Seeing flashing lights in your rearview mirror after a night out with friends may be your worst nightmare. Even worse is when they arrest you for driving under the influence. Now that you have been arrested, what penalties will you face? This post will look at the different penalties for a first, second and third DUI.
First offense DUI
- Jail time: There is not a minimum amount you must be in jail, so you could simply be looking at a probationary period of up to six months. However, you could face up to six months in jail.
- Fines: $300
- Classes: Mandatory alcohol safety classes
- Criminal record: This crime is classified as a misdemeanor and will go on your record
Second offense DUI
- Jail time: As little as five days, but a maximum of six months
- Fines: depending on the severity, between $300 and $2500 in fines
- Classes: Mandatory alcohol safety classes
- License suspension: When you are arrested for driving under the influence for the second time or more, you will have your license suspended for at least one year
- Criminal record: Misdemeanor
- Ignition interlock device: This is a device that you must blow into in order to check your blood alcohol content level each time before the car is turned on. If you are intoxicated, you will not be able to drive anywhere.
Third offense DUI
- Jail time: A minimum of 10 days, maximum of 2 years
- Fines: The cost of a DUI can range from $500 to $5,000 if this is your third offense
- Classes: Mandatory alcohol safety classes
- License suspension
- Criminal record: Second degree misdemeanor
- Ignition interlock device: You must have the device installed for at least one year.
It is important to note that each situation is different. This post looks at the penalties when a driver is under general impairment (between .08 BAC and .099 BAC). There may be harsher penalty if your blood alcohol content is higher than .1 percent as well as if you have injured or killed anyone while you were driving under the influence.
