When you face charges for drunk driving, you could be looking at much more than a simple fine, or even time in jail. The long-lasting consequences of a DUI conviction can affect multiple areas of your life, and these impacts can last for years to come.
Thus, you would benefit from understanding exactly what the potential consequences are. Knowing them can help you understand exactly what you face in the event that you face such charges.
Monetary penalties
The Washington Courts discuss some of the penalties you may face for drunk driving. Mandatory fines are one of them, which the court may order. Even a first-time offense can result in some hefty fines, with a court requiring anywhere from $990.50 to $5,000 from first-time offenders. If you have prior DUI arrests on record, refused to provide any samples for chemical testing, or had a BAC level of over .15 percent, then the fines will stack even higher.
Potential time in jail
DUIs can also result in mandatory time in jail. With a first time conviction and a BAC level of less than .15 percent, you can face anywhere from 24 consecutive hours of jail time all the way up to 364 days. Both the minimum and maximum levels of jail time gradually increase depending on refusal to provide samples, past DUI arrests or having a BAC level over .15 percent.
You face other consequences, too. For example, you might have to participate in a sobriety program. You may need to undergo expanded alcohol assessments. You may even lose your driving privileges over a period of 90 days to 3 years. Thus, you can see the hefty toll that DUIs can actually have.
