DUI Fines

DUI Fines vary drastically dependant on if it is a person's first DUI offense or multiple DUI offense. There are interactive programs to enable judges in deciding the sentencing options available for DUI Convictions. To clarify, these programs are not made to determine if someone is innocent or guilty but as a tool for the judge to quickly determine what the jail terms, fees and fines will be for a person who was found guilty. There are two different avenues, which a person can be charged:

Mandatory Penalties (courts are required to administer)
Discretionary (additional penalties the judge has the choice to impose)

The judge will also take into account what other crimes a person has been convicted of in the last ten years that relate to driving under the influence and reckless endangerment.

Below is an example of the Mandatory Penalties in the State of Utah for a DUI 1st Offense Sentencing.

1. Imprisonment: A Jail sentence of a minimum of 48 hours up to 180 days, or 48 hours work service or electronic home confinement.
2. Screening: Substance Abuse Screening to decided if the person is in need of an assessment or educational series.
3. Assessment: An in-depth interview with a licensed mental health therapist to determine if substance abuse treatment and or education is needed.
4. Education: A series of classes
5. Fine-$1332: A fine of at least $700 plus charges for the assessments and surcharges. The maximum fine is $1882.00.
6. Supervised probation: Probation if the BAC is 0.16 or higher the court with specify how long the probation will be and the defendant has to pay all of the costs of the probation.
7. Under 21: Ignition interlock system if the person is under twenty-one.
8. DLD Actions: Drivers License Division tracks the status and places notices on both the driving record and license. Drivers are restricted for at least 2 years up to a lifetime. If a person violates Alcohol Restricted Driver status it is a Class B misdemeanor. With the interlock system drivers are restricted for at least 3 years up to 10 years. If you are in violation of the Interlock Restricted Driver status it is a Class B misdemeanor.

On top of the above-mentioned Penalties the court may require the person to take substance abuse treatment, order probation as well as order an Ignition Interlock system.

Interlock System
Below is an example of how having the interlock system can inhibit your lifestyle and work:

There was a Licensed Real Estate agent who was charged with a DUI. He had to have the Interlock system installed in his car. Each and every time he went to start his vehicle he had to blow in a meter to test his BAC (Blood Alcohol Level) before the ignition could turn over. To top it off as he drives it will randomly beep and he has so many seconds to blow in it again before it shuts the car down. Try explaining this each time you take a new client out to look for homes.

If a person's is faced with a 2nd offense plan on spending 90 days to 1 year in jail, fines of up to $1,000, license suspended for up to 2 years and 18 or more months in a drug/alcohol treatment program. With each additional DUI offense the penalties increase. If a person fails to pay their DUI fines a warrant will be issued for their arrest and they will have their license automatically suspended.

Years ago the Police were less strict and would let people off with a warning when pulled over for driving under the influence, but with modern movements and policies they are tightening up all across the United States. If you or someone you know are facing criminal prosecution for a DUI your rights and future are definitely at stake. Make sure to contact an experienced professional to help fight for your rights!