Getting convicted of driving under the influence (DUI) attracts a wide range of penalties. Below are some of the typical penalties to expect.

Monetary Fine

It's almost certain that the court will slap you with a monetary fine when you get convicted of a DUI. The fine may range from a few hundreds of dollars to thousands of dollars, depending on various factors such as the severity of your charges and your DUI history. This fine is due to the court, and you pay it whether you caused a DUI accident or not. The court fine is different from any restitution you might have to pay to victims of an accident if you caused a DUI accident.

License Suspension or Revocation

A license suspension is also another certainty to expect after a DUI conviction. The duration of the suspension depends on various factors, such as whether you are a repeat offender, how high your BAC was, whether you caused a DUI accident, among other things. In serious cases, for example, if your actions showed blatant disregard for the law or human life, the court may even revoke your license permanently.

Ignition Interlock

An ignition interlock device is fitted to a car so that you have to blow into the device before starting the car. The device detects the amount of alcohol in your breath and only allows the engine to start if you are not intoxicated. The court may order you to install an ignition interlock device once your license suspension period is over or when you are using a hardship license.

Alcohol Education

Many courts will also order DUI convicts to undergo alcohol or drug education programs, depending on the intoxicating substance the convict was high on at the time of the arrest. You have to register at government-approved schools and pay the fees out of your own pocket.

Incarceration

For many people, having to spend time behind bars is one of the worst punishments of a DUI conviction. Some of the things that determine whether you get incarcerated include your DUI history, whether you caused a DUI accident, and whether you had a kid in the car, among other aggravating factors. In many cases, first-time DUI offenders are not likely to serve time behind bars unless statutory laws call for it.

Getting convicted of a DUI is something every motorist dreads. If you are ever arrested for a DUI, consult a criminal law attorney to help you with the defense and reduce your chances of getting convicted. For more information, contact local professionals or visit sites like https://dlplawyers.com/.