DUI is a severe criminal offense and anyone found guilty of the crime faces severe consequences. Have you been charged with a DUI? If so, you may be asking, “Is my life over? What are the penalties?” The penalties for driving under the influence of drugs include: hefty fines, suspension of your license, increased insurance premiums, and you may even go to jail. Heavy penalties associated with a DUI, with no trial involved, can cost more than $7,500. In case there is a trial, you could lose over $25,000. And things can get even worse if a DUI is a felony! If you have been arrested for an OWI and need an OWI defense lawyer, call our office at (317) 676-4747.
Also, when you break any DUI law, you may find yourself losing your license. It can complicate your movement ability. So how does someone get their life back on track after they are caught driving while drunk?
Next Steps After A DUI Arrest
Like any other crime, once you are arrested by law enforcement or traffic police, you are taken to the nearest police station after your arrest. Your fingerprints are taken, and you are generally allowed bail and immediately released after paying your bail. Here are the steps that typically follow:
- Appearing in court. During your arrest, the law enforcers will give you a ticket or a summon that will inform you of the date that you should appear in court to face your DUI charges. During the set date, you choose to plead guilty or not guilty to the DUI charges. In this court session, evidence and police report during your arrest are presented to the judge by the prosecutor.
- Losing your driver’s license. For first-time conviction in all states, your sentence will include suspension of your driver’s license for a period. Some states automatically suspend your driver’s license once you refuse to take a field sobriety test or submit to a blood test.
- Pay fines. If you are convicted of DUI, paying fines will probably be part of your sentence. There are laws in each state that sets the minimum and maximum fines for DUI. However, these penalties can be changed according to circumstances. For instance, if someone was injured, a child was injured, or property was damaged as a result of DUI, then these fines can be increased. Moreover, you pay the court costs in most states.
- Serving probation. You will get a probation sentence even if you do not get a jail time sentence during your DUI conviction. The judge determines the terms of the probation sentence and you will be jailed if you fail to meet these terms. A probation sentence is an expense that you will pay. Mostly this is a monthly fee that you will pay for supervising and administering your probated sentence.
- Undergoing an alcohol evaluation. You must complete an alcohol education and assessment program to have your driving privileges returned after a DUI conviction in all jurisdictions. A trained counselor evaluates your alcohol consumption pattern and determines whether you have an alcohol-related disorder.
- Paying for Auto Insurance. If convicted of DUI, you will need to have a special insurance policy. This policy is known as SR-22 insurance. You might not drive a vehicle without this policy in many states, and it is double or triple your insurance premiums. The law requires you to have this policy for three years.
- Installation of an ignition interlock device. Many states are recommending drivers convicted of DUI charges to install an ignition interlock device on their vehicles. Some states are requiring this even for first-time offenders. This device requires a driver to have an alcohol-free breath result before the car starts. There are monthly installation costs for this device, and they are costly.
Life After A DUI
If you are convicted of an OWI or DUI, there are long-term penalties. The incipient steps to recovering from a DUI obstinacy are irresistibly strong. These are the biggest challenges in the whole process of bouncing back to life after the DUI.
The repercussions of driving under the influence are well documented. However, most people aren’t familiar with what life is really like after a DUI. If you have never been sentenced before for driving under the influence, it might feel like you will never recover, but it is possible to bounce back after a conviction. Also, seek treatment for alcoholism if there is a need to, and you will be back to living everyday life before you know it.
Penalties Of A DUI Arrest
When you get caught driving while drunk, you may face some serious consequences. A DUI is not a minor traffic violation. The penalties vary in severity depending on the nature of the arrest and your criminal history. Here are some examples:
- Immediate Arrest: The first thing that may happen when you get convicted for a DUI felony is that you are taken into custody. The law enforcers will bring you to the surrounding police station, and you will be fingerprinted. You will also have a mugshot taken, and possibly you will spend the night in jail. Once you get booked by the station, the police record your arrest. Later on, the court determines your sentence.
- Background Checks: After a DUI, it can become hard to find a job. Whether the crime is a felony or misdemeanor, it must appear on a background check in Indiana. It makes getting a job is difficult enough. It is even worse when you have a DUI case on your record.
- Driver’s License Revocation: The worst thing most drunk drivers get worried about is losing their license. Is it possible for you to drive after an OWI conviction?
In many states, including Indiana, DUI’s offense comes with a mandatory suspension of your license. The rest lasts only two years, the very first time you get convicted for breaking DUI laws. Particularly if you fall under Indiana’s zero tolerance laws. It makes life difficult after a DUI arrest. You may lose your job if you need to drive there and do not have alternate transportation.
Undoubtedly, losing the ability to drive is also a loss of freedom. Life becomes challenging when the simplest of errands becomes a significant challenge to you. Fun activities, such as visiting friends or family, become more difficult too. However, it doesn’t imply the end of the world. You can use public transportation if available. Remember, you will eventually have your license back.
Mental Evaluation After DUI Arrest
Many mental issues are associated with DUI. Therefore, it is important to visit a counselor or take the time to evaluate why this happened. There are many mental illnesses that DUI convicts have been diagnosed with having. These mental illnesses include major depression, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PSTSD), and alcohol disorder. There is no shame in seeking professional help to help you quit or cut back on drinking.
How Long Does A DUI Stay On Your Record?
In Indiana, your DUI driving suspension will stay on your record for a while. According to law, your suspension can remain on-record for up to 15 years. The crime charged will still be in your file even after you receive your license back. It gives insurance companies enough time to adjust their rates accordingly when they discover the arrest. If you have been arrested for an OWI or DUI in Indianapolis, call Indiana DUI attorney Kevin Karimi at (317) 676-4747.
