Driving Under the Influence

Driving under the influence (DUI), drunk driving, drinking and driving, and driving while intoxicated all refer to the act of operating a motor vehicle after consuming alcohol. Some jurisdictions don’t allow the operation of a boat, horse, or bicycle either if you have consumed alcohol. Driving under the influence (DUI) is illegal and considered a crime in most countries world-wide.

To determine whether you are legally intoxicated a breath, blood, or urine test registers a blood alcohol content of 0.08 percent. Minors who are below the legal drinking age may be declared under the influence even if their blood alcohol content registers at a lower percentage. As well, a law enforcement officer may arrest a motorist for being impaired even if their blood alcohol content is lower than 0.08 percent.  

If any driver has demonstrated a blood alcohol over the legal DUI limit, they can be charged with a DUI right away and put in a holding cell until, at minimum, they have become sober again.  Since a person’s blood alcohol content lowers as time progresses law enforcement has to act quickly to gather evidence in order to establish a DUI charge. Those suspected of DUI have the right to refuse to take a blood alcohol content test and consult a lawyer for legal protection against interrogation.

There are many states in the US that have what is called a progressive DUI policy. This means that a first time offender might not receive the maximum penalty allowed under the law. When sentencing someone convicted of DUI judges can use some discretion in the length and sentence itself, especially if the accused has plead guilty and is showing or has demonstrated remorse for their actions. A first time DUI conviction could get you a suspension of your driver’s license for up to a year, a hefty fine and/or community service, and several penalty points on your driving record when your driving right’s are restored. For a repeat offender, more serious DUI penalties include prison time, a lifetime suspension of your driver’s license, or court-ordered rehabilitation.