Nebraska First Offense DUI

Nebraska First Offense DUI Laws Explained in Easy to Understand Simple Terms

In Nebraska, a first offense DUI (Driving Under the Influence) is considered a serious violation. When an individual is arrested for DUI, it means they have been found operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08% or higher, or while impaired by drugs. This offense is typically classified as a misdemeanor. Still, it carries significant penalties, including a possible jail sentence of up to sixty days, a fine up to $500, and the suspension of the driver’s license for up to 6 months. The state also mandates participation in an alcohol assessment and treatment program. These stringent measures reflect Nebraska’s commitment to road safety and the severe view it takes on impaired driving, aiming to deter individuals from driving under the influence and reduce alcohol-related accidents.

Key Aspects of a First Offense DUI in Nebraska

  • Legal Limits and Testing: Nebraska enforces a strict blood alcohol content (BAC) limit of 0.08% for most drivers. For commercial drivers, the limit is lower at 0.04%, and for drivers under the age of 21, any detectable alcohol can lead to a DUI charge. Under the state’s implied consent laws, refusal to undergo a BAC test can result in immediate license revocation and other penalties.
  • Penalties and Consequences: A first-offense DUI in Nebraska penalties include up to 60 days in jail, a fine of up to $500, and a license suspension for 180 days. Offenders are also required to complete an alcohol assessment and may be mandated to undergo treatment. The conviction might also necessitate the installation of an ignition interlock device on the offender’s vehicle.
  • Administrative License Revocation (ALR): Beyond the court-imposed penalties, Nebraska implements an Administrative License Revocation (ALR) upon arrest for a DUI. This means that the driver’s license can be automatically suspended for a period of 180 days, independent of criminal court outcomes if the driver fails or refuses a BAC test. This administrative action is handled through the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and is separate from any criminal charges.

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First Offense DUI Penalties

In Nebraska, the penalties for a first offense DUI can vary based on factors like your blood alcohol content (BAC). If you’re found with a BAC of 0.08% or higher, it’s classified as a Class W misdemeanor. The penalties typically include 7 to 60 days in jail and a $500 fine. Additionally, your driver’s license will be revoked for 6 months, though you may be eligible to apply for an ignition interlock device (IID) which allows you to drive under restricted conditions​ (Petersen Criminal Law)​.

If your BAC is 0.15% or higher, the penalties remain similar, but the license revocation period increases to 1 year, and you might also face either 2 days in jail or 120 hours of community service as part of a probationary sentence. This is still classified under Class W misdemeanor​ (Petersen Criminal Law)​.

Moreover, even if you receive probation, your license will be revoked for a minimum of 60 days, you will be required to use an IID, and you will be fined $500​ (Petersen Criminal Law)​.

For more detailed information on DUI penalties in Nebraska, including various scenarios and additional penalties for higher BAC levels or repeat offenses, refer to resources such as Legal Beagle and Petersen Criminal Law.

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Underage First Offense DUI

For an underage driver in Nebraska, the penalties for a first offense DUI are quite strict, especially due to zero tolerance laws for those under the age of 21. If an underage driver is found driving with a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) of 0.02% or higher, they can face serious consequences:

  1. Traffic Violation Record: If an underage driver is found guilty of a traffic violation, it will be recorded on their driving record.
  2. License Impoundment: The driver’s license can be impounded for 30 days for a BAC of 0.02% or higher.
  3. Further Penalties for Refusal: If the underage driver refuses to submit to a chemical test, the penalty includes being found guilty of a traffic violation and a 90-day driver’s license impoundment​ (Legal Beagle)​.

These penalties reflect Nebraska’s commitment to enforcing its zero tolerance policy for underage drinking and driving, aiming to deter such behavior and promote road safety.

