Legal Consequences of Drinking and Driving

If you have a blood alcohol limit above 0.08% then you are above the legal limit to drive. In fact, if you’re under 21 in the US then you’ll find the legal limit is lower. It’s different in every state.

Drinking and driving is generally referred to as Driving Under the Influence (DUI). If you have been pulled over and are over the limit it s advisable to contact a Los Angeles DUI Lawyer immediately.

Driving under the influence impairs your judgment. It is the reason that 28 people die every day in the US in accidents that involve an alcohol impaired driver. The emotional impact of your actions will live with you forever.

It doesn’t matter if you injury or kill someone, you’ll have to live with that knowledge. But, there are also some serious legal consequences of drinking and driving.

License Suspension

It won’t actually matter if you are convicted in a criminal court or not. As soon as the Department of Motor Vehicles is informed that you have had a chemical test with a result over the legal limit they will suspend your license.

A court can also impose a suspension although in most cases this will run alongside the DMV one not after it.

The amount of time your license is suspended for will depend upon whether it is your first offense and on the consequences of your actions. 30 days is normal but some states will suspend for up to a year!

Going To Jail

You will also find that many states insist on jail time for your first DUI conviction. It is usually for a period of between 1 day and 1 week. The idea is to teach you the error of your ways.

However, if it is your second or more offense then it is very likely that you face more jail time. For example, New Jersey insists on a minimum of 90 days for a second offense.

Financial Effect

Alongside the loss of your license and the tie you’ll spend in jail it is highly likely that you’ll be looking at a fine and fees.

For a first time offense the fine is likely to be approximately $500. You’ll also need to pay to reinstate your license and the court fees for the tie you’ve taken.

It can be substantially more if it is your second or more offense.

Electronic Devices

A relatively new measure which is becoming common after a DUI is the ignition interlock device.

This is a device connected to the ignition of your car. It prevents the car from being started unless you blow into the breathalyzer and produce an alcohol free sample.

As you are driving the device will also ask for random breath samples. This prevents you from trying to cheat the system. If alcohol is detected it will usually be automatically reported.

Additional Measures

If your DUI involves injury to other people then there are likely to be further criminal charges and jail time. The level this will be set at will be dependent o the injuries you’ve caused and the circumstances of the accident.

In short, it’s never a good idea to drink and drive.