November 22nd, 2011 10:25 am
DUI penalties are different in every state; however, most punishments follow along the same lines. In all states, the legal blood alcohol limit is .08. Anything above this is illegal and is considered a DUI. Punishments for DUIs also vary depending on how many previous charges there have been.
For a first offense, DUI penalties always include a suspended driver’s license, though for how long depends on factors such as how reckless the driving was and how high the blood alcohol level was. For a second offense, the driver’s license will definitely be suspended, and jail time should be expected. A third offense DUI requires a minimum of a few months’ jail time and could result in permanent revocation of the driver’s license.
For people under the age of 21 there is a no tolerance policy so getting a DUI means losing their driver’s license for either a year or until they turn 21. There may also be jail time and community service.