What Happens Legally After Being Charged with Driving Under the Influence
Last reviewed: 2026 · Driviology Road Safety Education Team
Quick Answer
After being charged with driving under the influence, a driver typically faces immediate roadside licence suspension, a court process, and potential criminal penalties including fines, further suspension, or imprisonment.
While driving under the influence describes the general concept, the actual legal process that follows a charge has several distinct stages.
Immediate Roadside Consequences
Following a failed breath test, a driver typically faces an immediate roadside licence suspension and vehicle impoundment before the case even reaches court.
The Court Process
The case proceeds through the court system, where the driver may plead guilty or contest the charge, with outcomes ranging from a conviction to an acquittal.
Longer-Term Consequences
A conviction can carry a criminal record, an extended licence suspension, mandatory education programs, and significantly higher insurance costs for years afterward.