Being charged with a DUI is not a pleasant experience. In addition to it being quite humiliating, you may also suffer from a number of legal consequences. Read on and discover some of the most common legal – and private – penalties that may be levied against you if you are charged with a DUI. It is highly recommended that, if charged with a DUI, you seek out the services of an attorney who is experienced in representing those charged with DUIs or DWIs.

Miscellaneous Consequences

If you are charged with a DUI, expect your insurance policy to be adjusted a bit. In many cases, your policy might be outright canceled by your provider, while in other cases, you may find your rates significantly rise. The former is especially the case if your license is suspended. You will also find it very difficult to receive certain types of work as a person who has a DUI charge. Jobs like delivering food or being a bus driver – both sometimes lucrative positions – will not hire you or allow you to continue with your duties if you previously held said jobs. You may also find yourself hit with a civil case if an accident took place due to your intoxicated driving.

Jail Sentence

Although in every state, a DUI is considered a misdemeanor, this does not mean that the sentence does not entail jail time. Even as a first time offender, you can face upwards of six months worth of a jail sentence. If your blood alcohol content (BAC) was exceptionally high, you may face an even longer sentence. Some communities even require a minimum jail sentence, which means that you will be required to spend, at the very least, a few days in jail. Repeat offenders face a potentially much longer sentence. Furthermore, if your DUI is classed as a felony – which is to say you killed someone due or you're on your third DUI – you can expect a prison charge if you are successfully prosecuted.

Fines

In many states, a DUI conviction can mean that, not only will you serve jail time, but you will also be required to take a hit in your pocketbook. DUIs and DWIs often times come with hefty fines attached. These fines can be quite steep, and can wind up costing you upwards of $2,000. It should also be noted that you might wind up paying more in court fees and damages you have to pay towards compensating the plaintiff in potential civil suits.

For more information about the anticipated consequences, contact a DUI attorney.