A person who is arrested and charged with a DUI, even if it’s the first time they’ve every been arrested, faces more than just the penalties that can be applied after a conviction. It can affect their life in a variety of different ways. It’s imperative that a person contact a lawyer in Williston ND as quickly as possible to try to minimize the penalties that can happen with a conviction. Some of the penalties include the following.
Legal Penalties After a Conviction
For a person’s first offense, there is no minimum or maximum jail time, a maximum of $750 in fines, and a license suspension of up to 180 days. If there are certain extenuating circumstances, like if the person caused an accident, the penalties might be higher. For the second and subsequent convictions withing a five-year period, the penalties are raised. The look-back period for North Dakota is five years for a second or third offense, and seven years for fourth or subsequent offenses. This means if it has been six years since a person’s first conviction, the judge will sentence them as if it’s a first offense again. If it’s only been four years, it counts as a second offense.
Lifetime Penalties After a Criminal Record
Due to a suspended driver’s license, the person might have trouble getting to work and back and could lose their job. They also face trouble finding a new job or a place to live as the person will now have a criminal record. If there were extenuating circumstances and the person was charged with a felony DUI, some of their basic rights are revoked. These include the right to own a gun and the right to vote, among other rights.
Anyone who is arrested and charged with a DUI is facing the above penalties with a conviction. For a person to try to minimize the impact a DUI will have on their life, a Lawyer in Williston ND is going to be essential. If you’ve been arrested and charged with a DUI, contact a Lawyer today to find out what can be done to help with your case.
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