A Look at the Legal Consequences of Getting a DUI

1. A Look at the Legal
Consequences of Getting a DUI
By: Adrian Poux

2. A Look at the Legal Consequences of Getting a DUI
For more than 20 years, dedicated police officer Adrian J. “AJ” Poux has served throughout the
state of Pennsylvania. In his most recent job, Adrian Poux worked as an accreditation manager for
the DUI team with the Lock Haven University Police department.

3. A Look at the Legal Consequences of Getting a DUI
No matter what state you live in, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol will likely result in
severe legal penalties. Here are three ways being charged with a DUI can affect you:

4. A Look at the Legal Consequences of Getting a DUI
1. Jail. Your DUI could land you in jail, even if it’s only your first offense. Around half of the states in
the US require mandatory jail time with a first offense, usually anywhere between 1 day and 1 full
week. There are other mandatory jail times associated with second and third offenses, depending
on your state, and they are often significantly longer than mandatory jail time for first offenders.

5. A Look at the Legal Consequences of Getting a DUI
2. Fines or fees. Even if you happen to avoid the mandatory jail time for your first offense, it’s very
likely that you’ll still have to pay a hefty fine. Several states require first offense fines as high as
$500 for a DUI, and that won’t be the end of your costs. Most states also require you to cover any
court fees or license reinstatement fees (if your license is taken away), and these can add as much
as several hundred dollars.

6. A Look at the Legal Consequences of Getting a DUI
3. Restrictions or revocation of your license. In almost every state, you will experience some type
of restriction on your driving privileges following a DUI charge. You may have your license
suspended for a predetermined period of time, or, if your offenses are frequent or severe enough,
you may eventually have your license revoked entirely and lose all driving privileges.