DUI/DWI Punishment

No matter where you live, drunk driving is a serious offense that carries hefty penalties that will impact your life for a long time – possibly as long as you live. Whether it is referred to as DUI or DWI, the consequences of a drunk-driving conviction may include jail time, probation, community services, fines, and loss of driving privileges.

The punishment for a DUI or DWI varies depending on the state, jurisdiction, or county. Typically, the penalties depend on whether this is a first-time drinking and driving offense and whether additional punishment enhancements apply.

For a first DUI or DWI offense, the penalties include possible jail time or community service, fines, a driver’s license suspension, and mandatory attendance at a drug and alcohol education program. For a second offense, there may be a mandatory minimum jail sentence as well as a longer drug and alcohol education program. In some states, multiple offenders may be ordered to have an ignition interlock device installed in their vehicle after their release or even have their vehicle impounded. Mandatory attendance at AA meetings may also be required.

There are certain factors that may trigger additional penalties in a DUI or DWI case. These are referred to as punishment enhancers. Though punishment enhancements vary from state to state, these are the most common: transporting a child while under the influence, having a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .20 percent or greater, speeding above a certain limit, refusing to take a chemical test (blood, breath, or urine) to determine BAC, causing an accident, injury, or property damage. If the person who is driving under the influence is under 21, or the driver has prior DUI or DWI convictions, this will also trigger additional penalties.

There are some states where causing injury to another person, even the passenger in the drunk driver’s car, will increase the crime from a misdemeanor to a felony level. If someone is killed due to the driver’s impairment, the driver can be charged with vehicular manslaughter or even murder.

If you have a question about your state’s DUI punishment, it is crucial that you speak to an attorney who is experienced with DUI law. A knowledgeable DUI or DWI defense attorney will thoroughly examine your case to determine the best defenses to employ on your behalf.

States and Commonwealths Served:
	Alaska		Louisiana		Ohio
	Alabama		Massachusetts		Oklahoma
	Arkansas		Maryland		Oregon
	Arizona		Maine		Pennsylvania
	California		Michigan		Rhode Island
	Colorado		Minnesota		South Carolina
	Connecticut		Missouri		South Dakota
	Delaware		Mississippi		Tennessee
	Florida		Montana		Texas
	Georgia		North Carolina		Utah
	Hawaii		North Dakota		Vermont
	Iowa		Nebraska		Virginia
	Idaho		New Hampshire		Washington State
	Illinois		New Jersey		Wisconsin
	Indiana		New Mexico		West Virginia
	Kansas		Nevada		Wyoming
	Kentucky		New York		Washington DC