What Are the Consequences and Penalties?
All states consider first offense DUI as misdemeanor, which is generally punishable by at most six months inside a state jail. There are certain circumstances, however, that you may have to spend more than the six-month period. Subsequent convictions on the same offense lead to a punishment of a maximum of one year in jail. Majority of states' laws relating to DUI also provide for minimum jail sentences of at least several days if you are a first offender. Since state laws vary widely, you may want to consult an attorney near you.
The court may impose fines that range from $500 to $2,000 in addition to incarceration. Courts as well as state departments of motor vehicles also enforce a suspension of your driver's license within a substantial number of days, even on your first offense. Refusal to take the required blood, breath or urine test can result in increased penalties in addition to the suspension of your license.
Other consequences of a DUI conviction are submission to an alcohol- or drug-related program and performance of community service such as cleaning public areas, or lecturing students about the effects of DUI. Keep in mind, however, that your insurance company may cancel your existing auto insurance policy and/or raise your premiums astronomically.
In case you accidentally kill or injure someone as a result of DUI, you can be convicted of a felony which carries a penalty of imprisonment for several years. If you were previously convicted for misdemeanor DUI, you will be meted with a greater prison sentence. There are also states which consider a third or fourth DUI conviction as a felony regardless of whether another person is killed or injured as a result thereof. For this reason, you should never attempt to represent yourself in a DUI that is considered by state law as a felony without engaging the services of a lawyer. This is a serious offense that comes with grave consequences.