All Iowa DUI Offenses Matter

In some states a person can get away with a first DUI or drunk driving offense with little more than a traffic ticket. Iowa, however, does not think that there’s any excuse for putting lives at risk on the road. In fact, Iowa has a comprehensive approach to all types of DUI incidents, whether or not injury, death or property damage was involved. The state won’t let an offender walk out of court with a slap on the wrist; a driver with a first-offense Iowa DUI has a long road to recovery ahead.

A first-offense Iowa DUI means that the driver will likely face:

• Court costs and fines.
• Substance abuse evaluation and treatment.
• Vehicle immobilization or impoundment.
• Community service.
• Jail time.

But there’s still more to consider; the job market can be difficult, and receiving a criminal charge can greatly reduce your chances of landing the job you want. An Iowa DUI can also cause your license to be revoked or suspended, too. If that’s the case, you’ll have to have ignition interlock device installed in your personal vehicle or any vehicles you drive regularly. Remember that with the strict consequences of a first-offense DUI, Iowa will increase those penalties for any and all additional drunk driving incidents, including the jail time, ignition interlock requirement, fines and more.

If it seems like a lot of trouble for one DUI, it is. That’s why it’s essential to have a plan to get home before you go out drinkig. There are no good excuses for driving drunk – and certainly none that Iowa will consider when you are in court.