Drunk Driving Jail Time

In an effort to crack down even harder on those convicted of drunk driving, many state legislatures are considering mandatory minimum jail sentences—even for first-time offenders. Some states already have these laws in place, but those that don’t are considering changing their existing DUI laws to include this new penalty. So if you have been arrested for DUI, it’s imperative that you contact an experienced DUI defense attorney! 

Minimum jail sentences

For first-time offenders with no aggravated charges, you can expect to spend anywhere from one day to one year in jail. However, there is some good news. In many states, the judge has the authority to suspend the mandatory minimum jail sentence. This is where your defense attorney can help! Your attorney may recommend to the judge that it would be in everyone’s best interest if instead of spending time in jail, you completed community service.

The judge may also be in favor of this decision as an effort to keep the jails from becoming too crowded. For instance, if you knew you were facing jail time, it’s likely that you would fight harder and would be less willing to plead guilty to a plea bargain should that be an option. Also, the more jury trials there are, the more backed up the court systems become.

If you are convicted of DUI and the judge has to send you to jail based on a mandatory law, then he or she may only order you to jail from 11pm to 12am. This way, under the law you spent at least one day in jail.

However, you should not solely rely on a judge’s decision. Rather, you should hire a qualified defense attorney! Your attorney is the only one who can prevent you from being convicted of DUI.

From a plea bargain to even a dismissal, your attorney will be planning a solid defense strategy to avoid you from having to go to jail. So don’t plan on representing yourself! DUI laws are complex and ever-changing. You need to leave your defense in the hands of a professional. Otherwise, you could face going to jail.