What to Expect From Your First DUI Charge

Being charged with a DUI is an overwhelming experience, and you might be wondering exactly what to expect leading up to your court date. One of the most important things to remember is even if this is your first charge there can be some serious consequences if you are convicted.

A first or second DUI conviction is only a misdemeanor but a third or subsequent one is a felony. Penalties for a DUI conviction can include jail time (sometimes mandatory jail), fines, mandated counseling or treatment and ASAP (Alcohol Safety Awareness Program), probation, and a mandatory loss off license though sometimes a person can receive a restricted license with the installation of ignition interlock to drive to places authorized under the statute.

Besides the penalties the court can impose, a DUI conviction could also cause an increase in your auto insurance rates or even cause your carrier to drop you entirely. Also, DMV requires a fee to be paid to them since you are considered a higher risk driver. It can also affect your current employment as well as employment opportunities in the future. Sometimes, it can affect admission to college as well.