Impaired driving, which is also known as drunken driving, driving while impaired (DWI) and driving under the influence (DUI), is a serious problem that can be traced as far as to the beginning of the 19th century. Statistics suggest that 25% of drivers on the road have been drinking, and 6% of them are legally impaired, on any given night. DUI lawyers in Winnipeg can attest to that fact based on the number of DUI cases they have had to handle.
Equip yourself for the legal ramifications of the typical penalties and punishments for driving under the influence so that you can make better decisions the next time you decide to drink and drive.
Penalties When Charged with an Arrest
Upon being arrested for a DUI, the driver receives penalties of:
- Towing fees- $800-$1000
- Seven-day vehicle seizure
- Three months license suspension
- $281 license reinstatement fee
- No collision coverage in accidents
Penalties Upon Conviction
If you are charged with a criminal conviction as the consequence of impaired driving, then you have to face the following penalties:
- A permanent criminal record
- Affect on immigration status
- Affect on citizenship status
- Possible jail time up to two years
- Travel can be banned
- 2nd conviction 30 days jail
- Fine of $1000 to $2000
- Back on track driver program- costs $634
- License reinstatement fee-$281
- High-risk insurance rates for 5 to 10 years
- Mandatory interlock device-$1500 approximate cost and tested monthly at the driver’s cost
Insurance Rates
For DUI convicted drivers, the insurance rates are dramatically affected. Insurance companies will either put the driver into high risk or cancel the insurance policy altogether. The resulting cost of insurance could be fifty thousand over five years. This effect on insurance rates is enough reason to hire the best DUI Penalty Lawyers in Winnipeg and fight the charges.
License Suspensions
Upon arrest, impaired driving has the following license suspensions imposed:
- 90 days license suspension
- Seven-day vehicle seizure
- Cannot drive anything that is: pulled, pushed, or driven, which includes boats, machinery, and construction equipment.
In Case of Conviction:
- One year license suspension
- Ignition interlock device in the vehicle
- Compulsory ‘back on track’ course
Second Conviction:
- 30-day jail sentence
- Three years license suspension
- Fine determined by the judge
- The court may impose a period of probation
Third Conviction:
- Three-month jail sentence
- Permanent license suspension
- Fine determined by the judge
- Imposed period of probation by the court
Criminal Records
In case you are found guilty of any charges related to impaired driving, the driver will receive a criminal record. An employer, landlord, a bank can access this criminal record, or a college you may be applying to. Your prospects will be severely diminished in such a situation apart from making smart decisions upon the first charge and call on the expertise of a DUI lawyer in Winnipeg.
Restricted Entry
When you have a DUI on your criminal record, you may not be allowed to enter the USA. Since DUI is a criminal offense, admission is only permitted when the one charged claims to be rehabilitated.
Getting Your Driver’s License Back
If you are convicted, then there are further penalties added on the driver to get their driver’s license back.
- A reinstatement fee of 281 dollars
- Complete a mandatory ‘back on track program’- costs $570
- Be tested by doctors and psychiatrists for alcoholism
- Install an ignition interlock device in their vehicle- costs 1500 dollars per year
- Have the machine inspected monthly- costs 150 dollars per month
Being arrested can be devastating, but impaired driving lawyers in Winnipeg can be of great help. It is comforting to have someone in your corner fighting alongside and for you. But with the above knowledge, let’s hope it never comes to that because there are many other side effects to a DUI conviction. Abiding the law is a simple solution to saving yourself from all such troubles. However, if you do end up with a DUI charge, then defend yourself and protect yourself from experiencing such harsh consequences.