Can I Face Potential Jail Time For My First DUI?

A first or second DUI offense is generally a Class A misdemeanor that carries a maximum penalty of up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $2,500.  Generally, for a first offense, an individual is usually looking at a misdemeanor offense and depending on the facts and circumstances, will not likely face any jail time and would likely receive a sentence of court supervision.  Court Supervision generally entails going a twelve month period without committing any further legal offenses and paying all required court costs and fees as well as successfully completing any drug/alcohol treatment, then at the end of that twelve month period, the DUI will not go on your criminal record.  A finding of guilty or plea of guilty to a DUI whether you receive court supervision or not will always be on your driving record however.  A first conviction for a Misdemeanor DUI can potentially result in a term of jail of up to no more than one year.  A second Conviction for a Misdemeanor DUI will result in a mandatory minimum term of jail of five days or 240 hours of community service work.  A third conviction will result in a mandatory jail term of 90 days.