Penalties for DUI

The penalties for DUI are determined by the state law. In all states a first DUI offense is a misdemeanor. A misdemeanor offense is generally punishable by fine. The maximum term of imprisonment for a misdemeanor offense is one year. However a first DUI offense can be tried as a felony offense is there are aggravating factors present at the time of the offense such as reckless driving, bodily injury, property damage or presence of a minor in the vehicle. A felony DUI offense is punishable with a jail term exceeding one year.

Repeat DUI offenders can be ordered to pay for an install an ignition interlock device in their vehicle. This device works like a breath analyzer. Before the driver can start the vehicle, he or she must breathe into the device. If the device detects any trace of alcohol in the driver’s breath, the vehicle will not start. In some states, the device will prevent the vehicle from starting if the blood alcohol concentration is over a predetermined level often 0.02 percent.

In some states, a repeat offender’s vehicle can be impounded. Depending on the state law, this impounding can be temporary or permanent. This can cause severe problems if you are using the vehicle to get to work and you do not have the financial resources to buy a new vehicle. In many states if the DUI offense resulted in an accident, the vehicle may be impounded and sold to pay compensation to the accident victims.