Nebraska has harsh punishments and penalties for drivers who choose to drive while drinking or under the influence of drugs. They have two sets of punishments, depending upon where your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) falls. If it is between .08 and .14, then you face one set, but if it is .15 or above, the punishments and penalties become even more severe. The BAC limits are even lower for commercial drivers and for drivers under the age of 21. No matter where you fall, however, you will find that the penalties and punishments can put a big damper on your freedom and your bank account.
First DUI Offense
The first DUI conviction will result in a loss of your driver’s license for 90 days and up to six months. An elevated BAC of .15 or above can result in suspension of up to one year. Jail time for a first offense is for a minimum of two days with a maximum of 60 days, depending upon the circumstances. The minimums can be served in community service, depending upon the case. Fines for a first offense are not to be in excess of $500, but this amount will not include fees and fines that are associated with the court costs and the sentencing requirements that you have to meet. A first offense is serious, so you want to be sure that you understand that before making the choice to get into your car.
Second DUI Offense
The second DUI conviction within a period of twelve years will result in some severe criminal and administrative penalties. First of all, you will lose your license for a period of at least one year and your vehicle will be immobilized for at least five days, but no more than eight months. You will be sentenced to at least 30 days in prison and this can go up to six months. Instead of jail time, you can be sentenced to 240 hours of community service instead. An alcohol monitoring device may be mandated or an ignition interlock device, either one. Fines will be at least $500, but this amount will not include the cost of mandatory alcohol/drug treatment, court fees, or other sentencing requirements. A BAC of .15 or higher will result in even more severe punishment that will restrict your freedoms and your bank account.
Third DUI Offense
A third DUI conviction within twelve years with a BAC of less than .15 will mean that you lose your license for 2 to 15 years, have your vehicle immobilized for a minimum of 5 days and up to 8 months, and you will have to install an ignition interlock device to your vehicle to have your license reinstated. As far as jail time, you will be facing 90 days to one year in prison and fines of up to $600, not including other fees that you are responsible for. If you have a BAC of .15 or above, your penalties and punishments will significantly increase and even double, so you want to keep that in mind if you choose to drive while you are under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
A lawyer can help you to make it through the legal process, but you will have to face some sort of punishment for your own choices. By making the choice to not drive while you are drinking or taking drugs, you will be safer and you will keep your freedoms. Nebraska, just as other states, take DUI very seriously, so you want to be sure that you make the right choice when you are drinking or under the influence of drugs.