DUI Penalties

First off, know that a DUI conviction stays on your driving record for seventy five years. Also consider this list of “sobering” penalties. We use that word intentionally:

Conviction – First Offense DUI

• Fine of $500 to $1,000
• Fine of between $1,000 and $2,000 with BAL of .15% or higher or a minor is in the vehicle
• Fifty hours of community service
• Up to one year probation
• Possible imprisonment of up to six months (nine months if BAL .15% or higher)
• Minimum one hundred eighty day revocation of license
• Twelve hour DUI School
• Submit to evaluation for possible alcohol addiction treatment
• Possible court ordered ignition interlock device (six months if minor was in the vehicle or BAL of .15% or higher)

Conviction – Second Offense DUI

• Fine of between $1,000 and $2,000 ( $2,000 to $4,000 with BAL of .15% or higher or a minor is in the vehicle)
• Imprisonment of up to nine months
• Minimum one hundred eighty day revocation of license
• Twenty one hours DUI school
• Submit to evaluation for possible alcohol addiction treatment
• Ignition interlock device for one continuous year

Conviction – Third Offense DUI

• Fine of $2,000 to $5,000 (with minor in the vehicle or BAL of .15% or more,
  at least $4,000)
• Imprisonment of up to twelve months
• One hundred eighty day license revocation
• Twenty one hour DUI school
• Submit to evaluation for possible alcohol addiction treatment
• Ignition interlock device for at least two continuous years

As you just read, drivers found guilty of DUI may also have an Ignition Interlock Device installed in any vehicle they operate. This is typically court ordered and occurs after a first offense where you have a BAL of .15% or higher or if there is a minor in the vehicle when you are stopped. The Ignition Interlock device will remain in your vehicle for six months once your license is reinstated. You may recall this term from very early on in the course. When you get into any vehicle to operate it, you must breathe into this device. If any trace of alcohol is detected on your breath, the vehicle will not start. If you successfully start the vehicle, you may be required to make random checks throughout your trip. And what happens if you are found operating a vehicle without this device? You open yourself up to suffering more serious consequences. Traffic courts don’t take being ignored very lightly. As you might expect, second and third DUI convictions result in your driving a vehicle outfitted with the I-I-D for two, then three years respectively. And that’s if you ever even get your license back.