What You Should Know About the Repercussions of Driving Under Influence
Drinking and driving, or driving while under the influence of alcohol is no joke. Drunken driving is a serious crime that puts everyone at risk anytime someone drunk gets behind the wheel. Most people don’t consider the deep-reaching financial consequences this crime can have.
Keep reading to find out what you need to know about the consequences and repercussions of driving under the influence.
Criminal Punishments
Like any crime, a conviction involves a range of potential punishments. The penalties depend on the circumstances of each situation and the laws of the state in which you are charged. Criminal punishment includes
- Fines
- Jail or Prison
- Driving Restrictions
- Vehicle Confiscation
- Ignition Interlock Device
- Alcohol Assessment and Treatment
- Probation
- Diversion or Deferred Prosecution
Civil Driving Restrictions
When arrested for DUI, your driver’s license will probably be suspended even if you are not convicted of the crime. The length of this restriction differs from state to state but typically lasts for 90 days at the least. This restriction is separate from any criminal conviction penalties.
One of the more unknown dui consequences is that the reasonable doubt standard does not apply to the suspension of a driver’s license. The right to drive a car is not protected by criminal procedure laws. In other words, driving a car is a privilege, not a right.
Drivers can apply for a restricted or hardship license immediately following their suspension, but this does not guarantee that you will get one. Hardship license rules differ by state, but you are typically required to show that operating your vehicle is necessary for employment, or other necessities.
Attorney’s Fees
1. The Criminal Case
Any case can involve costly legal fees. At the very least being charged with a DUI requires several court appearances. It could also go to trial resulting in jail time and significant fines.
You MUST have a lawyer if you are charged with drunk driving.
You can expect to pay around $1,000 on the lower end of the spectrum, to upwards of $20,000 when hiring a criminal defense attorney. Because a DUI case is a criminal matter you are entitled to a lawyer even if you cannot afford one. It is important to note that even then, many states require you to pay for part of the fees.
2. The Driving Suspension Case
Criminal defense attorney fees are sometimes separate from other legal fees. While you have the right to legal representation in your criminal case, you don’t in the civil driver’s license case. If you want an attorney to help with the case of your driver’s license, you will have to pay out of your own pocket. Some lawyers might agree to represent you in both cases for one fee, others will not and they are not required to.
DUI-Associated Fees
In addition to any fines imposed by a court, there are numerous other costs and associated fees. The specific fees and amount they cost differs between states and even between jurisdictions within them. Some of these fees include:
- Car Storage or Impoundment Fees
- Probation Supervision Fees
- Towing Fees
- Alcohol Evaluation
- Ignition Interlock Device Installation and Rental
- Community Service Supervision Fees
- Victims Assistance Fund Fee
- Victim Impact Panel Fee
- Victim Compensation Fund Fee
- Brain Injury Fund Fee
- Law Enforcement Assistance Fund Fee
- Alcohol Education or Treatment Class Fee
Insurance
If you are convicted of a DUI, you can expect your car insurance premiums to rise. Your premiums are based on a number of factors. Insurance companies look at these factors to determine how risky a client you are. When you are convicted of drunken driving your insurance company will likely come to the conclusion that you are a greater risk, thus increasing your insurance premium.
Lost Wages & Limited Employment Opportunities
You will likely spend some time in jail. Jail time will likely hinder your ability to work, making you lose income.
In most states, it is also entirely legal for your employer to cut back your work hours, or even fire you. Even if your employer does not take any action and you do not miss work, a suspended license could make it more difficult to get to work.
Your ability to find and possibly maintain employment can be constrained.
Restricted Liberties
The Federal Government and each state restrict the civil liberties of a convicted criminal. In some states, you will be unable to apply for state educational scholarships, can lose your security clearance, even be denied admission to Marines.
You don’t have to feel intoxicated or be out of control to be convicted. Be smart. Don’t drink and drive.