Nebraska DUI Penalties — Fines, Jail & Probation

DUI penalties in Nebraska escalate significantly with each subsequent offense and with aggravating factors like high BAC. Understanding the penalty structure helps you assess the stakes and make informed decisions.

A first DUI in Nebraska is classified as a Class W misdemeanor.

• Jail: 7 days (may be served as community service) minimum to 60 days maximum
• Fine: $0 to $500
• License suspension: 6 months (BAC < 0.15); 1 year (BAC ≥ 0.15)
• Substance abuse program: alcohol assessment and possible mandatory treatment required
• Community service: minimum jail may be served as community service
• Probation: available

• Jail: 10 days (or 240 hours community service) minimum to 180 days maximum
• Fine: $500 to $1,000
• License suspension: 18 months (standard); up to 15 years (aggravated, BAC ≥ 0.15)

• Jail/prison: 30 days (Class W); 180 days (Class IIIA felony if BAC ≥ 0.15 or refusal) minimum to 1 year (Class W); 3 years (Class IIIA felony) maximum
• Fine: $600 to $10,000
• License suspension: 15 years
• Felony threshold: third offense is a felony if BAC ≥ 0.15 or refusal; fourth offense is always a felony

Nebraska uses a 15 years Lookback period to determine how prior offenses affect sentencing. Only DUI convictions within this window count toward the escalating penalty tiers.

• BAC ≥ 0.15 (higher offense classification, longer revocation)
• Refusal of chemical test
• Prior convictions within 15 years

Mandatory minimums cannot be suspended or reduced by the judge — they must be served. Fines do not include surcharges, court costs, and program fees, which can substantially increase the total financial impact. License suspension affects employment, insurance rates, and daily logistics.