What Happens to DUI Offenders in Montana Who Are Convicted?
DUI offenders convicted of driving under the influence may face several punishments. The severity of the punishment depends upon the BAC level, whether or not there was a minor in the car at the time of arrest, as well as the number of previous offenses. The following are the types of penalties imposed upon convicted DUI offenders:
1st DUI Conviction
• Imprisonment from 24 hours to 6 months
• Imprisonment from 48 hours to 12 months if there was a passenger under 16 in the vehicle
• Fine from $300 to $1,000
• Fine from $600 to $2,000 if there was a passenger under 16 in the vehicle
• Driver’s license suspended 6 months
• May qualify for ignition interlock device/probationary license
• Must complete a chemical dependency education course or treatment
2nd DUI Conviction
• Imprisonment from 7 days to 6 months
• Imprisonment from 14 days to 12 months if there was a passenger under 16 in the vehicle
• Fine from $600 to $1,000
• Fine from $1,200 to $2,000 if there was a passenger under 16 in the vehicle
• Driver’s license suspended 1 year
• May qualify for a probationary license after 45 days if DUI offender pays for an ignition interlock device
• Vehicle may be seized
• Must complete a chemical dependency education course or treatment
3rd DUI Conviction
• Imprisonment from 30 days to 1 year
• Imprisonment from 48 hou60 days to 12 months if there was a passenger under 16 in the vehicle
• Fine from $1,000 to $5,000
• Fine from $2,000 to $10,000 if there was a passenger under 16 in the vehicle
• Driver’s license suspended 1 year
• May qualify for a probationary license after 45 days if DUI offender pays for an ignition interlock device
• Vehicle may be seized
• Must complete a chemical dependency education course or treatment
4th DUI Conviction
• Considered felony
• Imprisonment up to 5 years
• Fine of $10,000
Implied Consent Laws in Montana
There are implied consent laws in place in Montana that assume that a driver shall give consent to blood alcohol and drug testing by breath, blood or urine sample. The state implied consent law requires that motorists submit to a Preliminary Alcohol Screening test (PAS) in order for an officer to obtain an estimate of the driver’s alcohol concentration. If the motorist refuses to submit to testing, their driver’s license will be suspended for 6 months for the first refusal. Any subsequent refusal will cause the motorist to lose their license for 1 year with the possibility of being ordered to install an ignition interlock device.
Fighting Your Montana DUI Charge with a DUI Lawyer
If you have been charged with DUI in Montana, turn to a top DUI lawyer right away to fight for your rights. DUI convictions can ruin a person’s life, but with the help of an elite Montana DUI attorney, you won’t have to worry about that. Your paralegal will investigate the incident to find any and all evidence in your favor. If they find that you were unfairly charged with DUI, rest assured that your DUI attorney in Montana will not allow you to suffer punishment for a crime you did not commit.
When you work with an acclaimed team of Montana DUI lawyers, you can rest assured that your case will end with the best possible outcome. Contact an esteemed paralegal today to discuss your options and fight for your rights.
