Drunk Driving Consequences

As you probably know, driving after consuming alcohol is one of the most dangerous things a person can do. Indeed, drunk drivers are responsible for countless auto accidents each year, many of which result in serious injuries, property damages, and even fatalities.  It comes as no surprise, therefore, to learn that drunk driving is a serious criminal offense across the country—one that often carries some very tough legal penalties. However, as many of the drivers who are found guilty of driving under the influence (DUI) can attest, the long-term drunk driving consequences are often just as severe as the initial criminal sentence.

Each state has its own laws regarding the exact punishment for drinking and driving. Depending on where you live, the penalties associated with a DUI offense may include license suspension, fines, and jail time—even if it is your first offense. You may also face additional penalties, such as community service, probation, and mandatory drug or alcohol counseling in some jurisdictions.

In addition, many states have strict Zero Tolerance laws to prohibit minors (drivers under the age of 21) from operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol. These laws place strict limitations on the amount of alcohol minors can have in their system while driving—often prohibiting them from driving with any amount of alcohol in their bloodstream at all (rather than the 0.08% BAC limit imposed on drivers 21 and older).

If the above legal penalties aren’t enough to convince you of the serious nature of drunk driving, consider this: individuals who are convicted of DUI often encounter additional problems in their personal lives long after their sentence is complete.

Insurance companies are often reluctant to insure individuals who have been found guilty of driving under the influence, so it’s not uncommon for DUI offenders to be charged two to three items more for auto insurance than other drivers—and in some cases, their coverage may be denied altogether.

Unfortunately, as a criminal offense, a DUI conviction will also remain on your criminal record indefinitely. This means potential employers, landlords, colleges and universities, and anyone else who checks your background will see that you were convicted of drunk driving—which can seriously limit your opportunities for the future.

So what should you do if you’ve been charged with DUI? Well, the good news is that being arrested for drunk driving doesn’t necessarily mean you will be convicted of the crime. In fact, with help from an experienced criminal defense attorney, you may be able to limit many of these drunk driving consequences and avoid a conviction.

To improve your chances of obtaining a favorable outcome in court, make sure you discuss your case with an experienced DUI attorney immediately after your arrest. Send a free case form today to find a firm that specializes in drunk driving law.

States and Cities:
AK	Alaska, Anchorage	LA	Louisiana, New Orleans	OH	Ohio, Cincinnati
AL	Alabama, Montgomery	MA	Massachusetts, Boston	OK	Oklahoma, Tulsa
AR	Arkansas, Little Rock	MD	Maryland, Baltimore	OR	Oregon, Portland
AZ	Arizona, Phoenix	ME	Maine, Portland	PA	Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
CA	California, Los Angeles	MI	Michigan, Detroit	RI	Rhode Island, Providence
CO	Colorado, Denver	MN	Minnesota, Duluth	SC	South Carolina, Charleston
CT	Connecticut, Hartford	MO	Missouri, Branson	SD	South Dakota, Sioux Falls
DE	Delaware, Wilmington	MS	Mississippi, Jackson	TN	Tennessee, Nashville
FL	Florida, Orlando	MT	Montana, Bozeman	TX	Texas, Houston
GA	Georgia, Atlanta	NC	North Carolina, Charoltte	UT	Utah, Salt Lake City
HI	Hawaii, Honolulu	ND	North Dakota, Fargo	VT	Vermont, Burlington
IA	Iowa, Des Moines	NE	Nebraska, Omaha	VA	Virginia, Richmond
ID	Idaho, Boise	NH	New Hampshire, Portsmouth	WA	Washington, Seattle
IL	Illinois, Chicago	NJ	New Jersey, Newark	WI	Wisconsin, Milwaukee
IN	Indiana, Indianapolis	NM	New Mexico, Albuquerque	WV	West Virginia, Charleston
KS	Kansas, Kansas City	NV	Nevada, Las Vegas	WY	Wyoming, Cheyenne
KY	Kentucky, Lexington	NY	New York, New York	DC	Washington DC