Consequences of Drunk Driving
All states have strict laws that prohibit driving a vehicle under the influence of alcohol and drugs. The consequences of this offense are usually severe. The exact penalty depends on the state you commit drunk driving in, but one thing is for sure – you have the best chances of avoiding serious consequences if you hire one of the best criminal defense lawyers in New Jersey.
Fines
Getting convicted of operating a vehicle while impaired usually carries fees and fines. In most states, you will need to pay at least $500 for the first offense. If this is your second time that you are charged with drunk driving, the fines will be even higher. Many states also require impaired drivers to pay court and license-reinstatement fees. If you don’t want to get set back financially, avoid drinking before operating a vehicle. You could surely find a better use for this money than spending it on fines.
Jail Time
Many states have a mandatory jail sentence, even for the first OWI conviction. It lasts usually between one day and one week. This period is much longer for the second and the third offense. If you don’t want to end up in jail, even for one day, you shouldn’t consume alcohol before driving a vehicle.
It is always a better idea to call a cab after the night of drinking, instead of driving. If you get charged with drunk driving, you can always give a call to one of the DUI lawyers. However, the best idea is to avoid driving completely.
Driving Restrictions
People who have been convicted of driving drunk have high chances of facing a license suspension. If a chemical test shows that your blood alcohol content or BAC was above the legal limit of .08%, you will lose your driving privileges. If you are a first-time offender, your license can be suspended for between 30 and 90 days. Multiple offenders can lose their driving privileges for several years. As you can see, consuming alcohol before driving is not worth it.
Ignition Interlock Device
If you get convicted of driving drunk, you might be required to have an ignition interlock device or IID installed on your car. This device is attached to the vehicle’s ignition system, and its purpose is to detect alcohol in a driver’s breath. If it detects alcohol, it will prevent the car from starting.
Besides before starting a vehicle, this device will also ask for breath samples at random intervals. This prevents drivers from getting drunk during driving. You should also be aware that you will have to pay for the cost of installation and maintenance of the ignition interlock device in most states.
Alcohol Treatment
In some states, you will be required to participate in alcohol assessment and treatment programs. Something like this can be time-consuming and mess up your schedule. If you want to avoid this consequence, you just need to avoid consuming alcohol before sitting behind the wheel. If you make a mistake of driving under the influence, the best thing you can do is to hire an attorney who specializes in these cases to help you.