Depending on the state in which you live, drunk driving can be known by many different terms: Driving Under the Influence (DUI), Driving While Intoxicated (DWI), or Operating While Intoxicated (OWI), to name a few. The DUI lawyers at Knochel Law Office in Bullhead City, AZ, stress that, regardless of what you call it, driving drunk leads to major, life-changing penalties and consequences.

Here, they share some of the serious repercussions an offender would be up against:

1. Suspended License

In the majority of U.S. states, your driver's license will be suspended for some time as a penalty for your DUI. This is true even in cases of first-time drunk driving charges. In Arizona and Nevada, your first offense comes with a 90-day suspension, while in California it’s four months. These strict regulations underscore the seriousness of the charge, and subsequent DUIs will result in longer suspension times.

2. Interlock Ignition Device (IID)

An IID is an apparatus that connects directly to the ignition system of your vehicle; before you start the car, you must blow into the IID to ensure you are not drunk. Many states, including Arizona and Nevada, mandate IIDs for those convicted of a DUI. In California, its necessity varies by case, at the judge’s discretion; but in certain counties—such as Alameda, Los Angeles, Tulare, and Sacramento—an IID is required in convictions. Also, the cost of installing and maintaining the IID is typically the responsibility of the defendant.

3. Jail

Roughly half of the states in the union demand some amount of jail time with a DUI. In Arizona, a first-time charge comes with 24 hours in jail; in California, it is four days for a first offense; in Nevada, you will spend either two days in jail, or you may opt for 48 hours of community service instead. With repeat DUI offenders, the jail time increases exponentially with each infraction. As such, it is crucial to have a DUI lawyer protecting your rights and negotiating pleas and punishments.

If you’ ve been pulled over for drunk driving in the Tri-State area of California, Arizona, or Nevada, the team at Knochel Law will provide you with quality legal counsel. These DUI lawyers serve their clients by the motto “never give up,” and will fight passionately for your best interests. To arrange a consultation today, call (928) 444-1000 or contact them online.