Most people know that drunk driving is against the law. However, many people do not realize the full extent of the consequences of a drunk driving conviction. If you are caught driving while under the influence of alcohol, you could be facing some severe penalties. In this blog post, we’ll look at some potential consequences of drunk driving so that you can be better informed about the risks.
According to Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), almost 30 people in the United States die daily due to drunk driving. That’s one death every 48 minutes. If you’ve been arrested for drunk driving, one of the first things that will happen is your car will be impounded. This can be a significant inconvenience, primarily if you rely on your vehicle to get to work or school. The good news is there are steps you can take to get your car back.
What will happen after you get caught
If you are caught driving while under the influence of alcohol, you will likely be facing some serious penalties. These penalties can range from a simple fine to jail time. The exact liability will depend on various factors, such as your blood alcohol content (BAC), whether you have any prior convictions, and whether anyone was injured due to your actions.
Some of the potential penalties for drunk driving include:
- Fines: You may be required to pay a fine if you are convicted of drunk driving. The amount of the fine will vary depending on the severity of your offense and your jurisdiction.
- License Suspension: Your driver’s license may be suspended for a period of time if you are convicted of drunk driving. The length of the suspension will vary depending on the severity of your offense and your jurisdiction.
- Jail Time: You may be required to serve time in jail if you are convicted of drunk driving. The amount of time you will have to spend in jail will vary depending on the severity of your offense and your jurisdiction.
- Probation: You may be placed on probation if you are convicted of drunk driving. Probation typically lasts for a period of one year. Still, it can be longer depending on the severity of your offense and your jurisdiction.
- Community Service: You may be required to perform community service if you are convicted of drunk driving. The amount of community service hours will vary depending on the severity of your offense and jurisdiction.
Apart from the mentioned penalties, your car will also be impounded. This means the police will take possession of your car and hold it at an impound lot. The length of time your car will be impounded will vary depending on the severity of your offense and jurisdiction.
In this case, you will need the help of a DUI attorney to get your car back as quickly as possible. Your lawyer will help you navigate the legal process and ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive a fair outcome.
Getting your car out of impound
Once you’ve taken care of the legalities, you’ll need to get your car out of impound. Here’s what you need to do:
The first thing you need to do is contact the impound lot and find out how much it will cost to get your car back. The fee will vary depending on the lot, but it is typically around $200. You will also need to pay any storage fees that have accrued since your car was impounded. These fees can add up quickly, so it’s important to get your car out of impound as soon as possible.
Once you have paid the necessary fees, you will need to go through a sobriety test before you are able to drive your car away from the impound lot. This test is typically administered by a law enforcement officer who will determine whether or not you are fit to drive. If you pass the sobriety test, you will be able to retrieve your car and drive it away from the impound lot.
The bottom line
Keep in mind that having a driver’s license is a privilege, not a right. If you are caught driving while under the influence of alcohol, you will face some serious penalties. These penalties can range from a simple fine to jail time. The exact penalty will depend on various factors, such as your blood alcohol content (BAC), whether you have any prior convictions, and whether anyone was injured due to your actions. Responsible driving is key to keeping yourself and others safe on the road. If you have been drinking, make sure to call a cab or designated driver to get you home safely.
