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What happens if I get a DUI and cause property damage?
Question:
What happens if I get a DUI and cause property damage?
This site does not provide legal advice and users of this site should not interpret any of the information presented here as legal advice. The information provided merely conveys general information related to commonly asked legal questions. We are not a law firm and the employees responding to questions are not acting as your legal attorney. You should ultimately consult with a Lawyer for your case.
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DUI conviction can result in imprisonment. Besides imprisonment, a DUI conviction can also result in heft fines, community service, counseling and installation of ignition locks.
A first DUI is a misdemeanor in all states. However if you cause property damage while driving drunk, in many states it is a felony DUI. A felony DUI is also referred to as aggravated DUI. Felony DUI conviction can result in more severe penalties. The minimum jail term for a felony DUI is one year. The fines are much higher than the regular DUI charges. You will be required to undergo mandatory DUI counseling. In some states, you vehicle will be impounded and sold. Your driver’s license will be suspended. There will be a significant increase in your insurance costs. To make things worse, there will be a felony conviction on your record.
When you drive drunk and cause property damage, you can be sued by the owner of the property for damages. The owner of the property will send you a notice asking you to pay for the damages. If you do not pay for the damages or reach a settlement with the owner, the owner will file a lawsuit against you for damages. Besides compensatory damages, the court can also grant punitive damages.
If you have been charged with DUI and causing property damage at the same time, you must consult an experienced driving attorney. The attorney can study your case and defend the charges against you. An experienced attorney can show that there was no relation between the DUI charges and the property damages.
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