DUI Details
Today it seems that you hear the abbreviation constantly. DUI task forces are constantly on the news. However, not everyone understands the basics of a DUI are or even what DUI stands for.
DUI is actually driving under the influence and this actually means that a person has decided to operate a motorized vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Although the states all have different definitions of what a DUI is, in each state driving while under the influence of substances is illegal.
If you are charged with a DUI then you are facing criminal charges and that even though it is legal for those at least 21 years old to consume alcohol. However, driving with a blood alcohol content that is higher than the legal limit is always considered illegal. It is obvious that driving under the influence of illegal drugs is a criminal offense, but many fail to realize that driving while impaired due to prescription medications can also be considered a crime.
There are many police officers who are on the look -out for those who may be driving under the influence. They often drive erratically drawing attention to themselves. The reason for this is a person’s focus and reaction time is greatly diminished.
Initially, if an officer pulls you over he will question you if you are under the influence of alcohol or drugs. From there he will probably have you perform some field sobriety tests. These test your coordination and reactions. It may be walking on a straight line or stand on one leg and touch your nose with each hand. Should he feel the driver is DUI he will ask the driver to submit to a breathalyzer test or even blood tests to check your current levels are.
Since the laws vary according to the state, the driver may or may not be able to decide what kind of advanced testing will be done. Every state, though, has so-called implied consent rules and that means if you accept your driver’s license then you also consent to any testing if you are suspected of driving under the influence of any substance. The reasoning is that driving is both a responsibility and a privilege, but as soon as you decide to drive under the influence then you put yourself and others at risk.
Every state had different consequences for DUI’s. Some of the most common consequences include a stay in jail, possible community service, suspension of your driver’s license, fines, and even probation. Of course, the severity of the consequences is directly tied to how severe the infraction is. If your blood levels are severely over the legal limits or if this is your second or third offense, you can expect that your consequences would be more severe than those for a lesser infraction of the law.
Tags: advice, attorney, automobiles, Cars, court case, drinking, driving, drunk, dui, dwi, help, law, lawyer, legal
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