Penalties in Drunk Driving Cases
Penalties in drunk driving cases depend on many factors, but the most important variable may be whether a driver has been previously arrested for DUI or not. In any case, even first-time defendants can expect to pay thousands of dollars in fines and fees and be required to attend – and pay for – drunk driving classes. Generally, your driver’s license will be suspended for anywhere between six to ten months following a DUI conviction, but sometimes first-time DUI offenders can get a restricted license in order to drive to and from work. It’s not unusual for repeat offenders to receive hefty prison terms and pay tens of thousands of dollars in fines and restitution. In some cases, their driver’s licenses will be permanently revoked. Also, if bodily injury to another driver occurred, felony charges may be involved, which result in even harsher penalties for those convicted. The best way to avoid the consequences of a conviction is to partner with an aggressive DUI lawyer as soon as you can after an arrest.
