- Home
- Legal Information
- DUI
- How bad can a drunk driving conviction be?
How bad can a drunk driving conviction be?
We all feel the horrid adrenaline pump when we see the flashing lights in our rearview mirror. It's a terrible feeling as we hold our breath, hoping the police cruiser passes us by to pursue another driver. Then, there can be downright fear and overwhelming anxiety when we realize that it's us the police want to pull over - all increased exponentially if we've had a few drinks - and may be drunk driving.
A DUI Conviction Can Change Your Life
It's estimated that a first time DUI conviction can cost upwards of $17,000+ or even more if you hurt or kill someone while driving drunk.
Subsequent convictions cost even more - how much pay would you lose if you go to jail for 6 months, a year, or more?
You may lose your job and go to jail.
How will you get to work, buy groceries, or take your children to the doctor if your driver's license is suspended or your car is impounded?
What will your neighbors, friends, colleagues, and loved ones think of you?
How will you and your family deal with the stress?
A DUI conviction stays on your record forever.
More articles about DUI
DUI Law
From arraignment to sentencing - learn about your options for dealing with your DUI or DWI charge.
DUI Glossary
Understanding DUI terms police, prosecutors and courts use can help your defense.
Defenses to Drunk Driving
Carefully review our in-depth guide to your DUI defense - we break down the most successful defenses.
What You Tell Your DUI Defense Lawyer
Disclose absolutely everything to your attorney and if there is any doubt, disclose that too - here’s why.
Why You Must Hire a DUI Attorney
Just one DUI conviction can cost you tens of thousands of dollars.
Penalties for a DUI Conviction
Penalties typically depend on three factors - where you live, your criminal history and other mitigating or aggravating circumstances. Many offenders face more than just fines if convicted.
Browse DUI attorneys
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- District of Columbia
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Iowa
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Massachusetts
- Maryland
- Maine
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Missouri
- Mississippi
- Montana
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Nebraska
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- Nevada
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Virginia
- Vermont
- Washington
- Wisconsin
- West Virginia
- Wyoming