| Many states have made laws against driving under the | | | | the blood. |
| influence stricter. It does not matter whether it is a DUI | | | | Penalties usually become harsher when this is a repeat |
| or DWI, you can often expect harsher penalties than | | | | offense. Punishments will often get worse with each |
| those of 10 years ago and there are more laws | | | | additional charge. This is a result of new laws being |
| implemented every year. In fact, the legal limit might | | | | passed to discourage drunk driving and decrease the |
| even be decreased again. | | | | number of DUI related accidents. |
| These different state laws can be difficult to | | | | To avoid repeat offenders, even the penalties for a |
| understand and interpret, plus they are all radically | | | | first time offender can be harsh. Large fines which |
| different. The penalty will probably be worse for those | | | | need to be paid in a set amount of time, community |
| with higher blood alcohol content. Something else to be | | | | service, probation and jail time are just a few of the |
| considered would be the person’s age and any | | | | penalties you could expect. Added to this is the fact |
| prior convictions for driving under the influence. Both of | | | | that your driver’s license may be suspended until |
| these factors can result in more severe penalties. | | | | you complete the punishment. Also sometimes an |
| If you are driving under the influence when you are a | | | | Alcohol Anonymous type of course is required. If you |
| minor or below the local legal drinking age, this could be | | | | are caught on a second DUI offense you can more |
| a major factor to be considered. Strict penalties can | | | | than likely expect a considerably harsher punishment. |
| be enforced, like suspension of your driving license until | | | | This information is provided solely for informational |
| you are 21 or 25 as a result of finding any alcohol in | | | | purposes and does not constitute legal advice. |