🔍 What Is a DUI?
A DUI occurs when a person operates a vehicle while impaired by alcohol, drugs, or both. This includes:
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Alcohol: BAC (Blood Alcohol Content) of 0.08% or more (in most U.S. states)
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Illegal drugs: Including marijuana, cocaine, etc.
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Prescription or OTC meds: Even legally taken medications that impair alertness
🚔 What Happens If You Get a DUI?
1. Immediate Consequences
- Arrest: You’ll likely be arrested and taken to jail.
- Vehicle impounded: Your car may be towed or impounded.
- Booking: Includes fingerprinting, mugshots, and a record of the offense.
2. License Suspension
- Administrative suspension: Often happens immediately, even before court.
- Duration: Typically 6 months to a year for a first offense. Longer if there was injury, high BAC, or prior DUIs.
- You may need to install an ignition interlock device to regain driving privileges.
3. Court and Legal Penalties
- Fines and court fees: Often range from $500 to $2,000+
- Jail time:
- First offense: May be 1–30 days depending on the state.
- Repeat offenses: Can lead to months or years in prison.
- Probation: DUI offenders often receive 1–3 years of probation with strict conditions.
- Mandatory DUI classes: Substance abuse education and treatment programs.
4. Insurance Consequences
- Your car insurance will:
- Skyrocket (if not canceled)
- Require SR-22 insurance (proof of high-risk coverage)
5. Long-Term Effects
- Criminal record: Affects employment, housing, and travel (some countries deny entry to DUI offenders).
- Job loss: Especially if your job involves driving or has a strict conduct policy.
- Restricted travel: Countries like Canada may deny entry after a DUI conviction.
6. Additional Costs
- Towing and impound fees
- Court fees
- License reinstatement fees
- Ignition interlock device installation and monitoring
- Lost income due to court dates, jail, or job loss
What You Should Do If You Get a DUI
- Hire an attorney: Don’t try to handle it alone.
- Follow court orders: Complete all classes, pay fines, attend hearings.
- Avoid repeat offenses: Another DUI makes everything much worse.
- Get help if needed: Alcohol or substance counseling can help prevent it from happening again.