Driving under the Influence is a crime. But, the thought of being arrested for DUI may not seem daunting to many. Because it is a first-offence, the law is quite lenient upon first-time offenders. You may still need to have a defence attorney or DUI lawyer
While many states treat first-time DUIs like misdemeanours, the long-term effects can be serious. It is important to fully comprehend the penalties and long-term consequences of being convicted for DUI.
What is a DUI?
DUI is an acronym for “driving whilst impaired”. Driving under the influence is driving or operating motor vehicles while impaired by alcohol. (Often, this is known as the “legal maximum”).
What is a Felony DUI?
A misdemeanour can be the first DUI in many states. Even though a misdemeanour sentence is not easy to get, it’s much better to be punished with a felony DUI.
A felony can be committed if you cause injury or death to another person while driving under the effects. If you are found guilty, you can be sent to prison for several years. You could also be charged with a felony or receive harsher sentences if you were convicted of DUI offences in the past. Do not hesitate to seek out qualified car accident lawyers if you have been in an accident.
In certain states, multiple DUI convictions may be sufficient to result in a felony. This is regardless of whether another person harmed you.
Arrest and Booking
Driving while under the influence will result in you not being allowed to drive home. Most likely, you will be taken to the station and arrested by police. Once you’re there, the cops will arrest you. This is where things can get complicated, and many will happen at once.
As soon as possible, after you have booked your appointment, make sure to schedule a consultation with a DUI defence attorney. Consultation is an important step. It can help you feel confident about your case and give you the best chance of achieving the best outcome.
Consequences of DUI
You should expect these things when you are arrested for a DUI.
You will be Booked
As with all other crimes, you will be brought to the nearest police station or jail. Here your mugshots, as well as fingerprints, will also be taken. If you are permitted to post bail, and the person pays for it, you may be released immediately.
You will be Required to Appear in Court
You will be issued a ticket and a summons upon your arrest. This will inform you about the court date for your DUI hearing.
Your License is Suspended
Depending on the state of the arrest, your driver’s license may be suspended immediately following the arrest.
You can go Directly to Jail
Some people think that DUI convicts who are first-time get probation. It is now mandatory that first-time DUI offenders be sentenced in increasing numbers of US states.
In all 50 states, first-offence DUI can result in six months in jail. An aggravating circumstance may allow for a longer sentence. Most DUI offenders receive shorter jail sentences than others and serve probation or community service.
Fines will be Charged
The penalties handed down to DUI offenders vary from one state to the next. A DUI conviction could lead to DUI charge fines as high as $1,800, depending on the state where the offence was committed.
Shortens your Car Insurance Rates
Once your provider learns about your DUI arrest and conviction, expect to see a dramatic increase in your car insurance premiums. It’s possible to see a slight increase in your car insurance premiums, but not uncommon for it to be several hundred dollars. A DUI conviction can make it difficult to find affordable car insurance.
Alcohol and Drug Education Program
A court may often order DUI first-time convicts to complete an alcohol/drug education program. This program’s completion is usually required to get one’s driver’s license reinstated.
You must attend hours of drunk driving classes and pay for them. The program also evaluates your drinking habits. A trained counsellor will evaluate to determine whether you suffer from alcohol abuse disorder.
The counsellor may recommend an approved program by the court to treat your alcohol problem before you are allowed to drive again.
Substance Abuse Problem
Not only are the financial and legal consequences of being convicted and arrested for DUI serious, but it’s also important to think about what it could be telling you about your health and well being.
You don’t have to be a first-time DUI recipient. You may be a moderate to the heavy drinker who made a bad choice to drink and drive. However, being convicted of DUI is a significant sign that you need alcohol control.
Like many DUI first-time drivers, it would be great if you made some changes in your drinking and driving habits. But if you drink and drive again and continue to do so despite the adverse consequences, you should be flagged. Although this isn’t a conclusive sign of addiction, it signals that you may be suffering from an alcohol problem. Professional help will likely be required.
DUI and Mental Health
A DUI is not just about how the law works. It is also important to consider why and how you got there. It was just a once-in-a-while incident.
Many people accused of DUI have been diagnosed as having one or more of the following mental illnesses,
- Alcohol use disorder
- Bipolar disorder
- Major depression
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
You might be at risk for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) if you are the victim of a drunk-driving accident. This includes symptoms such as nightmares and emotional numbness.
There is no shame to seek treatment if you feel you have a problem with alcoholism or mental illness. Counselling can be an option and may be required to complete your DIU. This can help you reduce or stop drinking and offer strategies to deal emotionally with the trauma that can come from a DUI.
Get an Experienced DUI Attorney Now!
Hire a professional and experienced DUI lawyer if you are ever arrested under suspicion of DUI. A DUI lawyer is an expert in-law who can assist you with your DUI case. Get the expert, contact Alvine Law Firm, LLP.
Get in touch with Alvine Law Firm, LLP today.