No one wants – and most people don’t expect – to get arrested or convicted of driving under the influence (DUI). Especially if they have never received this charge before.
We all know how dangerous it is to drive impaired, but the unfortunate reality is that it happens every day. In fact, in the US, more than 10,000 people die every year as a result of driving under the influence.1 This comes out to almost four people daily.
No matter where you live – California, Texas, or any other state – it’s critical to understand how first-time DUI convictions and, in case you find yourself facing this situation, how to mitigate the negative consequences.
Here’s what happens when you get a DUI for the first time.
The DUI arrest process
If you’re stopped by the police for a suspected DUI, you need to know what to expect. And there’s a number of reasons you could be stopped.
For example, if you’re swerving, you run a red light, or even if you’re sitting at a green light for too long, this might indicate to an officer that you are impaired, leading them to pull you over. A police officer may also stop you at a sobriety checkpoint.
Once an officer stops you and suspects that you are driving under the influence, they will usually ask you to perform a field sobriety test. This can include walking in a straight line, standing on one leg, and/or following an object with your eyes.2

At this point, the officer may administer a breathalyzer test if they believe you are under the influence of alcohol.
If your blood alcohol content (BAC) is over the legal limit (usually 0.08%), you will be arrested for DUI. In some states, like California, you can be arrested for and convicted of driving under the influence even if your BAC is under 0.08% but you are showing signs of impairment and unsafe driving.
If the officer suspects that you’re under the influence of a different substance, they can still arrest you even if your BAC is 0.00%. They will then request to take a blood or urine sample, which they may do with suspected drunk driving as well.
While you can refuse this test, you will receive an automatic license suspension if you do.
The consequences of a first-time DUI conviction
Once you receive a DUI conviction – even if it’s your first time – you will face serious consequences. The exact penalties you face will depend on various factors, including:
- The jurisdiction
- Your criminal history and prior DUIs
- How high your BAC was
- Whether you were under the influence of dangerous and illegal drugs
- Any other aggravating factors
This could include having a child in the car or causing an accident and injuries. However, you will potentially face some or all of the following consequences:
Incarceration
You may receive a jail or prison sentence. This could be as little as 24 hours or as much as a few years, though significant jail time is rare for a first-time DUI conviction.
Fines
DUI convictions typically carry steep fines, which vary depending on the jurisdiction and the circumstances surrounding the offense. It will usually cost you thousands of dollars.
Probation
As an alternative to incarceration (or in addition to it) you may be placed on probation. You’ll regularly check in with a probation officer and adhere to certain conditions, such as:
- Attending counseling
- Participating in drug/alcohol treatment programs
- Taking alcohol or drug tests
- Remaining arrest-free
Community service
Courts often order individuals convicted of a DUI to complete a certain number of hours of community service – ranging from a few hours to hundreds of hours.
License suspension
After a DUI, you could have your driver’s license suspended. The duration of the suspension is highly dependent on the jurisdiction and how many prior DUIs you’ve been convicted of, but it could be suspended for years.
Ignition interlock devices (IIDs)
In some cases, you may need to install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle, which measures your BAC before allowing the car to start. It will only start if the IID does not detect alcohol in your system.
Drug and alcohol Classes and/or treatment
Courts often mandate drug and alcohol education programs or treatment programs to address substance abuse issues and minimize the likelihood of future offenses.
Most states have similar DUI laws and legal procedures, though there is a little bit of variability. However, the exact penalties you face will be highly dependent on the jurisdiction and other circumstances of your DUI case.
To learn more about what you might face if you’re in this situation, it’s important to contact a criminal defense lawyer who has experience handling DUI cases in your jurisdiction.
Other consequences of receiving a DUI for the first time

In addition to the legal penalties that may be imposed as a result of a DUI conviction, there are also personal consequences you could face – referred to as collateral consequences.
Employment challenges
A DUI can impact your current employment as well as future job prospects. This is especially true for jobs that include driving. Even in industries where driving as part of the job isn’t required, employers almost always run background checks and may view your DUI conviction as a reason not to hire you.
Increased insurance costs
After a DUI conviction, your car insurance rates usually go up. Way up. According to 2022 data, insurance premiums rose between 44% and 307% for drivers after their first DUI conviction.3 Some insurers may even drop coverage altogether, making it difficult to find affordable insurance options.
Educational consequences
Those with a DUI conviction may face challenges in gaining admission to certain educational programs, like nursing schools, or obtaining professional certifications where background checks and character assessments are required. In some cases, certain scholarships, loans, or financial aid may no longer be available to you.
Social stigma
A DUI conviction can impact your personal relationships as well, and affect how your friends, family, and coworkers view you.
Immigration Consequences
A DUI conviction can be devastating for those who are not US citizens. You may be denied naturalization, encounter trouble with visas, or even face deportation.
Because of the severity and breadth of the potential consequences, seek legal help as soon as possible following a DUI arrest.
To learn more about the specific consequences of DUI convictions in your state and what happens after you’re arrested or convicted, contact a local criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible.