Law & Legal & Attorney Criminal Law & procedure

Punishments for a DUI

The punishments for driving under the influence vary from state to state.
Each state will establish a maximum sentence for the degree of the DUI.
Some states are more harsh than others with their penalties.
No matter the maximum sentences, the final punishment for a crime is most often based on a judge's decision.
Therefore, those convicted of a DUI should hire a legal professional to help fight maximum sentences.
A good DUI defense attorney will look into every aspect of the case to defend his or her client.
This will include ensuring that the arrest was performed correctly and the evidence obtained legally.
In every state there are a series of factors that play into this type of charge.
Any previous DUI conviction can exponentially increase the severity of a sentence.
The presence of a criminal record will also be considered.
The amount of blood alcohol content (BAC) will affect a charge.
For instance, in the state of Arizona, there are different charges for those who were found to have a BAC above.
15.
Some states also take into account the age of any passengers in the vehicle.
The following are the most common punishments for a DUI.
It is rare that only one type of punishment is given.
A combination is normally developed to reflect the specific charge, which may include:
  • Jail
  • Fines
  • License suspension
  • Counseling
  • Probation
  • Ignition interlock device
  • Vehicle forfeiture
Lawyers will try to negotiate these punishments with a judge.
They will try to replace less severe punishments for others.
For instance, fighting for a sentence that includes counseling instead of 10 days of jail time.
Those who choose to represent themselves are at a much higher risk of jail time.
Laws are complicated.
It can be difficult for an inexperienced person to thoroughly investigate and present a defense case.


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