What would your first thoughts be after a DUI arrest? Would you worry over paying your fines or going to jail? These are justifiable concerns considering how expensive DUIs are and because it’s not uncommon for people to serve time in jail after a first offense.
What you may not realize is that you face penalties in addition to possible jail time and fines. Each drunk driving conviction will earn you time in an alcohol treatment program and the suspension of your license.
The duration of both your time in a treatment program depends on how many DUI convictions you have in a 10-year period. For example, one DUI conviction requires you to complete 90 days in a treatment program while each subsequent conviction requires one year in a treatment program.
However, license suspension penalties escalate at a slower rate compared to alcohol treatment requirements. Here’s how long you can lose your license for depending on how DUI convictions you have:
- First offense: One month to four months.
- Second offense: One year to a year and a half.
- Third offense: Two years to three years.
- Four or more offenses: Five years.
You may have more to lose than you realized
There’s a lot more to think about than fines or jail time when you debate getting behind the wheel after drinking. Instead of free time doing the things you love, you could be completing a court-ordered alcohol treatment program or staying home because you lost your driving privileges. If you think there’s a chance that you’re unfit to drive, play it safe and find an alternative way home.
