Can I avoid license suspension for a first DUI charge?

A first-time DUI charge carries many possible criminal and administrative penalties and the severity of these penalties vary depending on the jurisdiction you live in or where the infraction occurred. The main administrative penalty is usually a license suspension for a stipulated period of time. Depending on the circumstances, the charge may be either a misdemeanor or a felony. Consider the following:

• A misdemeanor DUI charge in most states is punishable by up to 7 to 9 months imprisonment with a fine ranging from $500 to $1200. You may be placed on probation, required to pass a driver training class, and be assessed by an alcohol or drug addiction counselor who may recommend either in-patient or out-patient addiction treatment. The court will typically order your license be suspended for a term of anywhere from 6 to 24 months.
• A felony conviction carries much more severe penalties ranging from 1 to 5 years imprisonment and a fine up to $10,000, as well as 1 to 5 years of supervised probation. The court may also order the permanent revocation of your driving privileges unless you complete both alcohol or drug addiction counseling as well as a driver training course. In cases involving an injury or death of another person, the court may order the permanent revocation of your driver’s license without the possibility of regaining the privilege.

DUI License Suspension Ranges

A number of factors will determine how long your DUI license suspension will last. States generally have standard statutes outlining these factors that include:

• Whether it is a first, second, third offense, or more
• How high the blood alcohol content (BAC) was in the defendant
• If there were any other crimes committed in conjunction with the DUI
• If anyone was injured or there was property damage as a result of the DUI

Talk with an experienced attorney in your state to further discuss DUI license suspension.