Will a DUI First Offense Result in Jail Time?

DUI is a serious criminal offense. Even a DUI first offence has severe penalties. Penalties for DUI first offense varies from state to state.

DUI

DUI or Driving Under the Influence is a crime in all states across the US. Driving with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08% or above is illegal. If your blood alcohol concentration is 0.08% or more and you are caught driving or operating a motor vehicle, you will be charged with DUI.

Severe Penalties

DUI is one of the main reasons for accidents across the US. The government has taken a strong stand against DUI. All states have a zero tolerance approach towards DUI. State laws prescribe severe penalties for those convicted of DUI. DUI conviction can result in jail time, hefty fines, alcohol counseling and community service. Besides the criminal penalties, certain the state will also initiate certain administrative actions against you. Your driver’s license can be suspended. Your vehicle may be impounded and sold.

Factors Influencing Penalties

DUI has severe penalties even for first time offenders. While most first time offenders are let off with hefty fines and driver’s license suspension, in some cases even first time offenders can be sent to jail. The factors that can determine the severity of the penalty includes the blood alcohol concentration, the place where the person was caught driving or operating the vehicle and if the person violated any other traffic rule such as over speeding, etc. If you are driving or operating a vehicle under the influence and you cause an accident, then you will be charged with felony DUI. If you are charged with felony DUI, you will be sent to jail on conviction even if you are a first time offender. If you flee from the scene of the accident, then you will be facing a jail term. A first time offender can be sent to jail for DUI if the drunk driving results in an accident that claims the lives of others on the road. A first time DUI together with a reckless driving charge can result in jail time.  

Getting Legal Help

Being charged with DUI is not a pleasant experienced. A DUI charge even if it is your first offence must be taken quite seriously. Based on the circumstances of your case, if convicted you can be sent to jail. An experienced drunk driving attorney can review your case and advise you on your options.