1. Will I go to jail? A first time DUI carries a maximum sentence of up to 6 months of jail, however this is seldom if ever imposed. Typically on a first time DUI, as long as there are no aggravating factors, you will not serve any additional jail time to what you have already served. Aggravating factors can be having children under 14 in the car during the offense, excessive speed enhancement, refusing chemical tests, injuring someone in an accident, etc. If your case is a typical, standard first time DUI, then you can probably expect no additional jail time with exceptions.
2. Will I lose my license? A first time DUI does carry a mandatory license suspension. There are two possible ways to this process. Your license can be suspended either after a DMV Hearing loss or a conviction of a DUI in court. This can range from a 30-day suspension, followed by a 5 months restricted license following a DMV Hearing loss to a 6 months restricted driver license following a DUI court conviction. The restricted license is only to, from and during the scope of your employment and to and from your mandatory alcohol classes.
3. How much are the fines? Typically, the total fines and fees that a person will pay on a first time DUI is $2,064.00. These fines may be paid in full, or paid off through a payment plan at the court collections office.
4. Will I have to take classes? A person must complete either a 3 or 9 month alcohol program. The level of program is typically based on the person’s blood alcohol concentration. If the person’s level is between.08% to.19%, that person will be required to complete the 3-month program, however if the person’s level is.20% or higher, they will be required to complete a 9-month program.
5. How long will this stay on my record? A DUI conviction will stay on your record for prosecution purposes for ten years from the date of offense. If you are convicted of one or more DUI’s within the next 10 years, then you will counted as a multiple offender and will be subject to higher fines, more jail, longer license suspension, etc. and if it is a fourth offense or more, will most likely be charged as a felony offense, which could land you in state prison.
Remember that all of the above answers are based upon what happens to the majority of average first time DUI cases, however each case is looked at differently and the outcomes could be greater than what is listed based upon circumstances of the individual cases.