Iowa Drunk Driving Laws
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For most people, the best way to determine whether a person is “drunk,” is by watching his or her behavior. If there are no signs of impairment (such as slurred speech or bloodshot eyes, for example), then you may assume it is safe for that individual to get behind the wheel. Unfortunately, while this method may seem infallible, it is by no means a reliable way of judging a person’s ability to drive. As a result, law enforcement officers rely solely upon blood alcohol content (BAC) to determine whether a driver is capable of operating a vehicle.
The term “BAC” refers to the amount of alcohol found in a person’s bloodstream, a percentage that can only be determined through chemical testing (a breathalyzer, blood, or urine test). Under federal law, driving with a BAC of 0.08% or higher is grounds for an arrest—period. Therefore, even if you show no signs of intoxication, you could be charged with DUI if you are driving with an illegal BAC.
Some drivers have even less leeway when it comes to BAC. Iowa drivers under the age of 21, for instance, are considered impaired once their blood-to-alcohol ratio reaches 0.02%. Likewise, commercial vehicle operators can be arrested with a BAC of 0.04% or higher. In addition, any driver who refuses to allow an officer to measure his or her BAC will also face criminal charges for violating Iowa’s “Implied Consent Law”—a statute that prohibits drivers from refusing to perform a chemical test.
Once convicted of drunk driving, your punishment will be based on your prior history of DUI and your BAC at the time of your arrest. A first-time offender, for example, will face a $625 to $1,250 fine, 180-day license suspension, and a minimum 48-hour jail sentence. A second conviction, on the other hand, carries a fine up to $6,250, as well as a 2-year license suspension and 2-year jail sentence. Additional penalties may also be imposed if you were arrested with a BAC above 0.10%.
After two convictions, a third DUI charge will be classified as a felony. As the most severe crime a person can be charged with, a felony charge will lead to much harsher penalties than a first or second DUI—including a 6-year license suspension, $9,375 fine, and up to 5-year jail sentence. Convicted felons will also permanently lose their right to vote, travel outside the country, and purchase a firearm.
Whether this is your first time being arrested or you have a history of drunk driving, simply being arrested for DUI does not mean you will be convicted of the offense in court. Indeed, many Iowa drivers are able to challenge their arrest and avoid a life-altering DUI conviction. To learn how you can do the same, submit our online form to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with a skilled DUI defense attorney in your area today.
