Beyond Fines And Jail Sentences: Other Punishments For DUI
Getting a DUI (driving under the influence) conviction can get you a jail sentence or make you pay a huge monetary fine, but that is just a taste of the iceberg as far as DUI penalties are concerned. Here are further examples of DUI punishments:
Community Service
This kind of punishment is meant to benefit the community that your crime harmed and serve as a deterrent to potential offenders. In most cases, the community service ordered is required to have a direct link to the crime committed. For example, if you have been convicted of a misdemeanor DUI, you may be required to organize drug treatment meetings in the community or clean the local drug rehabilitation center.
License Suspension
This is one of the most common forms of penalties for DUI convictions. In this case, your license is suspended for a period; you may also be required to meet certain requirements. For example, your license may be suspended for six months and you may be required to take alcohol treatment classes within that period.
Note that you may apply for and get a hardship driving license to help you in specific circumstances. For example, you may be allowed a hardship driving license to help you drive your kids to and from school. Talk to your lawyer for more information on how to get a hardship driving license.
Alcohol Education
Just like license suspension, alcohol education is also a common order with drunk driving convictions. In fact, many DUI attorneys advise their clients to begin such classes even before their trial get underway; the classes may help get lenient sentencing. If you are ordered to attend alcohol treatment program, ensure it is from an approved center.
Vehicle Confiscation
Though it is rare, there are jurisdictions where your car may be confiscated if you are convicted of DUI. This is likely to be the case if you caused a DUI accident that damaged a property or caused an injury to another person. This is to prevent you from further driving while intoxicated and causing more harm.
Ignition Interlock
An ignition interlock device is a device that prevents your car's engine from starting until you blow into the device's mouthpiece and it confirms that you aren't intoxicated. In most places, the ignition interlock has replaced car confiscation because it also prevents you from driving while drunk. Note that you will be expected to meet the cost of the installation and maintenance of the ignition interlock device.
Contact a service, like McFarland & Masters LLC, for more help.