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DUI Penalties

It is important to protect yourself from arrests due to driving under the influence. The best possible way to avoid this is to not get behind the wheel of a car if you have been drinking. Choose a designated driver or take a taxi cab to and from your destination if you feel like you will be unable to safely operate a vehicle. If you are arrested for driving under the influence, it is important to hire a good attorney to defend your case because the penalties for the offense are quite severe.

The first thing you will face is an actual arrest. This is a very traumatic experience and will take several hours before you can be released on bond or your personal recognizance. You will have to face getting booked and processed which is a highly embarrassing situation and will also have to sit in jail, often overnight, until you are released on bond.

Once you are released you will have a court date set. You will need to prove your case in a court of law and will likely need the assistance of an attorney for this. Attorney's fees for this type of trial can be very expensive and can sorely damage a person's budget. There is also the time element involved and you may need to take time off work. Unfortunately, this can also put your job in jeopardy. However, hiring an attorney is the best possible way to avoid some of the more severe penalties associated with a drunken driving conviction.

If convicted, you may face suspension or revocation of your driver's license. This is highly inconvenient and prevents you from dealing with your normal daily activities. Suspension of your driver's license can last for several weeks, months or even years depending on the severity of the situation. This penalty can be highly debilitating to your lifestyle.

When you are able to legally operate a vehicle again, you will find your auto insurance rates have increased significantly. You will have to get a special type of insurance that costs much more than insurance for people with clean driving records. Because of the conviction you are deemed a higher risk. The insurance rates can stay inflated for many years.

After a conviction you may have several legal consequences such as fines, community service or even jail time. This may occur if this is your first offense and you are put on probation. The legal fees are generally high and if not paid you can face prison time. Community service is often something that is not pleasurable, such as picking up trash on the side of the road. If the offense is not your first or there was an injury or damage to property you may face a jail sentence.

Penalties for driving under the influence are fairly severe. They can also follow you through the rest of your life and be on your permanent record. This can prevent you from getting certain jobs. The best way to avoid driving under the influence penalties is to not drink and drive.