Hawaii is a land of great beauty and sunshine, but that doesn’t mean that they turn their back on the breaking of their laws. Hawaii has some very strict DUI laws and requires the use of an Interlock Ignition Device even after the first offense. This can cost around $100 a month to lease the device, which adds to your fees and your costs that will be associated with getting a lawyer, etc. The BAC limit is .08% and if you have a BAC of higher than .15%, you can be facing even stricter penalties as a Highly Intoxicated Driver.
First DUI Offense
You will lose your license for 30 to 90 days, although you may be allowed to drive with the installation of an IID. If you are classified as a Highly Intoxicated Driver, you will lose your license for six months with no driving at all. Jail time can be anywhere from 48 hours to 5 days and if you are caught driving under the influence with a child in the car, your minimum jail sentence will be automatically increased by 48 hours. Your fines will be anywhere from $150 to $1000, plus other fees that are mandated, including an additional $500 if you had a child in the car when you were arrested for DUI. Community service of at least 72 hours will be mandated, as well as the completion of a substance abuse program or education program.
Second DUI Offense
A second DUI offense within five years will increase your penalties, both administrative and criminal. Suspension of your regular license for 1 year will be mandated, although you may be able to get a restricted license, depending upon the factors. Incarceration of 10 to 30 days is possible and if you have a child in the car, you will have your minimum increased by at least 48 hours. Community service of a minimum of 240 hours will be required. Fines will be in the range of $500 to $2500, plus an additional $500 if you have a child in the car, as well as additional fees that are associated with carrying out your sentence, including a special fund surcharge, etc. Court ordered substance abuse or education program will be required as well.
Third DUI Offense
A third DUI offense within five years of the first two will mean even stricter penalties for you. The first one that you will receive is the license suspension of anywhere from 1 to 5 years. Your vehicle may be forfeited as well. Jail time will be from 10 to 30 days and if you were driving with a minor in your car, you will find that this time amount will be increased by 48 hours. Fines will be quite hefty when you combine everything, but will range from $500 to $2500 and you will be responsible for your costs of your substance abuse treatment or education program, as well as any other fees that are mandated by the court. A minimum of 240 hours of community service will be required to fulfill your sentence as well.
If you are caught driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs in Hawaii, be prepared to face some pretty strict financial ramifications as well as some of your freedom being taken away. A lawyer can help you to make it through the legal process as well as possible to be sure that your legal rights are considered and are taken care of. Don’t drink and drive to ensure that you keep your freedoms and in both your physical and financial future.