DUI Charges and Penalties: What You Need to Know
Being charged with a DUI can have severe consequences. These include major fines, jail time, license suspension, the requirement to install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle, and more. A DUI is a technical charge, so you should not represent yourself. Instead, let one of our attorneys handle your case.
You have specific rights after an arrest. These include a confidential phone call, being advised of the penalties for refusing a chemical test, and the right to an independent medical examination with a doctor of your choice. As former State prosecutors, we have handled hundreds of cases, taught courses to other attorneys, and trained police officers. We ensure that your rights are fully protected.
If you have taken a breathalyzer test or given blood, the police must follow certain procedures for the results to be admissible. We know exactly what to check and have handled hundreds of cases involving blood alcohol content results and proper operation of the Intoxilyzer 9000.
DUI penalties depend on your blood alcohol content (BAC).
First offense with a BAC of .08-.10
Up to 1 year in jail, a fine of $100-$330, 10-60 hours of community service, DUI school or alcohol treatment, and a 1-3 month license suspension.
First offense with a BAC of .10-.15 or unknown
Up to 1 year in jail, a fine of $100-$400, 10-60 hours of community service, DUI school or alcohol treatment, and a 3-12 month license suspension.
First offense with a BAC of .15 or greater
Up to 1 year in jail, a $500 fine, 20-60 hours of community service, DUI school or alcohol treatment, and a 3-18 month license suspension.
Second offense with a BAC of .08-.15, or unknown
Up to 1 year in jail, including a mandatory minimum of 10 days, a $400 fine, alcohol/drug treatment, and a 1-2 year license suspension.
Second offense with a BAC of .15 or greater
Up to 1 year in jail, including a mandatory minimum of 6 months, a $1000 fine, alcohol/drug treatment, and a 2-year license suspension.
Third offense with a BAC of .08-.15, or unknown
Up to 3 years in jail, including a mandatory minimum of 1 year, a $400 fine, alcohol/drug treatment, and a 2-3 year license suspension.
Third offense with a BAC of .15 or greater
Up to 5 years in jail, including a mandatory minimum of 3 years, a $1000-$5000 fine, alcohol/drug treatment, and a 3-year license suspension.