It is often an assumption that people you see who are behind bars are people that committed violence and have been thrown inside jail in order to protect the rest of the community. However, one fact that is often overlooked is the fact that a person arrested for driving under the influence or DUI can be put behind bars as well. But, lawmakers have been updating and amending penalties and punishment for drinking and driving offenses to impose more strict consequences of the DUI offense.
Some states have required jail time as a possible consequence of a driving under the influence (DUI) offense even though this varies from state to state. The state’s judiciary system will impose specific minimum and maximum time to spend inside the jail as a sentence to the offense. The length of this mandatory jail time is being determined by the multitude as well as the number of offense the defendant has on his or her criminal record.
The judge who is in charge of the case of the defendant’s DUI case has no jurisdiction on the length of jail time that the defendant will receive under the mandatory jail time laws.
Other than the number and multitude of the offense in the defendant’s record, some other factors in determining the length of jail stay also exist. They are mostly called punishment enhancers that can increase the defendant’s jail time. Excessive levels of alcohol found during the blood alcohol concentration test during the period of arrest or if the defendant caused an accident while drinking and driving warrant an additional jail time sentence for the defendant.
Another factor would be transporting a minor at the time of intoxication will similarly add jail time sentence on the defendant.
Aside from jail time, other penalties that the defendant may receive if found guilty of the DUI offense also exist such as longer driver’s license suspension or revocation, community service, rehabilitation, education and the vehicle that was used in the offense may be impounded.
Additional charges or an increase in the defendant’s car insurance may also be faced by the drunk-driving offender in addition to all the legal penalties and consequences. A DUI arrest or conviction may also result to difficulty in attaining or maintaining a standing employment in the defendant’s given field and issues regarding vehicle renting may arise in the future making it harder for the defendants and an added burden to them.
Therefore, it is important to save yourself from all these problems by avoiding drinking and driving altogether. Not only will it benefit you but will also ensure safety of the people in your community.
If you have been arrested or charged with a DUI offense and you are worried that you might face a mandatory jail time sentence, it is essential that you contact an [http://www.az-dui-lawyer.com/html/dui-info.html#faq]Arizona DUI attorney or [http://www.az-dui-lawyer.com/html/dui-info.html#faq]Phoenix DUI attorney who specializes in this field to guide you through the process and educate you with the proper knowledge about what you are going to face.
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