Drunk driving is probably one of the most common traffic violations in the country. This is because so many people tend to ignore the consequences of drunk driving. Alcohol has made them so intoxicated they think they can still handle their vehicles and drive when, in fact, they can’t. Because of their complete disregard to their safety and the safety of others, they end up causing road accidents which, more often than not, leads to spending time in jail.
Listed below are some of the consequences that could happen to you if you’re caught drunk driving.
Possible Jail Time, Fines, and Driver’s License Suspension
If this is your first offense, then you can end up spending two and a half years in jail. You will also have to pay a fine of $500 up to $5,000. Aside from this, your driver’s license will also be suspended for a year.
However, if this is your second offense, then the judge may order you to serve one month to two and a half years in prison. The fine can range anywhere from $600 to a thousand bucks. As for your driver’s license, it may be suspended for up to a couple of years.
For third offense, you might have to serve five years in jail, and the fine climbs up to $15,000. You may also lose your driver’s license for eight years.
For fourth offense, jail term is possibly five years with a $25,000 fine. Your driver’s license may also be suspended for ten years.
If this is your fifth offense, you may have to spend five years in jail, and the fine goes up to $50,000. As for your license, it may be permanently revoked.
Other Consequences
Aside from being sent to jail, ordered to pay a fine, and driver’s license suspended or revoked, you still have to face a lot of pretty ugly consequences.
For one, being charged with DUI can increase your insurance rate. After all, the car insurance company will see you as a high-risk, someone who can easily get into road troubles and cost them a bunch of money. To alleviate their risk, you will have to pay steeper insurance rates.
Two, the court will require you to install an interlock device on your vehicle. If your blood alcohol content is more than 0.02, then you won’t be able to use your car.
Three, depending upon the number of times you’ve been caught drunk driving, the local government has the right to take your car and sell the vehicle.
Four, you will also have to go to drug and alcohol classes. Aside from this, you will also be required to undergo an alcohol treatment program if you’ve been arrested multiple times for DUI. This will mean days off work and loss of income.
What to Do
If the police stopped you for suspected DUI, don’t argue with them. If they take you down to the police station, go willingly and do not get into a fight with the arresting officer. When you arrive at the station, be sure to ask for a criminal defense lawyer. A good and reputable lawyer will be able to help you get out of jail or at least lower the penalties.
Jennifer Daley, a freelance article writer, contributes law-related articles to ElliotSavitzLaw.com, a trustworthy criminal defense attorney in Massachusetts. Jennifer mostly writes about DUI cases and how to deal with a DUI charge.
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