North Dakota has some really strict punishments for people who choose drive while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. If you are pulled over and have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or above, you will be arrested for DUI and will be facing license suspension, jail time, mandatory, fees, and more. If you are an underage driver (under 21) or a commercial driver, you will have an even lower BAC limit. Making the choice to drive under the influence will mean that you are responsible for paying the costs with your freedom and your bank account.
First DUI Offense
A first DUI conviction will mean that you will be facing losing your license for 91 days if your BAC was between .08 and .17. If it was higher than .18, then you will lose your license for 108 days. The good news is that you will be eligible for a work restricted license after a period of 30 days if you meet certain requirements, including SR22 insurance coverage. There is no mandatory jail time required for a first DUI offense, but you can be sentenced to a jail sentence if you have certain aggravating factors in your DUI charge. Fines will be around $250, but this will not include the costs of your license reinstatement, court fees, and any costs that are associated with fulfilling the requirements of your sentencing.
Second DUI Offense
A second DUI conviction within five years of the first will result in license suspension of one year if you have had a BAC of up to .17 and two years if you have a BAC of .18 or above. Reinstatement of your license after fulfilling the terms of your sentence will include some fees, as well as installing an ignition interlock device if mandated. As far as jail time, you will face 5 days in jail or 30 days of community service, depending upon your sentencing. A minimum of $500 in fines will be assessed and this amount will not include additional fees that you are responsible for to fulfill the requirements of your sentencing and reinstatement costs.
Third DUI Offense
A third DUI conviction within the lookback period of seven years will mean that you lose your license for two years with a lower BAC up to .17 and three years for a BAC of .18 or above. A mandatory jail sentence of 60 days will be required, but this sentence can be increased if you were involved in an accident. Mandatory alcohol evaluation and a minimum $1000 fine will be required
Fourth DUI Offense
A fourth DUI conviction will mean that your license will be suspended for two years with the lower BAC level and three years with the higher BAC level. In addition, you will spend 180 days in jail and you will have to pay a minimum of $1000 in fines. To get your license reinstated, you will have to undergo mandatory alcohol treatment and you will be responsible for other costs that are associated with fulfilling your sentencing requirements.
Fifth DUI Offense
A fifth DUI conviction is a felony charge. You will be sentenced to a minimum of five years in jail. Once you fulfill your sentencing requirements, you will have to get SR22 insurance coverage to have your license reinstated. A minimum $5000 fine will be mandated, as well as covering other costs that are associated with your sentencing and your court fees.
When you make the choice to drive while under the influence, you need to understand that you are facing some punishments that will affect your finances and your freedom. A lawyer can help you through the legal process to give you guidance and information.