make offenders pay a large fine plus standard court costs and fees. In addition, many states suspend the offender’s driver’s license for a period of time, when the driver is pulled over, if their breath test shows a BAC at or above .08 or for refusing a test. Even those states that do not revoke a license have the option to do it at the time of conviction. Although individuals may choose to continue driving without a driver’s li- cense or insurance, they are likely to be charged with the additional offenses if they are stopped by law enforcement. In some states, people convicted of a DUI/DWI are mandated to have an ignition interlock device installed on their vehicles. In most states, after a certain number of offenses, a person can be
declared a habitual offender. That, too, carries additional criminal penalties up to life in prison. Many states have also amended their criminal substance
Be aware of the consequences.
impaired driving statutes to enhance the pen- alty if a child was in the vehicle at the time of the offense. To find out more information about the laws in your state search “legal code” online for your state. Besides the criminal consequences of substance impaired driving, there is also the possibility of civil lawsuits in cases where property damage, injury, or death resulted from a substance im- paired driving crash. Win or lose, attorney fees for civil suits can be enormous. If a judgment is found against the offender, transferring assets does not protect them. Since 1984, declaring bankruptcy does not relieve the offender from financial obligations. Even if the person does not
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