How can I figure out what my penalty for DUI will be?

Every state has their own laws governing what constitutes DUI and what the penalties for DUI convictions may be. Those penalties can include:

• Fines

• Jail time

• Driver’s license suspension

• DUI education classes

• Probation

• Ignition interlock devices (that will not allow you to start your car if you have a blood alcohol content (BAC) level above a certain amount)

In order to learn what the general guidelines for those penalties are in your state, you can contact your local police station, your state DMV, the Clerk of the Superior Court’s office, and various sites on the internet. However, those penalties can often be adjusted depending on the seriousness of the DUI, the discretion of the judge, and any other extenuating circumstances that are part of the arrest and conviction.

In most states, the fines for DUI convictions when there are no prior offenses can range from $500 to $1,500, jail time can range from sixty days to one year, and driver’s license suspensions vary widely by state, as well.

In order to avoid these consequences, there are defenses that you may be able to use in court. These defenses can be complicated and require a high level of knowledge about police procedures and equipment. A DUI attorney can help you determine if you have grounds to fight the charge and prepare an effective defense to use in court.