Consequences Of Driving Drunk

Recently Arrested for Driving Under the Influence

If you have recently been arrested for DUI (Driving Under the Influence), also known as DWI (Driving While Impaired), the first thing you MUST do is seek the assistance of a skilled DUI attorney right away. Your specialized DUI defense lawyer will explain the consequences of your arrest and will take you through all pre-trial, trial and sentencing that may apply to your individual case. He will also request a hearing with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). If this is not done before the deadline, ten days in most states, your driver’s license may be AUTOMATICALLY SUSPENDED! You may face the impounding or forfeiture of your vehicle, fines and even imprisonment if found guilty of driving under the influence. The definition and penalties associated with a DUI vary from state to state; it is of the utmost importance for you to interview and hire the best possible lawyer in your state immediately!

Conditional Penalties for DUI

A DUI may be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony, depending upon the specific circumstances of your case. As a rule, DUI/DWI penalties will be harsher if:

• There was a child in the car at the time of the DUI arrest
• The defendant has had a prior DUI conviction
• If the driver was speeding 20 to 30 miles over the posted speed limit
• If the driver’s blood alcohol content (BAC) was at or above .20 percent; (the legal limit for drivers over the age of 21 is .08 percent and .02 percent for underage drivers
• There was any property damage or injuries caused by the accident

In most states, if there were serious injuries caused by a DUI-related accident, penalties are automatically increased and the crime is charged as a felony. If there were deaths related to the DUI incident, penalties can be charged as vehicular manslaughter or even second-degree murder.

Implied Consent Laws

Most states have DUI penalties related to implied consent laws. This means that when you applied for your driver’s license in your state, you implicitly agreed to be tested for drugs or alcohol. If you refuse testing of your breath, urine or blood at the time of your DUI arrest or shortly thereafter, you may be subject to increased DUI penalties. In addition, in most states, if you refuse to take a chemical test, your license may be revoked immediately, even before any conviction, and it may be suspended for a set time period thereafter.

Restricted Driving

Some states allow restricted driving for such activities as going to work or attending school after your driver’s license has been revoked or suspended. Some states only allow restricted driving after the installation of ignition interlock systems, devices that analyze the driver’s blood alcohol levels, and disable the car’s ignition if levels are over the legal limit. Some states require that multiple offenders of DUI/DWI give up their cars as part of their penalties.

Other Penalties for DWI

DWI/DUI penalties or drunk driving laws, may involve fines, driving restrictions, suspension or revocation of one’s driver’s license, forfeiture of one’s automobile, mandatory attendance at DUI school and even imprisonment. In addition, insurance costs will increase. For many people, the embarrassment to family, friends and co-workers may be almost as bad as some of the legal ramifications. Since penalties associated with drunk driving are so case-specific and since they vary significantly from state-to-state, it is important that you hire an experienced DUI defense attorney who is familiar with the laws in your state.

If you or a loved one has been charged with DUI, please fill out our secure free legal evaluation form and one of our DUI attorneys will contact you immediately. Or you can call us toll free at 800-798-8384. Penalties for DUI can be strict. Our experienced lawyers can help you through this difficult time. Your information will remain confidential at all times.