{"id":286682,"date":"2016-04-04T10:45:08","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:45:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/dui\/cases\/dui-penalties.html"},"modified":"2026-05-05T10:56:38","modified_gmt":"2026-05-05T15:56:38","slug":"dui-penalties","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/dui\/cases\/dui-penalties.html","title":{"rendered":"DUI Penalties and Sentencing"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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DUI Penalties and Sentencing<\/h1>\n\n
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Created by FindLaw’s team<\/a> of legal writers and editors<\/i><\/p>\n\n | Last updated\n

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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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A conviction or guilty plea of drunk driving<\/span> leads to a variety of penalties and sentences. These penalties can range from driver\u2019s <\/span>license<\/span> suspension<\/span> to jail time<\/span>. The court may also order you to complete a DUI treatment program<\/span> or community service<\/span>. The penalties are generally lighter for a first offense<\/span> DUI<\/span> than subsequent <\/span>DUI<\/span> convictions<\/span>.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n

After a DUI arrest<\/span>, the court process and criminal penalties can be intimidating. Many states assign strict penalties to DUI and related offenses. People who are convicted of DUI multiple times could lose their license, pay heavy fines, or even face jail time<\/span>.<\/p>\n

This article offers a general overview of drunk driving<\/span> sentencing. It describes ignition interlock devices<\/span>, DUI schools<\/span>, alcohol or drug treatment, and losing your vehicle. The article also outlines habitual offender penalties and sentencing enhancements.<\/p>\n

Many factors go into the sentencing phase of a DUI case<\/span>. Every state has its own way of assigning these penalties, so be sure to check your state\u2019s laws or with a local attorney for the most accurate information. A criminal <\/span>defense<\/span> attorney<\/span><\/a> can help you better understand DUI laws<\/span> and the criminal charges<\/span> against you. They can advocate for lower penalties and offer helpful legal advice<\/span> during your case.<\/p>\n

Criminal Penalties vs. Administrative Penalties<\/h2>\n

In a DUI case<\/span>, you may face two types of penalties: administrative and criminal. The criminal sanctions against you as a driver are entirely separate from those taken at the administrative level. Both types of consequences can negatively impact your life.<\/p>\n

Administrative penalties are civil rather than criminal. They can occur while your case is in progress. For instance, refusing to submit to a\u00a0blood alcohol concentration<\/span> (BAC<\/span>) test<\/a>\u00a0results in the automatic suspension of your driver\u2019s license<\/span> in most cases. Under implied consent<\/span> laws<\/a>, this is true even if actual impairment<\/span> isn\u2019t affirmatively established.<\/p>\n

Criminal penalties occur after your conviction. Sentencing usually takes place almost immediately after a DUI conviction<\/span>. The facts of the case, such as a second offense<\/span> or a plea bargain<\/a>, can shape the specific penalties. The sentencing judge will consider punishments and sentencing ranges<\/a> identified in\u00a0the vehicle or penal code statutes.<\/p>\n

Common Penalties for DUI Convictions<\/span><\/h2>\n

You\u2019ll likely face sentencing if you\u2019re convicted of\u00a0driving under the influence<\/span> (DUI)<\/a>.<\/p>\n

DUI penalties<\/span> can include:<\/p>\n