It is always better to think twice before getting behind the wheel after having couple of drinks. Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is a serious offence and the law strictly prohibits people driving under the influence.
As the law changes from state to state, DUI punishment also changes accordingly. There is no consistent punishment for driving under the influence. The punishment depends on several factors such as the number of previous convictions, circumstances of the case, injury or damage to the property caused due to the accident while intoxicated and so on.
For a first time offence, the punishment is comparatively less severe. The punishment may include fine, probation, community service, suspended driver’s license and jail. While the fine amount is smaller for a first offence, second time conviction results in more severe punishment.However, if the first time DUI offence is involved with personal injury or property damage, the fine amount significantly increases. It is also true that the DUI punishment will be more severe if the person is transporting a child in the car while intoxicated. This is basically due to the fact that there is a high risk for child’s life while travelling with a person who is under the influence.
The severity of punishment increases as the number of previous conviction increases. Repeated DUI offences are usually considered as felony DUI and may result in more than one year of imprisonment. Apart from going to jail they may also lose their driver’s license or electronically monitored. Usually while giving the verdict, judges ask the offender to install an ignition interlock in the car. This is an electronic device, which helps to test the sobriety of the driver before he/she can start the motor vehicle. If any traces of alcohol are detected in the breath, the device does no let the person to start the vehicle. Some DUI cases also end up with house arrest as well as release from the work.
DUI punishment has become more severe over past few years. The ultimate goal of the DUI punishment is to reduce the cases of driving under the influence and thereby protect the public as well to reduce the traffic death toll.
If you happened to be arrested for DUI, the first step is to contact the DUI attorney. DUI attorneys try to minimize the sentence as well as they may request the judge to dismiss the charges.
While the above said punishments are given by the court, the impact of this punishment can be very severe. Any DUI punishment will be entered into the criminal record of the individual and will remain so for his/her entire life. While applying for a new job, if the employer checks the criminal record of the candidate, the probability of hiring a candidate with felony DUI is minimal. Moreover, many auto insurance companies do not cover people who had DUI punishment as well damages caused by driving under the influence.So, it is always better to think the consequences before driving under the influence.