University of Washington tight end Austin Seferian-Jenkins was arrested on suspicion of a DUI this weekend.

Seferian-Jenkins was arrested near Seattle’s University District late Saturday and was released from custody, reports The Seattle Times.

UW football coach Steve Sarkisian said that Seferian-Jenkins will face internal discipline. It is still not clear what criminal charges the star tight end might face.

Generally, prosecutors will consider several factors when determining the penalties they seek for a DUI. These factors can include:

  • Blood alcohol level. Generally, DUI defendants have a better chance of getting a plea deal and avoiding jail time if they have a blood alcohol level that is barely above the legal limit (as opposed to two or three times the limit). For example, a defendant may be able to plea to negligent driving instead of drunken driving.
  • Injuries. If a DUI results from a simple traffic stop and not as a result of a crash or collision, the DUI defendant can usually avoid the maximum penalties. However, if injury or damage results, prosecutors may seek more serious charges and mandatory jail time.
  • Minor passengers. If a drunken driver is transporting minors at the time of his DUI arrest, the driver could face enhanced penalties.
  • Contrition. A defendants’ attitude post-arrest can affect potential penalties. For example, if a defendant shows a lot of remorse and is helpful to authorities, prosecutors may more likely allow a plea deal.

If you have been charged with a DUI, you may need the assistance of an attorney to help explain the charges you face and the possible penalties. You can get started on understanding DUI by reading FindLaw’s free Guide to DUI Charges.

Related Resources:

  • UW football standout Seferian-Jenkins arrested for DUI (The Associated Press)
  • Matt Bush Gets 4 Years in Prison for 3rd DUI (FindLaw’s Tarnished Twenty)
  • Ex-Sonic Robert Swift Moves Out of Foreclosed Home, Leaves Mess (FindLaw’s Tarnished Twenty)

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