Drunk Driving First Offense Consequences

Did you know that driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI) is not only one of the most dangerous offenses a driver can commit, but it is also one of the most severe in terms of penalties? Indeed, individuals convicted of DUI often face harsh punishment, including mandatory fines, license suspension, and even jail time—and that’s just for a first offense! Here are just a few examples of some of the most common drunk driving first offense consequences.

In most areas, the moment you are arrested for DUI, your driver’s license will be suspended for 90 days or more. What’s more, because this suspension is enforced by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), it will remain in effect regardless of whether you are found guilty of the offense in criminal court. Although you may be able to appeal the suspension during an administrative hearing with the DMV, this proceeding does not take place automatically—and you may have only a few days to request one.

Depending on the laws in your area, you may have to complete an application and/or submit paperwork before your administrative hearing will be scheduled. This process can be both confusing and time-consuming for most drivers. As a result, you may want to consider speaking with an attorney before attempting to appeal your license suspension on your own.

In addition to an administrative hearing, your DUI case will also be tried in a criminal courtroom. Depending on the outcome of your trial, you may be sentenced to jail time, ordered to complete an alcohol counseling program, or subjected to expensive fines, court costs, and other fees. What’s more, your conviction will be permanently reflected on your criminal record—where it will continue to haunt you long after your sentence is complete.

First and foremost, a DUI conviction can pose serious risks to future employment, housing, and educational opportunities, as anyone who checks your background will see that you were found guilty of drunk driving. You can also expect to pay more for auto insurance if you have a DUI on your driving record (often two to three times more than your current rates)—and some companies may even refuse to insure you at all. 

Fortunately, an experienced DUI attorney can help create a strong defense strategy for your case. From challenging your breath test results to proving that the officer who arrested you did not have probable cause to suspect you of driving under the influence, there are numerous defenses that can be used to challenge a first DUI offense.

To improve your chances of obtaining a favorable outcome in your case, make sure you speak with an attorney in your area immediately. Be sure to contact a local attorney by filling in a free online case consultation form.

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