As law enforcement agencies continue to bring down the hammer on drunk driving incidences across the country, more arrests for this dangerous crime are being made. Unfortunately, for a large number of these men and women, this offense will definitely not be their first. At times, many people who are pulled over from DUI will have already committed this offense several times, which can spell a great deal of trouble for these culprits. However, you may be surprised to hear that some of the penalties for first-time drunk drivers have increased significantly, thanks to the efforts of foundations like Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD). Due to their influence, more severe drunk driving laws have been approved across the United States. So, what fate awaits new and former offenders? Let’s take a closer look and find out some more about the penalties for drunk driving.
Stricter Laws Set into Place
Due to the concentrated efforts of MADD and other groups, the United States has issued the following changes to make punishment for drunk driving more severe:
- All 50 states have adopted the legal drinking age as 21 years.
- Two-thirds of U.S. states have adopted Administrative License Revocation (ALR) Laws, which permit police officers who have made a DUI arrest to seize a license if a driver fails or refuses to take part in a breathalyzer test.
- The legal limit for adult alcohol consumption has been lowered from 0.10 to 0.8 in all 50 states.
- Zero Tolerance Laws have been set in place in all 50 states.
- Some states have issued required jail time for repeat DUI offenders.
- Some states have issued Habitual Violator Laws, where a person who has committed a DUI crime three times is charged with a felony.
- An increase in fines and a “hardship license” requirement has further added to the severity of DUI punishment.
- The United States is fighting to issue ignition interlock fail-safes for convicted DUI offenders.
Getting the License Back
As a result of rigorous laws, most of the U.S. states order DUI offenders to take part in a DUI school or specialized program in order to get their driver’s licenses back. Nowadays, though, the drivers have to do a lot more than sit in a class and take notes. After undergoing an assessment/interview which highlights the offender’s drinking problem, officials will determine if this person can receive the license or not. Some counselor may order the offenders to go to Alcoholics Anonymous meetings (90 meetings over the course of 90 days) or a residential program (28 days).
Seeking Treatment for Alcohol Use Disorder
Drunk driving is a dangerous and foolish practice that claims lives and can ruin yours forever. You should get the help you deserve before you take part in reckless behavior. If you are suffering from alcohol use disorder or have a friend or loved one who is enduring this same illness. get in touch with Asana Recovery today. Our professional team of counselors and healthcare experts are ready to walk you through every step of the rehabilitation process and guide you towards living a happier, healthier, and freer lifestyle.
If you are interested in one of our residential treatment or supervised detoxification/withdrawal programs, we are ready and waiting to speak with you at your disclosure. Call Asana now at (949) 438-4504 to learn how to overcome your alcohol problems today.
