Think about this – you’re out at a party, having a good time with friends. The drinks are flowing and the music is blasting.
As the night wears on, you start to feel invincible – like nothing can touch you. But what happens next could change your life forever.
Despite people being fully aware that driving under the influence is extremely dangerous, so many people still take that risk every day.
We will be exploring the consequences of drunk driving and why it’s important to think twice before getting behind the wheel after drinking.
The Legal Consequences of Drunk Driving
You will be arrested and sent to jail if you are stopped on the roads for drunk driving. They will test your blood alcohol levels, and if it is 0.08% or more, then that is classed as driving illegally.
Depending on the circumstance in which they found you, you might be able to post bail with bondsmen such as Balboa Bail Bonds, or one local to you.
You may not be able to get out on a bail bond if you have other convictions. If you have driven drunk before and this is another one on the list, this might prevent you from being able to get out on a bond.
If your drunk driving caused a crash or injury to someone, this might stop you from being bailed out.
A DUI conviction can result in a number of legal consequences, including:
Fines
The amount of the fine will vary from state to state. In some cases, it can be around $1,000 but that amount will grow if there is more to your DUI.
License Suspension
The length of the suspension will also vary from state to state. You might be ‘lucky’ in the sense that you could only have it suspended for 30 days, but, it can go to a full year if needed.
Jail Time
The amount of time you will have to serve will again depend on the state in which you were arrested.
Probation
When you are put on probation you have to meet certain conditions – attending alcohol education classes and submitting to regular alcohol testing. Violating the terms of your probation will mean additional penalties (jail time).
The Financial Consequences of a DUI
A DUI can have major financial consequences.
First, there are the direct costs of a DUI, including court fees, attorney fees, and increased insurance rates. A DUI can also lead to indirect costs, such as lost wages if you miss work because you’re in jail or suspended from your job.
But the financial consequences of a DUI go beyond the immediate costs. A DUI can have a lasting impact on your finances. It can make it harder to get a loan or a job. And if you do get a job, you may have to disclose your DUI on employment applications, which could limit your career options.
Getting Help For Drink Driving
People who get caught drunk driving may only do it once after they realize the vastness of the consequences.
Some people use alcohol to cope and that can bleed into the rest of their life, i.e. driving. If someone is showing signs of alcohol dependency, that can be taken into account when they are brought before a judge.
In relation to their sentencing, whether it be jail time or a fine, they might also be told to go to a rehab facility or take classes to curb their drinking.
It will hopefully have the desired effect on the driver, but, that is up to them and if they want to get back on the roads in a safe manner.
If you think that you do have an issue with your drinking, it is better to get ahead of it at this stage. You are putting yourself and others in danger each time you start your car if you do not take it seriously. You may not be so lucky next time and you could be looking at longer jail time or worse – you might kill someone on the roads.
Conclusion
In conclusion, drunk driving is a serious offense with life-altering consequences.
Not only do you put yourself and other drivers at risk of injury or death, but the legal repercussions can be severe.
We urge everyone to commit to never getting behind the wheel after drinking alcohol – no matter how little – as even small amounts of intoxication can impair your ability to safely operate a vehicle.
Always remember that prevention is key when it comes to keeping our roads safe!