In the U.S., approximately 40 percent of all road accidents involve alcohol. Due to this alarming report more states are now adopting tougher DUI statues. In North Dakota, you can face serious DUI consequences based on one of two theories: your BAC test result and your manner of driving. Often, you can be arrested if your manner of driving appears to be impaired or unsafe as a result of your alcohol intoxication. While you appear to be driving safely, you can still be arrested if your blood alcohol content (BAC) is beyond the legal limit. The state has a per se law that triggers a DUI arrest for BAC of .08% or higher.
DUI Arrests in North Dakota
When you are pulled over because the cops think that you are driving under the influence of alcohol, you will be required to take a blood alcohol content (BAC) test. If you refuse to this chemical examination, you could face tougher consequences upon your conviction.
Upon the arrest, you could face two separate legal cases. These include a criminal court case and a pre-conviction administrative case. To help you prepare all the necessary papers, you can consult an experienced DUI lawyer. Moreover, your lawyer can also defend you in the course of the legal proceedings.
Basic Consequences for First Time Offenders
For your first DUI conviction in North Dakota, you can expect to face the following charges:
While these penalties seem to be quite plain and simple for first time offenders, subsequent offenses carry tougher consequences including imprisonment. North Dakota has a seven-year look back period for DUI convictions. This means that if you commit the same offense within the given timeframe, you will then be treated as a habitual offender.
License Suspension for North Dakota DUI
A DUI court case in North Dakota can result in a criminal record once convicted, while an administrative hearing can lead to the suspension of your driving privileges. You can expect to have your license suspended in the following manner:
If you refuse to take the BAC test, you can expect to have your license suspended for at least one year. Nevertheless, you can apply for a work permit which costs $50 to enable you to drive to and from work or rehabilitation programs. Also, if this is your second DUI conviction, the authorities can impound your vehicle as reprimanded by law.
Insurance Consequences
Even though insurance carriers are forbidden to deny coverage to policy seekers because of religion, race, or occupation, companies can still deny you for a policy once you are convicted of DUI in North Dakota. Because you are now considered as a high risk driver, your insurance provider will then raise your rates, or drop your coverage at all. Remember that if you choose to look for a new carrier instead, you will still face the same insurance dilemma as most insurance companies are hesitant covering drivers with DUI convictions on their driving record.