Criminal Penalties Of A DUI
A close look at potential criminal penalties can be a strong motivator for many people facing drunk driving charges. It is important to know what you are up against as you begin the battle of DUI defense. For best results, contact an attorney sooner rather than later. If Bartoletta Law Firm represents you after a drunk driving arrest, we will carefully explain exactly what penalties you may incur. We will work with you to devise a strategy to minimize the likelihood that you will be harshly punished.
Factors Determining Penalties
If you are convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol in Washington or Idaho, your penalties will depend on factors such as:
- Your blood alcohol content
- Whether your charges allege a first-time offense or a repeat DUI
- How many years have gone by since a previous DUI conviction
- Mandatory sentencing guidelines
Specific Penalties
Criminal penalties of a DUI and associated administrative consequences may include one or more of the following:
- Jail time
- Electronic home monitoring
- Fines
- Driver license suspension or revocation
- Mandatory alcohol monitoring
- Alcohol or drug education or treatment
- Mandatory installation of an ignition interlock device
The Worst Punishment Of All: A Criminal Record
For how long might you be jailed or monitored? How much will you need to pay in fines? The penalties will vary according to your specific circumstances. As painful as these consequences may be, the worst consequence of all is a tarnished record.
With a criminal record — or a worse criminal record than what you had previously — you may be unable to get a job, get a home loan, drive a commercial truck or have a chance at many other goals in your life. Exact penalties differ from state to state. A DUI arrest in Washington may have different consequences than one in Idaho, depending on the facts of each case.
Seek Legal Counsel Promptly
The potential criminal penalties after a DUI arrest bring home one important step to take now: Contact an experienced defense attorney with a track record of many favorable outcomes. Bartoletta Law Firm can help you fight a DUI conviction.
We have helped many defendants in DUI cases avoid jail time or get jail time reduced; get fines reduced; recover driving privileges; have alcohol or drug education or treatment requirements shortened; and overall, come away with less harmful criminal records than they most likely would have had otherwise.
Misdemeanor DUI Charges? Aggravated DUI? Contact Bartoletta Law Firm After An Arrest.
Schedule a free initial consultation with a DUI defense lawyer and learn what we can do for you — beginning with a detailed review of your unique circumstances and concerns. Call us in Spokane at 509-328-3733 or send an email through this website.