First Dui
First DUI - What To Expect Author: Euan McConnell Driving under the influence comes in all shapes and sizes. A DUI can stem from one drink too many or several too many. DUIs can be the result of anything from a burnt out headlight or taillight to speeding, careless driving or an accident. A DU...
First DUI - What To Expect
Author: Euan McConnell
Driving under the influence comes in all shapes and sizes. A DUI can stem from one drink too many or several too many. DUIs can be the result of anything from a burnt out headlight or taillight to speeding, careless driving or an accident. A DUI arrest can even be from an event that you seemingly had no control over, for example getting hit by a motorist who drove through a red light.
You should always closely monitor your alcohol intake when you are planning on operating a vehicle. Your body can metabolize roughly one drink an hour, which equates to one beer, one glass of wine or one shot of liquor. However, it is always recommended that drivers abstain from alcohol completely, or at least strictly limit themselves to one drink.
This sounds easy enough on paper, but when real life circumstances enter the equation it can change. For a variety of reasons, more than a few people have driven an automobile while impaired. If you make this a regular habit or even if you just have one lapse of judgment, you could be looking at your first DUI. Here is what to expect in most states from your first DUI, with some information courtesy of Bradley Johnson Attorneys.
Loss Of License
One of the major punishments associated with DUI convictions is a loss of license. Most states have a tiered system, meaning the higher your blood alcohol level the more severe the punishment. Depending on your level, you could lose your license anywhere from two months to a year.
Fines
The fines associated with a DUI are almost as bad, if not worse, than the license suspension. Expect to pay fines, court costs, lawyer costs and alcohol education costs. In addition, if your state has an accelerated rehabilitation program, that will cost you as well.
Alcohol Education
Alcohol education is mandatory in several states for any alcohol related arrests, including DUI and DWI. As my Seattle DUI attorney pointed out, this can seem like a hassle in the beginning but goes a long way in educating a person to not make the same mistake again. These classes can range from education from a trained alcohol counselor to mandatory alcoholics anonymous classes.
Community Service
My Seattle DUI lawyer also pointed out that the community service is along the same lines as the alcohol education. Although the mandatory hours of community service can be a burden, it can also help you regain your mental well being. Helping people helps rid the embarrassment and shame of a DIU arrest. Most states issue community service hours in the same tiered system as the license suspension...the higher the BAC, the more hours.
Probation
The probation that goes along with a DUI arrest can be every bit as life altering as the license suspension. In Pennsylvania you are not even allowed in a bar while on probation, let alone consume alcohol. In addition, all firearms must be removed from your house while on probation. In some states, it is mandatory to have your BAC tested randomly throughout your probation as well.
I have a dui in georgia and recently got one here in california will california count that as my first offense?
I use to live in Georgia and got a dui. I now live here in california and recieved another dui. My question is will California consider this recent dui my first dui because the other dui happened in another state?
It depends on what state you live in, and even if it is your first offense, it also depends on what the offense was.
There are various penalties for DUI in various states. I’m sorry to hear of your addiction, I pray that one day you will overcome your drinking problem. Think about your future, if you are in trouble for drinking and driving now (being your first offense) it will not stop there. Your problem is just beginning. Next time could be worse – you are worried about losing your license, what about your life or the life of another? Get help. I know because I was a problem drinker nearly ten years ago. I made up my mind not to indulge any longer, because my life became a living hell. I lost control and then realized I was tired and needed help. I began to pray and ask God to help me overcome my addiction and today I am happy to say I am free from it. God can deliver you, if you let Him. My hope for you is genuine because I’ve been there. I will pray for you. God Bless!
What is the best course of action for a first offense dui in WI?
My brother was arrested for his first dui offense in WI. He blew a .098. They want to charge him with three violations which total up to 15 points on his driver’s license. I would like to know, from anyone, is there anyway we can save him from losing his license? And if someone was successful with keeping their license, how they did it? And what should we prepare for legally? Any and all help is appreciated.
Fight it. You wouldn’t believe how much damage something like this will do, even after the fact. A lot of people would like you to believe that just because you have been charged with a DUI, then you have to plead guilty…that is just wrong. Tell him to get a GOOD lawyer, not just any lawyer, and fight this tooth and nail. Good luck
What is the maximum sentence for a first DUI?
in Atlanta? My boyfriend was arrested for DUI tonight and for having an open container but the container wasnt his. His friend was drinking it in the car and didn’t get charged with anything. But does anyone here know what the maxium sentence is for a first DUI and can he plead not guilty for the open container since it wasn’t his anyway?
Whether this will be considered your first or second DUI depends on how well the jurisdictions communicate with each other. Your Georgia DUI may, or may not, show up. It depends on whether Georgia has put it into the computer system; and if California checks.
Either way, you need to change your habit of driving while intoxicated. No good can come of that!
How long do I lose my license if its my first DUI?
I got a DUI last week and people are all telling me different things. Some are saying I will lose it for 5 years and others are saying only a year if its my first one. Whos right?
I live in California by the way.
And if it matters I am under 21 “19 years old” I would try and make excuses but I will be honest by saying I am a young alcoholic and im not proud of it either.
It really depends on the state, but normally there is a special bond that is required as well as insurance. In my state it is called an SR-22, and mainly it means the insurance company has to let the state know when you don’t have insurance anymore.
I would check out several companies. I would refer you to the quote service below, because it will vary widely. (Some companies will refuse to cover you now.)
Best of luck.
You plead ” nolo contendre ” Latin for no contest. Can only do it on first offense. Lose license for 4 months. 1 year probation. 40 hrs. community svc. and about 700 -$1000. all are general but somewhat routine. Might have to serve 24 hrs. jail and whatever time he had in jail from the arrest counts. then you got DUI school – $ 80 for exam then $ 400 for the classes – usally 1 weekend for 1st time. To get license ” unsuspended $210. Have fun it’s all about the $$$$$
How much will insurance cost after first dui offense?
I got my first dui for parking my mom’s car for her(my intentions weren’t to drive home drunk at all… just back 10 feet.) and I use to have insurance but canceled it when my car broke down months before the dui. How much will insurance cost me after I get a new car?