What if I cause
a death or seriously
injure someone?
If you are convicted of OWL UBAC, OUID or OWVI, and it is determined that your intoxication affected your driving causing death or serious injury to an innocent person, you could receive:
- Up to 15 years in prison (even if it is your first offense) for causing a death and up to five (5) years in prison for causing a serious injury while legally intoxicated.
- Fines up to $10,000, plus court costs.
- Immobilization of your vehicle for up to 180 days, unless forfeited.
- Confiscation of your license plates.
- Revocation of your driver’s license for a minimum of one (1) year during which you will not be eligible for a restricted license.
- Assessment of six (6) points against your driving record.
- A requirement to pay a Driver’s Responsibility Fee of $1,000 a year for two (2) years, to the Secretary of State.
The prison term is increased to 20 years if you cause the death of an emergency responder (i.e., police officer, fireman, ambulance driver, etc.). In addition, subsequent convictions for causing death or serious injury can result in:
- Immobilization of your vehicle for up to three (3) years, unless forfeited.
- Confiscation of your license plates.
- A minimum five (5) year revocation of your driver’s license during which time you will not be eligible for a restricted license.
