Nobody wants to be pulled over for drunk driving, but there are some states where being arrested for DUI will sting more than others. But which states go harder on drunk drivers than others across the United States? In today’s blog, we take a closer look at which states have the strictest DUI penalties in the nation.
Harshest DUI Penalties In The US
We recommend that you hire a criminal defense attorney no matter where you are arrested for DUI, but that’s especially true if you are pulled over in one of these five states:
1. Arizona – Arizona stands alone as the state with the strongest DUI penalties in the US. For a first offense DUI charge in Arizona, you’ll be required to spend a minimum of 24 hours to 10 days in jail, you’ll face fines of $1,250, your license will be suspended for a minimum of 90 days and an ignition interlock device will be required for 6-12 months. If you end up with an aggravated DUI (BAC above 0.15 in Arizona), you’ll face a mandatory minimum of nine days in jail, and that can balloon to up to 30 days depending on the incident.
2. Alaska – Although it is one of the least populated states in the nation, Alaska boasts some of the harshest DUI penalties in the country. Jail time is mandatory after a first offense DUI, and you’ll spend at least 72 hours in jail. Fines come in at around $1,500 for a DUI, and your license will be suspended for 90 days. An ignition interlock device is required following a DUI conviction in Alaska for six months.
3. Virginia – Jail time is not mandatory after a first offense DUI in Virginia, but you can still be sentenced to up to a year in jail if convicted. You’ll also face a $250 minimum fine, but that can jump to $2,500 depending on case specifics. Moreover, your license will be suspended for a year following a DUI arrest in Virginia, although you are allowed to drive on a restricted license if you have an IID installed.
4. Oklahoma – Jail time is mandatory after a DUI in Oklahoma, and the mandatory minimum is 10 days in jail. Fines are a little bit lower, up to $1,000. Your license will be suspended for 180 days in Oklahoma, but an ignition interlock device is not required to be granted a limited license while your standard license is suspended.
5. Connecticut – Connecticut rounds out the top five harshest states for DUI penalties. Although jail time is “mandatory,” jail time can be avoided if the individual opts to perform 100 hours of community service. Fines will range between $500-$1,000, and your license will be suspended for 45 days after an arrest. An ignition interlock device will be required for a year following a DUI in Connecticut.
Minnesota doesn’t have penalties that are quite as harsh as these states, but you’ll still be in a world of trouble if you’re charged with DWI in Minnesota. That’s where we come in. The team at Appelman Law Firm can put forth an aggressive defense that can help you beat the charges or work towards a favorable plea deal with reduced penalties. Let us help navigate this sticky situation and ensure you come out the other side unscathed. For more information, or for help with a specific criminal matter, connect with the team at Appelman Law Firm today at (952) 224-2277.
