What is the penalty for a DUI conviction?
It doesn’t matter if you’re driving in Florida or another part of the country, it’s important to always obey the rules of the road.
Even if you understand the risks of drunk driving, there’s a chance you could make this mistake at some point in your life. For example, you may believe that one or two drinks won’t impact your ability to operate your vehicle, just to find yourself pulled over and in trouble with the law.
Before we go any further, it’s important to note that a charge of driving under the influence does not automatically result in a conviction. There are many defense strategies you can use to fight back, all with the hope of avoiding punishment.
If you’re charged with driving under the influence, you’ll have many questions on your mind. Here is one of the most important: What’s the penalty for a DUI conviction?
Unfortunately, there is more than one answer to this question. It’s not necessarily straightforward and depends on several factors. For example, a first time offender will not face the same consequences as someone who has been convicted several times in the past.
Some of the most common penalties include:
- Loss of license
- Large fine
- Jail time
- Insurance premium increase
- Loss of professional license
In other words, a DUI conviction is not something to take lightly and you’ll want to enlist the guidance of an attorney to advocate on your behalf.
In addition to the penalties imposed by the court – such as a license suspension, fine and jail time – other ramifications may lurk.
For example, if you work as a doctor or teacher, a conviction could have an impact on your ability to do your job. Subsequently, your entire life is turned upside down.
Your insurance company will also find out about your conviction, which immediately shows that you are a risk on the road. This almost always leads to a higher premium in the future.
Since a DUI conviction can impact your life in many ways, it’s important to understand your legal rights and which defense strategy can help you avoid punishment.
There’s no way of knowing what will happen as your DUI case moves through the legal system, but there are steps you can take to gain some control over the process.