Getting arrested for an alleged driving under the influence (DUI) offense can be very inconvenient. Many people spend at least one night in state custody. They have to respond to the allegations that they drove drunk. Their friends, family members, and coworkers may learn about the DUI charges.
Some people choose to fight their charges. Others might enter a guilty plea. Motivations for pleading guilty include hoping to minimize the time spent in court or to limit the consequences imposed after a conviction.
Typically, the courts have to impose a sentence that meets minimum requirements without exceeding the maximum penalties possible. Jail time and fines are standard DUI penalties. The courts can also revoke a driver's license for DUI convictions.
How long does the conviction-related revocation of a driver’s license last?
Prior offenses influence the penalties
Many people accused of DUI offenses get arrested repeatedly for the same mistake. The courts tend to impose escalating penalties for each subsequent DUI after the first, as the law allows for more significant consequences for repeat offenses. The first DUI leads to the least serious penalties, and the consequences increase with each conviction.
After a first DUI without aggravating factors, drivers lose their licenses for a minimum of 180 days. The courts can revoke their license for up to a year. A second offense within five years of the first can lead to a five-year revocation, although drivers can apply for a hardship license after one year.
A third offense within 10 years of a second DUI can lead to a 10-year revocation, with a hardship license being an option after two years. After four DUI convictions, there is a mandatory permanent driver's license revocation. At the earliest, drivers can petition for a hardship license after five years without a license.
It is important to note that the state has a separate set of penalties in scenarios where DUI offenses lead to injuries to others. The only way to eliminate driver’s license penalties is to fight the charges and take action promptly after an arrest to avoid the administrative license suspension that follows a failed or refused chemical test.
Responding appropriately to pending DUI charges can help people mitigate the consequences they face. The loss of driving privileges can be costly and embarrassing, making license revocation a compelling reason to fight DUI allegations.