DUI Law Firm in Sioux City, IA

What Is DUI in Iowa?

In Iowa, you can be arrested for DUI under several circumstances, including if you exhibit signs of impairment or if your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.08% or higher. For commercial drivers, the threshold is lower at 0.04%, and for drivers under the age of 21, any detectable amount of alcohol can lead to arrest due to Iowa’s zero-tolerance policy.

Upon arrest for DUI, you'll face an immediate administrative license suspension. It is crucial to note that you have just 10 days from the date of your arrest to challenge this automatic license suspension. This tight window emphasizes the prompt action required to protect your driving privileges.

DUI Penalties in Iowa

The penalties for DUI in Iowa are stringent and escalate with repeat offenses. A first-offense DUI carries penalties including up to one year in jail, fines ranging from $625 to $1,250, mandatory driver’s license revocation, and possibly an order to undergo a substance abuse evaluation. 

First and second offenses are charged as misdemeanors. Third and subsequent offenses are charged as felonies. Repeat offenses are based on a 12-year “lookback” period, which means if your current DUI/OWI occurs within the 12-year timeframe of a prior conviction, it counts as a repeat offense. Penalties intensify significantly with second and subsequent offenses, underlining the state's stance against impaired driving.

Consequences of Injury-Related DUI in Iowa

When a DUI results in an injury, the legal and social consequences become significantly more severe. In addition to the standard penalties associated with a DUI conviction, an injury-related DUI (generally referred to as OWI with injury) leads to elevated charges that can include mandatory jail time, increased fines, and longer license suspension periods. 

Specifically, individuals found guilty of causing serious injury while operating under the influence can face up to five years in prison, a fine ranging from $750 to $7,500, and a mandatory suspension of their driving privileges for a minimum of one year. 

Consequences of a DUI Causing a Fatality in Iowa

In the unfortunate event that a DUI results in a fatality, it becomes a felony offense. The state imposes harsh penalties on individuals convicted of OWI causing someone's death. 

The legal repercussions include a prison sentence ranging from 25 years to life, depending on the circumstances and severity of the offense. Additionally, you face a mandatory driver's license revocation for six years. The state typically requires financial restitution to the victim's family as well.