What Is a Misdemeanor DUI?

What is a Misdemeanor DUI? Simply put, a first time DUI is considered a misdemeanor under most 50 state statutes and the District of Columbia’s Vehicle Registration Law. Generally, when is a DUI a “misdemeanor?” Generally, when an individual is caught drunk driving a state law will usually call for some jail time, heavy fines, probation, and possibly even license suspension or revoked. Hopefully, the DUI offense won’t be repeated.

So, what are some common penalties associated with DUI? Generally, any first-time offender who is caught DUI will receive some penalties, one of the most common being the loss of driving privileges. Some states will allow the DUI offender to lose their driver’s license after a certain number of days post-arrest, while others have harsher penalties in place. For example, in Virginia, a person who receives a conviction of a DUI while operating a vehicle will generally lose their privilege to drive for 6 months to a year, while in Maryland, a DUI conviction results in the cancellation of an automobile insurance policy.

Aside from the penalties, most DUI cases result in a DUI conviction. A BAC test (blood alcohol concentration) is conducted to determine the alcohol level in the driver’s blood. If the blood alcohol concentration is over 0.08%, which is the legal limit in many states, the individual is charged with a DUI. Other charges that may be faced include but are not limited to possession of drugs or alcohol, driving while intoxicated, driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, vehicular manslaughter, failure to yield, hit and run, and several other crimes.

A first DUI sentence can have some serious implications for the offender. The penalties given to first offenders are among the harshest in the country. In California, the penalties for first DUI convictions can range from a maximum of one year to a period of rehabilitation. If the driver completes the rehabilitation program, the conviction will become a felony, rather than a misdemeanor.

California DUI attorneys know that these types of cases take a toll on the lives of the accused as well as their families. Most of the time, first dui convictions result in huge fines and extremely heavy jail time. If you’ve been charged with a DUI, it’s important to consult with an experienced attorney to learn about your various options for appealing the court’s decision and getting the case dismissed.

misdemeanor dui

California DUI attorneys understand how difficult a conviction of a DUI can be on the family of the arrested individual as well as the finances of the accused. When you are arrested for a DUI, it is important to remember that there may be significant monetary consequences to come. It is in your best interest to consult with a skilled attorney before making any commitments regarding your upcoming DUI arrest. They will be able to advise you on the penalties which may be imposed on your criminal trial, and they can also work to have any outstanding fines or jail time deferred during the duration of your criminal trial.