There are three terms that are commonly used to depict or describe drunk drinking, these are: Driving Under the Influence (DUI), Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) or Operating Under Influence (OUI). The usage of the terms also vary in the state where the incident happen. There are states which uses DUI to describe such phenomenon. Others call it DWI or OUI. Also, each of the 50 states bare a corresponding consequence for any violation. However, in either of these three you prefer to use it, the crime of drunk driving entails several serious, hefty and severe consequences.
Have you lately been charged for this traffic crime? Did somebody already told you about what are the things that may possibly happen to you when you are found guilty? Are you ready to face the DUI consequences? Technically, asking these questions may already give you the idea of "what will happen next". Here are the things you may wish to keep in mind at all times whether you have been charged or not for drunk driving:
As mentioned earlier, each state carries several penalties on drunk driving. Each actually has a BAC or blood alcohol content that limits every citizen not to exceed to a 0.08 level. For underaged drivers, the BAC ranges from 0.00 to 0.02 percent. Any driver who crosses the line of those limits are sanctioned to face the underlying charges. Still it is dependent on the frequency or the number of times the offenses have been made.
DUI penalties that you may possibly face are as follows: fines, jail time, suspension or restriction of driver's license, probation, impoundments of vehicle, community services, DUI classes, installation of Ignition Interlock Device and a possible increase of insurance car premium.
For first-time offenders, the DUI penalty may include an immediate fine of $250 to $500. The period in jail may take a couple or two days or a maximum of a week. Also, like the jail time, the span of the suspension or restriction of the driver's license may take days, weeks or months. In the event that the offender couldn't pay the amount for the sanction, he or she can extend community services. Another mandatory penalty is attending some sessions of DUI classes. These sessions are inclusive of open-group discussions, counseling, testimonials and film viewing. Failure to attend the classes are subject to corresponding penalties.
On the contrary, second, third or multiple-time offenders have severe penalties compare to the first-time ones. Their fines may go up to a minimum of $600 to a maximum of a thousand dollars or more. Jail period may now take a minimum of weeks to a maximum of years. Also, if the offender will be involved in a vehicular homicide, when there are other individuals on board or outside the car that has been hurt or injured during the incident of the drunk driving, he or she may be in prison for 30 years. Aside from these, there's also a probability of a permanent restriction of the driver's license. Community services is also mandatory and not a replacement of any penalty. DUI classes is already a must. In addition, there's also a possibility of being faced with probation or impoundments of vehicle. The judge may also require the installation of an Ignition Interlock Device.
Now, being laid and informed with all these facts about a DUI penalty, the question now left is: are you ready to face all of those consequence? If not, better be a good citizen, and guard yourself with your presence of mind and remember the odds that you may face in the event you violate the law on drunk driving.
Mia Rinaldi is a DUI attorney in Florida. Before joining the field of law, she was once charged with a DUI penalty. She now resides in Orlando and currently helps those traffic offenders of DUI.