Basics of Bismarck, ND DUI
USAttorneys shares the basics of DUI charges in Bismarck, North Dakota
Bismarck, ND- For most Americans, drunk driving is the only legal trouble they’ll encounter. DUIs are common in North Dakota and U.S. The North Dakota Highway Patrol reports that there were 1,194 DUI arrests in the state in 2016. But many people don’t understand the consequences of a drunk driving conviction. In this article, our team of DUI lawyers in Bismarck will explain the basics of drunk driving and the penalties for a conviction.
Minimum blood alcohol concentration
In North Dakota, you can be charged with DUI if your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) exceeds 0.08 percent, according to the ND Highway Patrol. It is important to note that you can be charged with DUI even if your BAC is the 0.08 percent threshold as long as the state can prove you were noticeably impaired and unable to operate your vehicle safely.
Drugged driving in North Dakota
DUI is short for Driving under the influence. You don’t need to be drunk to be arrested for DUI. You can be arrested if they are under the influence of any drug or medication that impairs your ability to drive. That includes prescription drugs; it doesn’t matter if you were prescribed a drug.
Penalties for DUI conviction
Your first DUI is considered a Class B misdemeanor and carries the following penalties:
$500 with a BAC of 0.16 percent of below
Two days of incarceration and a $750 fine if BAC is 0.16 percent or above
Addiction evaluation
Furthermore, a DUI conviction will remain on your record for seven years.
On top of the legal consequences listed above, a DUI conviction will impact your personal and professional lives. If your license is suspended, you could lose your job because you lack transportation. A DUI conviction will cost you dearly, with all the fees, court costs, skyrocketing insurance premiums and administrative costs. A DUI conviction could make you unappealing to prospective employers and universities.
Defenses for Bismarck DUI
If you have been charged with drunken or drugged driving, USAttorneys urges you to speak with an attorney. It is critical you have someone working on your defense. One defense option you may want to explore is a plea bargain. If you agree to a plea bargain, your penalties will be reduced and you won’t have a DUI charge on your record.
We recommend Bismarck residents contact the Law Office of W. Harvey Skees at (701) 353-5874 and set up a consultation. DUI lawyer W. Harvey Skees will explain the possible options for avoiding a DUI conviction and keep your record clean. Call and set up a consultation today and get advice on how to proceed with your case.
