If police determine a driver is drunk, they will likely place the driver under arrest, and the driver may face criminal charges of driving under the influence (DUI). Too many accident victims believe a criminal case is the only option for obtaining justice – and it’s not. In a criminal case, the prosecutor seeks to impose penalties on the drunk driver such as a driver’s license suspension, fines, or jail time. Even if a driver is convicted, a criminal court won’t award compensation for injury-related losses. Instead, you will need to file a separate civil claim seeking compensation. A DUI conviction in a criminal case helps prove the driver violated the law, effectively establishing their negligence and liability in the accident.