Penalties Of A DUI Conviction
Now that DUI convictions have become common it is often seen that police put up temporary DUI processing stations. This is especially often seen on weekends or holidays since drinking is increased during those times. However, the frequency of DUIs has resulted in the courts taking a stricter stand against this offense since leniency has not helped the number of cases any. If you contemplate taking a chance of driving while under the influence, then it is best to first understand just what the consequences may be.
When you are pulled over for a DUI, there are certain things that you can expect. You can expect the law enforcement officer to ask you if you are under the influence. Additionally, you can expect that they will check your driving record and registration. If they suspect that you are under the influence of a substance, they will ask you to perform a field sobriety test. If after performing the various associated activities your condition is still suspect, you may be asked to have a chemical test done like a breathalyzer or a blood test.
After being officially arrested for a DUI you will have various possible consequences to deal with. This also includes criminal consequences and these will increase in severity each time you commit the same offense. The severity of the law infraction will also determine how harsh the consequences will be. First time offenders usually will receive less severe punishments then those that are facing their second or even third DUI offenses. Punishments can include anything, like fines, probations or time in jail.
In some states a DUI offender will possibly face license penalties on top of the other common punishments. This means that the driver's license will be suspended or revoked and a suspension can be anything from thirty days to more than two years. In some cases a driver will be given a restricted license and that means that the regular license can be kept, but driving is only allowed to commute to and from work. If more DUI offenses are racked up, then the authorities can even come and confiscate the vehicle.
Repeat offenders will quickly come to realize that the severity of the consequences will quickly increase. In the states that provide for a repeat offender status the penalties for a DUI will be much harsher and will increase in severity with each additional DUI charge. At some point the driver's license will be revoked, the license plates confiscated and entry into a registry that lists all those that ignore their restrictions.
DUI's have become increasingly more common. However, just because they are common does not mean that they should be taken lightly. They are a serious legal situation, and they come with significant penalties.
When you are pulled over for a DUI, there are certain things that you can expect. You can expect the law enforcement officer to ask you if you are under the influence. Additionally, you can expect that they will check your driving record and registration. If they suspect that you are under the influence of a substance, they will ask you to perform a field sobriety test. If after performing the various associated activities your condition is still suspect, you may be asked to have a chemical test done like a breathalyzer or a blood test.
After being officially arrested for a DUI you will have various possible consequences to deal with. This also includes criminal consequences and these will increase in severity each time you commit the same offense. The severity of the law infraction will also determine how harsh the consequences will be. First time offenders usually will receive less severe punishments then those that are facing their second or even third DUI offenses. Punishments can include anything, like fines, probations or time in jail.
In some states a DUI offender will possibly face license penalties on top of the other common punishments. This means that the driver's license will be suspended or revoked and a suspension can be anything from thirty days to more than two years. In some cases a driver will be given a restricted license and that means that the regular license can be kept, but driving is only allowed to commute to and from work. If more DUI offenses are racked up, then the authorities can even come and confiscate the vehicle.
Repeat offenders will quickly come to realize that the severity of the consequences will quickly increase. In the states that provide for a repeat offender status the penalties for a DUI will be much harsher and will increase in severity with each additional DUI charge. At some point the driver's license will be revoked, the license plates confiscated and entry into a registry that lists all those that ignore their restrictions.
DUI's have become increasingly more common. However, just because they are common does not mean that they should be taken lightly. They are a serious legal situation, and they come with significant penalties.
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