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The article has been updated successfully but requires approval before it is published.What are the penalties for a first DUI?
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Each state imposes its own penalties for first time DUI offenders. DUI or DWI penalties include suspended license, heavy fines, possible jail time, and depending on your state, alcohol abuse counseling, community service and installation of an ignition interlock device. This does not include collateral penalties like drivers license reinstatement fees and high insurance premiums.
It's in your best interest to contact a DUI lawyer after being arrested for drunk driving. These attorneys are well versed on your state's DUI laws and are familiar with the leanings of the presiding court. Through their help you can have your sentence reduced, saving you money and expediting the return of your driving privileges.
The following grid details penalties for first DUI offenders 21 and over. Keep in mind that are many other factors involved that may determine the severity of your sentencing. This includes your blood alcohol count (BAC), driving with a minor at the the time of arrest and refusing to stop.
| Suspension | Jail | Fines | Alcohol Program | Community Service | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | x | x | x | x | ||
| Alaska | x | x | x | x | Court may also order that your vehicle be equipped with an ignition interlock device. | |
| Arizona | x | x | x | x | x | Court may also order that your vehicle be equipped with an ignition interlock device. |
| Arkansas | x | x | x | You may be ordered to community service in lieu of jail. | ||
| California | x | x | x | x | ||
| Colorado | x | x | x | x | x | |
| Connecticut | x | x | x | Instead of jail you may be ordered to perform 100 hours of community service. | ||
| Delaware | x | x | x | |||
| Florida | x | x | x | x | ||
| Georgia | x | x | x | x | x | |
| Hawaii | x | x | x | x | The court may also sentence you to 72 hours of community service. | |
| Idaho | x | x | x | |||
| Illinois | x | x | x | |||
| Indiana | x | x | x | x | ||
| Iowa | x | x | x | |||
| Kansas | x | x | x | x | Instead of jail you may be ordered to perform 100 hours of community service. | |
| Kentucky | x | x | x | x | x | |
| Louisiana | x | x | x | |||
| Maine | x | x | Jail contingent on any aggravating factors like traveling 30 mph or more over the speed limit, or having a passenger under 21. | |||
| Maryland | x | x | x | x | ||
| Massachusetts | x | x | x | As a first-time offender you will be given the option of attending an alcohol education program for a reduced sentence. | ||
| Michigan | x | x | x | x | You'll also be required to pay a $1,000 Driver Responsibility Fee for two consecutive years. | |
| Minnesota | x | x | x | |||
| Mississippi | x | x | x | |||
| Missouri | x | x | x | License reinstatement requires attending a Substance Abuse Traffic Offenders Program (SATOP). | ||
| Montana | x | x | x | x | Sentence reduced upon completion of a court-ordered alcohol abuse program. | |
| Nebraska | x | x | x | |||
| Nevada | x | x | x | x | Instead of jail you may be ordered to complete 96 hours of community service. | |
| New Hampshire | x | x | x | |||
| New Jersey | x | x | x | x | ||
| New Mexico | x | x | x | x | x | An ignition interlock system will also be required for up to one year. |
| New York | x | x | x | |||
| North Carolina | x | x | x | x | ||
| North Dakota | x | x | x | |||
| Ohio | x | x | x | |||
| Oklahoma | x | x | x | |||
| Oregon | x | x | x | x | Instead of jail you may be ordered by the court to perform community service. | |
| Pennsylvania | x | x | x | |||
| Rhode Island | x | x | x | x | x | Community service is at the discretion of the court. |
| South Carolina | x | x | x | x | x | |
| South Dakota | x | x | x | x | ||
| Tennessee | x | x | x | x | Court may also order an ignition interlock device after your driving privileges have been restored. | |
| Texas | x | x | x | Attendance in an Alcohol Education Program is at the discretion of the court. | ||
| Utah | x | x | x | x | x | |
| Vermont | x | x | x | x | ||
| Virginia | x | x | x | |||
| Washington | x | x | x | Court may also order that your vehicle be equipped with an ignition interlock device. | ||
| West Virginia | x | x | x | x | ||
| Wisconsin | x | x | x | x | ||
| Wyoming | x | x | x | |||
| Washington DC | x | x | x |
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