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CDL First Offense DUI Penalties

For commercial drivers in Nebraska holding a CDL (Commercial Driver’s License), the laws and penalties for a DUI offense are particularly stringent to uphold safety due to the responsibilities involved in operating commercial vehicles. Here are the penalties for a first DUI offense for CDL holders:

  1. Lower BAC Threshold: CDL drivers are held to a stricter standard, with a legal BAC limit of 0.04% compared to the 0.08% limit for standard drivers.
  2. License Revocation: If a CDL driver is found to have a BAC of 0.04% or more, the Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles will impose a license revocation. For a first offense, this revocation period is typically 180 days if no prior offenses are recorded. If there is a refusal to submit to a chemical test, the revocation period is extended to one year​ (dui.drivinglaws.org)​.
  3. Employment Impact: Given the severe restrictions on driving with any detectable alcohol for CDL drivers, even a first offense can have significant employment implications, potentially leading to job suspension or loss due to the inability to drive legally.

These measures underscore the higher standards to which CDL drivers are held, reflecting the potential risks involved with commercial driving. CDL drivers are advised to consult legal resources or the Nebraska DMV guidelines for detailed information and potential legal support.

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Ignition Interlock Requirements First Offense DUI


In Nebraska, the requirements for an ignition interlock device (IID) after a first offense DUI depend on several factors including the driver’s BAC level and whether the court has mandated its use as part of the sentencing.

  1. General Requirement: For a standard first offense DUI with a BAC of 0.08% or more, the driver’s license is revoked for 6 months. An IID can be installed as an option to regain driving privileges during this period​ (Sopinski Law Office)​​ (Petersen Criminal Law)​.
  2. High BAC: If the BAC is 0.15% or higher, the license revocation extends to 1 year. Installation of an IID becomes a requirement if the individual opts for probation or a suspended sentence. This allows the individual to drive with the IID during the revocation period​ (Petersen Criminal Law)​.
  3. Eligibility and Process: To be eligible for an IID, the individual must apply for an Ignition Interlock Permit (IIP). This involves submitting an application to the Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), installation of the IID by an approved provider, and continuous monitoring. The device prevents the vehicle from starting if it detects alcohol on the driver’s breath​ (Sopinski Law Office)​.

These regulations emphasize the use of IIDs to enhance road safety by ensuring that individuals convicted of DUI are sober when driving, thereby reducing the risk of repeat offenses. For more detailed information or specific circumstances, it’s advisable to consult directly with the Nebraska DMV or a legal expert.

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Implied Consent Law

In Nebraska, the implied consent law plays a critical role in DUI enforcement. This law stipulates that any person who operates a motor vehicle on the roads of Nebraska is deemed to have given consent to a chemical test (such as breath, blood, or urine) to determine the alcohol content of their blood. Here are the key points regarding the implied consent law related to a first offense DUI:

  1. Test Requirement: If lawfully arrested by an officer who has probable cause to believe that a driver is operating under the influence of alcohol or drugs, the driver must submit to a test. This is applicable to all drivers, not just those holding a CDL (Commercial Driver’s License).
  2. Consequences of Refusal: Refusing to take the chemical test during a DUI stop leads to automatic consequences. For a first offense, the refusal results in a one-year license revocation. This is in addition to any other penalties imposed if the driver is subsequently convicted of DUI​ (dui.drivinglaws.org)​.
  3. Administrative Penalties: The license revocation is an administrative action taken by the Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles, independent of criminal court proceedings. This administrative penalty is crucial because it aims to penalize the refusal itself, regardless of the outcome of any potential DUI charges​ (dui.drivinglaws.org)​.

These provisions under the implied consent law are designed to discourage DUI offenses by making the refusal to submit to testing itself a penalizable action, thereby supporting law enforcement efforts to curb impaired driving. For more detailed legal information, you might consider consulting the Nebraska legislature’s website or a local attorney specializing in DUI laws.

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DUI Class Requirements

In Nebraska, if you’re convicted of a first offense DUI and it’s court-ordered, you will likely need to complete a DUI education course. This is part of the broader efforts to address the underlying issues related to impaired driving and to reduce the likelihood of repeat offenses. The National Safety Council of Nebraska, for example, provides a court-ordered DUI course specifically designed for first offenders. This program spans 10 hours, intended to increase awareness and provide education regarding the consequences and risks associated with DUI charges​ (Safe Nebraska)​.

