you or a loved one is charged with DUI.  Seasoned DWI lawyers will strive to help you to avoid the most serious repercussions of DWI charges.