DUIs are considered one of the most criminal traffic violations that a driver can be charged with, and leave. By definition, a DUI charge is administered when a driver over the age of 21 is pulled over while their blood alcohol level is 0.08 or higher, for all 50 states. Drivers who are charged with a DUI must deal with a variety of harsh repercussions. Here are some of the consequences a county court may enforce on a driver who is charged with a DUI.
Fines
Just like any other traffic ticket, a DUI charge will land you with some fines to pay. However, as a DUI charge is more a more serious charge, and therefore has greater fines to pay. First offense fees often cost between $250 ? 500, while second or third offenses can cost over a thousand dollars.
Suspension of Driving Privilege
A first DUI offense will almost always end with a suspension of driving privilege. Many states suspend a driver?s license for a 90-day period for the first offense, a year for a second offense, and three years for a third offense. In addition, a driver may not be able to get their suspended drivers license back without finishing a series of requirements, such as a driver?s class or the payment of fines.
Jail Time
Under certain situations, a DUI charge can end up leaving a driver with a jail sentence. If the driver is under the age of 21, there is a zero tolerance limit. Even the smallest measure of alcohol can be enough to allow the officer to go through arrest procedures. A driver that has an excessive BAC level may also get an extended jail sentence, along with those who were also driving recklessly or over the speed limit. DUI cases that end with the injury or death of another driver can be classified as a felony, and may land a driver with a jail sentence that last several years.