The Real Consequences of Getting a DUI

When you’ve been pulled over under the suspicion of drinking and driving, your issues with the justice system have only just begun. Whether you plead guilty or not, the consequences of a DUI are significant. The base line for all states for DUI convictions is a misdemeanor and punishable by up to six months in jail in addition to fines.

First Time Convictions of a DUI

The sentence you receive for a first time conviction of a DUI in a non-jury court hearing is much less severe than a punishment of up to six months in jail or expensive fines. Many states require a minimum of one to three days in jail, while other states do not have a minimum jail sentence. Additionally, many states impose hefty fines on the person convicted, in addition to the cost of attending mandatory alcoholics recovery classes for DUI. Driver’s licenses are typically suspended for about one year, but many states will allow you to drive only to work and medical care, with some states conditioning an ignition interlock. For a DUI conviction, you will also typically be put on information probation for up to three years, which means that you can do additional jail time if you are arrested for any reason during this time.

Prior Convictions of a DUI

If you or a loved one has been arrested with previous DUI convictions, then any leniency you receive will be limited. If your blood alcohol content is a little over .08, or your driving and field tests didn’t show severe impairment, then the judge will sentence you to the minimum requirements set by your state. If your BAC is over .15, or you displayed obvious signs of impairment when driving, you may be looking at jail time, large fines, and a suspended driver’s license at the least. You will also be required to attend DUI classes, which is meant to improve the likelihood that you won’t drive under the influence again.

What are Interlock Ignition Devices?

Interlock ignition devices are installed in cars that disable the vehicle if the device detects alcohol in your breath. They are required by almost all states for people who are convicted of repeat or high-alcohol content DUIs.

DUIs Across the Country

When people used to get convicted of a DUI, they typically had the option of moving to another state and escaping their charges. But not anymore. Thanks to technology and the Interstate Driver’s License Compact and the National Drivers Registry, every state has access to the information from each state’s database concerning charges like DUIs. This ensures that anyone convicted can’t escape their rightful punishment and will be held accountable for their actions. This is not only important for regular citizens but also for professionals in the transportation industry who are on the road everyday and risk their client’s and fellow traveling citizen’s lives whenever they hop behind the wheel.

If you are an employer in the transportation industry and need to implement a strict and comprehensive drug and alcohol testing system, get in touch with the professionals at New Era Drug Testing. They can help protect the reputation of your business and the safety of your customers by preventing alcohol from entering your workplace.