A driver may refuse to submit to such a test but may face stiffer penalties if found guilty. Cooperation may lead to a lighter sentence. The court may replace jail with attendance at a victim impact panel. If the driver did not refuse the chemical test, the suspension may be reduced to 30 days. A commercial driver faces a suspended license for one to three years.
Penalties increase in severity with repeat offenses, if occurring within a five year period.
Commercial drivers can have their commercial licenses revoked permanently. Minors found guilty of DUI with a blood alcohol level between .02 and .08 percent also face fines, imprisonment and license suspension. If a minor s level registers more than .08 percent, the adult conviction penalties apply. In all cases, if the convicted drunk driver causes the death or serious injury of another person, the offense is a felony with criminal penalties of up to 25 years in prison. Drinking and driving are a dangerous combination.