People accused of driving under the influence (DUI) offenses are at risk of several significant penalties. The courts can imprison them or order them to submit to probation oversight. The driver accused may have to pay a large fine and cover court costs.
Their driving privileges can also be at risk. The loss of a driver’s license can cause practical and economic hardship. People may struggle to get to work on time or take care of matters for their families. The need to hire on-demand ride services can quickly become cost-prohibitive. However, relying on public transportation may result in people struggling to get where they need to go.
Many drivers facing DUI charges plead guilty instead of defending against those allegations. Does a guilty plea or conviction always result in a motorist losing their driving privileges?
Driver’s license penalties are standard
State law outlines what penalties the courts can impose after a DUI conviction. Factors including prior convictions, blood alcohol levels and even whether other people sustained injuries can influence the penalties that the courts decide to impose.
Most DUI convictions result in a lengthy loss of driving privileges. After a first DUI conviction, a driver can expect to lose their license for a year. A second offense can lead to a suspension that lasts for up to three years. After a third DUI within 10 years, a driver faces indefinite license revocation. Anyone accused of a felony impaired driving offense could also lose their driving privileges indefinitely.
Especially if the driver’s career sometimes requires that they operate a vehicle, they could face a number of long-term consequences for a DUI license suspension. They could be at risk of termination or demotion because they cannot fulfill their job responsibilities. Those who primarily drive for work may become ineligible for a commercial driver’s license after a DUI conviction.
The only way to avoid the practical complications associated with a driver’s license suspension or revocation is to avoid a DUI conviction. Those accused of impairment at the wheel may be able to fight their pending charges using one of several common strategies.
Reviewing the state’s evidence with a skilled legal team can help people determine the best response to recent DUI charges. Motorists who successfully fight their charges can avoid a criminal record and the penalties that the courts might otherwise impose.