How Much Trouble Are You In With Your DUI?
Posted on: 6 October 2022
Driving under the influence (DUI) consequences can vary. Read more about what defendants could be facing if they are convicted of DUI.
Potential Punishments
Unless defendants hire a criminal defense attorney experienced in DUI cases, they might experience some of the following if they are convicted.
- Jailtime – Defendants can be sentenced to several months in jail. Felony offenses can call for prison time.
- Probation – Mandatory probation is a possibility in many states. Defendants must report to a probation officer regularly and pay for each month of monitoring.
- Testing – Defendants may be sentenced to several years of random alcohol testing.
- Permanent Record – In many states, defendants cannot expunge a DUI conviction from their records. Once convicted, it's there forever.
- Fines – In addition to court costs, defendants face fines of thousands of dollars. Felony DUI convictions could prompt court costs even more.
- Classes – Defendants will likely be ordered to attend classes that educate defendants about the dangers of using alcohol while driving, addiction, victims' rights, and more.
- Ignition Interlock Devices – Defendants can face the installation of a device that is connected to their ignition system. The vehicle will only start after a clean breathalyzer test is performed. This device is expensive to install, and a monthly monitoring fee is charged. Violations can send defendants back to jail.
- Suspension of Driving Privileges – In some cases, a hardship license can be issued but that is not a guarantee. In many cases, the driver's license is suspended for several months.
- No Plea Bargains – In some states, defendants are blocked from using a plea deal to get their charges reduced or dropped.
- Vehicle Insurance Dropped – Insurers may cancel the auto policy for those convicted of DUI. In some cases, they may raise the rates if they don't cancel them.
- Loss of Employment – Those convicted of DUI that work in several categories of jobs could find their jobs in jeopardy. That includes those working in the medical, nursing, and pharmacy professions and those who drive for a living. Others affected by a conviction include car dealership employees, teachers, attorneys, government officials, security credentialed jobs, law enforcement, and more.
The above is not a complete list of potential punishments. Speak to a DUI lawyer and find out how you can avoid being convicted of DUI. That way, you won't have to deal with any of the above.
For more information, contact a company such as Rollins Law Group.
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