To be charged with a DUI or DWI can be terrifying. It helps, not only to prepare yourself with a defense, but also to prepare yourself for the types of penalties that you may be up against. Keep in mind that all penalties will be dependent on what you are charged with. If you are charged with a misdemeanor DUI, this will have less serious penalties than if you are charged with a felony DUI. No matter the type, you can always speak with a lawyer about your defense strategy in advance.
Fines
If you are convicted of a DUI, then odds are you are going to have fines. Fines are generally awarded to anyone who faces a DUI or any traffic violation. DUIs are heavily dependent on circumstance. In this case, your fine may vary from $100 to thousands of dollars.
Probation
Probation is one of the more common penalties in regard to charges for driving under the influence. Even first-time offenders may face probation. In some cases, this may be informal, where you do not have to have regular supervision. In other instances, you may have to report to a probation officer regularly.
Jail Time
Jail time is among the most serious of the penalties for a DUI. In some states, you may face a minimum jail sentence. These minimum sentences tend to be about 48 hours in jail, especially if you have a prior offense. However, depending on the circumstances of your DUI and if you’ve had one in the past, you could end up with a year in jail. Jail time is rare for a DUI if you have no prior convictions.
License Suspension
License suspensions are the temporary suspension of your license. In some states, if you receive a DUI conviction, this is mandatory. How long you lose your license is determined by your criminal history in terms of DUI. If you had a prior conviction, you may lose your license for a longer period. A DUI lawyer will be able to discuss with you the penalty options.
If you are worried about the penalties you face when you have a DUI charge, it is crucial that you speak with an attorney, like a criminal defense attorney from The Morales Law Firm. The penalties can vary, not to mention, given the gravity of the penalties, you should want to have a fighting chance. To create a defense strategy, call a DWI lawyer to set up a consultation today.