DWI/ DUI Punishments and Penalties

As with any criminal charge a person charged with driving while intoxicated (DWI) or driving under the influence (DUI) is supposed blameless until proven at fault. If guilt is recognized the penalty will depend on state law as well as on any infuriating situation (such as the presence of an open bottle of liquor in the car) and the defendant's cooperation with the police.

Jail Time

First offense DUI or DWI is classified as a misdemeanor, and punishable by up to six months in jail. That jail time may be increased under certain circumstances. Many states also require minimum jail sentences of at least several days on a first offense. Subsequent offenses often result in jail sentences of several months to a year. For a DUI or DWI that's been classified as a felony -- either because the driver killed or injured someone or as it's the driver's third or fourth DUI jail sentences of several years are not unusual.

Fines

In addition to jail sentences courts can and do impose high fines for DUI or DWI. This array from $500 to as much as $2,000.

Driver's License Problems

A DUI or DWI criminal stands a good chance of having his or her license suspended for a substantial period of time either by court order or mandate of the state motor vehicles department. Many states suspend a first offender's license for 90 days; a second offender's license for one year and a third offender's license for three years.

Alternative Forms of Punishment

An integer of states court sentences may include alcohol teaching and prevention programs treatment for alcohol abuse assessment of a person for possible alcohol or drug dependency or addiction, and community service or victim restitution. The judge may suggest these steps as a substitute of jail time or paying fines, most likely for a first offender.

Young Offenders

A minor who is arrested for driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs won't get any breaks from punishment in detail being young is probable to make matters worse. The legal drinking age is 21 in most states so drinking before that age is a take a part crime.