Many states will suspend or revoke people's licenses after they've been arrested or convicted of DUIs, depending on the circumstances of the case. However, that's not the only thing the government can use to prevent people, primarily multiple offenders, from getting on the road again. Here are two things that may happen to you if you're arrested for a second, third, or fourth DUI.
Shredded License Plate
In some states, when you are pulled over for a DUI, police officers have the authority to confiscate your license plate and shred it. What typically happens is the officer will run your name and driver's license through the system. If you have a certain number of offenses within a specific period of time, the officer will both arrest you and take the plates off your vehicle.
For example, in Michigan, if you have had one DUI conviction within 7 years or a total of 2 convictions over any time period, the office will take your permanent plate and issue a paper one that significantly restricts how the vehicle can be used while your case is making its way through the court (e.g. you won't be able to transfer the vehicle).
This type of thing can happen even if you are not the registered owner of the car or truck you're driving. The police will notify the DMV about the confiscation and neither you nor the vehicle owner may be able to obtain a new license plate until the situation is resolved, and even then, you may be required to be found not guilty before the right to register a vehicle is returned.
Confiscate the Entire Vehicle
Another way the state may stop you from getting back on the road is to impound the entire vehicle instead of the just the license plate. This is more likely to happen in cases where the infraction is severe. For instance, if you blow twice the legal limit or you have had numerous DUIs within a short period of time, the police will have the vehicle you're driving towed to impound.
Sometimes you, or the registered owner, can pay the fine and get the vehicle released within a few days. In some states, though, the car will either be held until the end of the court case or it will be seized by the state using civil forfeiture laws. For instance, New York City will permanently confiscate the vehicles of repeat offenders when they're convicted of DUIs. The only exception is if the vehicle belongs to someone else or the defendants successfully contest the seizures in court.
Loss of the vehicle you're probably still paying for is only one of many consequences associated with being convicted of a DUI. It's best to consult with a DUI defense attorney on the best way to manage your cases so you can avoid these issues. For more information, contact a lawyer.
Share27 January 2018
