What Are the Minimum Penalties for a Delaware DUI?

Driving under the influence has major repercussions. Just by having a few drinks, driving can cause costly and potentially fatal accidents. In Delaware, the minimum penalties for a DUI can include hefty fines or even imprisonment.

Driving under the influence is not only a serious legal issue, but can be caused by an underlying health problem. DUI’s can be a wakeup call for many people who are experiencing pain or negative consequences from an alcohol use disorder. Once addressed, this can be a life changing moment.

The Consequences of a DUI in Delaware

Depending on a driver’s previous history, the consequences for driving under the influence in Delaware can vary. First offenders vs. second or third-time offenders may have different restrictions or penalties.

A DUI consists of a blood alcohol content that is 0.08% or higher. Typically speaking, drinking one or two standard drinks over the course of two hours is likely to fall under this percentage. Once the 0.08 percentage is reached, dangerous driving can increase. That being said, in the state of Delaware, you can technically be arrested for having a blood alcohol level of 0.05%.

DUI’s are not restricted to just cars. You can also be penalized for driving under the influence in a motorcycle or moped. In Delaware, a DUI is considered a criminal offense.

Minimum consequences include:
-The immediate revocation of driving privileges
-A $550 fine or jail time
-The loss of a driver’s license for 1 year

For second-time offenders, the penalties are steeper. These can include:
-A $750 mandatory fine
-A minimum of 60 days imprisonment
-The revocation of a driver’s license for at least 18 months

Common Reasons for Driving Under the Influence

Driving under the influence is dangerous, but not necessarily rare. Whether you’re a college student or retired, age is not always a factor when it comes to driving over the acceptable blood alcohol percentage. There are many reasons why people justify driving under the influence that can seem quite plausible at the time.

Drinks with a higher than average alcohol content can be misleading. People who prefer cocktails or liquor may finish a drink at a different speed than those who have more liquid in their drink. Losing track of time can cause people to stay out at a party or a bar longer than they would normally do. Dehydration can also play a part in how quickly a drink is metabolized.

Drinking can become a way of socializing for many adults. Mothers who like to relax away from the children, those who enjoy the company of coworkers after work hours and people who enjoy sports can all enjoy going out for a drink with friends. But if most socializing requires alcohol to feel natural or relaxed, a higher tolerance is more likely. Those who enjoy “winding down” every night can feel sober even if their blood alcohol content level is higher than normal.

Staying in Control

Alcohol use can easily become out of control without the person even knowing it. A large part of the recovery community started off as social drinkers who could control alcohol intake. As alcohol tolerance grows, often the amount of drinks one consumes is increased.

Staying or getting control of alcohol use is best accomplished by assessing the present circumstances. If you feel your drinking has increased or that it’s difficult to stop after one or two alcoholic beverages, assessing your alcohol intake is key. DUI’s are a clear indication of a potentially life-threatening decision that has been made due to alcohol consumption.

Conclusion

Alcohol can be the root cause for many dangerous or reckless decisions. Since it is a depressant, its anxiety-reducing effect can create a false sense of security. Although you may feel in control at the time of drinking, DUIs are usually an indicator that drinking alcohol has taken priority over safe judgement.

Concerns surrounding substance abuse are health-related issues. Difficulty with limiting alcohol intake is not associated with personality or will power. Handling alcohol abuse issues is best done with professional help in an environment that is both supportive and knowledgeable about physical and mental health. If you’re interested in finding out more, we can help. Call now at 772-266-5320.

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