The course typically covers topics such as the impact of alcohol on the body and mind, the legal repercussions of DUI, and strategies for avoiding impaired driving in the future. Completion of such a program may be required to restore driving privileges or to comply with the conditions of probation, depending on the specifics of the court’s ruling.

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Driver License Hearing

In Nebraska, if you’re facing a first DUI offense, you’ll need to go through a driver license hearing, which is part of the Administrative License Revocation (ALR) process. This process begins immediately after your arrest for DUI, and it’s separate from any criminal charges that might be filed against you.

The ALR process involves the immediate confiscation of your driver’s license by law enforcement. If you fail an alcohol test, your license will be revoked for 180 days. However, you can apply for an Ignition Interlock Permit (IIP) right away, which allows you to drive a vehicle equipped with an ignition interlock device, with no required “no-drive” period if you do not request an ALR hearing. If you refuse to take the alcohol test, your license will be revoked for one year, with the possibility of applying for an IIP after 90 days of no driving​ (Nebraska DMV)​.

The driver license hearing itself is a critical step where you can contest the revocation of your driving privileges. It’s advisable to consult with legal counsel to navigate this process, as the outcome can significantly impact your ability to drive and maintain your license​ (Nebraska DMV)​.

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Final Thoughts

A first offense DUI in Nebraska carries significant legal consequences and administrative penalties, reflecting the state’s commitment to road safety and strict enforcement against impaired driving. Here’s a concise overview:

  1. Legal Classification: A first offense DUI is generally classified as a Class W misdemeanor if the BAC is between 0.08% and 0.149%, with potentially more severe charges if the BAC is higher​ (ASUN Student Government)​.
  2. Penalties: The penalties can include up to 60 days in jail, a $500 fine, and a mandatory minimum license revocation of 6 months. If the BAC is 0.15% or higher, the revocation extends to 1 year​ (ASUN Student Government)​.
  3. Ignition Interlock Device (IID): Installation of an IID may be required, especially if BAC was high or if the court mandates it for probation. This device must be used to restore and maintain driving privileges during the revocation period​ (Petersen Criminal Law)​.
  4. Implied Consent: By driving in Nebraska, you implicitly consent to a chemical test to determine BAC. Refusal to take the test results in a one-year revocation of your driver’s license​ (dui.drivinglaws.org)​.
  5. Driver License Hearing: The Administrative License Revocation (ALR) process involves a separate hearing where you can contest the revocation. This is critical to attempt to retain your driving privileges​ (Nebraska DMV)​.
  6. Educational Requirements: Convicted individuals are often required to complete a DUI education course, aimed at reducing repeat offenses by educating drivers on the dangers and consequences of impaired driving​ (Safe Nebraska)​.

Dealing with a DUI involves navigating complex legal and administrative channels, making it advisable to consult legal experts to understand all implications fully and ensure rights and procedures are properly followed. For more information, visiting Nebraska’s DMV or legal aid resources can be beneficial.

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Additional Nebraska DUI Resources
  • Nebraska DUI Laws – Detailed first-offense information, including punishments after a first-offense DUI in Nebraska.
  • Nebraska DUI Classes – Get signed up to complete your required DUI class online today.
  • Nebraska SR22 Insurance – Learn everything you need to know about Nebraska SR22 filing requirements with the DMV and learn how to save hundreds of dollars each year on your Nebraska SR22 insurance.
  • Nebraska DUI Lawyers – Contact one of our Nebraska DUI lawyers today to discuss your pending DUI case.
  • Nebraska Bail Bond Agents – Contact a Nebraska bail bond agent to get out of jail now.
  • Nebraska Non-owner Insurance—If you need to file an SR-22 but don’t own a vehicle, you need to get a non-owner policy.