The Nitty Gritty Of A DUI
Nowadays it is common to hear the abbreviation DUI and task forces for that offense are always making the news. Nevertheless, there are still those who don’t know the basics of what DUI is or what it even stands for.
DUI simply means “driving under the influence” and by definition it means while someone is under the influence of alcohol or drugs they got behind the wheel of a motor vehicle and drove. When it comes to the states may have different requirements pertaining to DUI’S but in all states it is illegal.
When you are 21 or older consuming alcohol is legal, yet driving when your blood/alcohol content is above the limit is not. This also includes illegal drugs (which is a crime itself) but also includes prescription medication as well.
Nowadays it is common for law enforcement officials to keep an eye out for those that possibly are driving while under the influence. Usually it is driving in an erratic manner that will catch an officer’s attention and this is generally a good sign, because driving under the influence results in lack of focus and slower reactions of the suspected driver.
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.
It is necessary to remember that laws vary from state to state but most will allow the driver to decide which advanced test to take. There is also something called implied consent, which is found in each state. What this means is that at the time you got your license you consented to be tested if you were stopped. The point here is that driving is a privilege and you are putting many innocent people on the road and yourself in danger.
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, court case, Drinking, driving, drunk, DUI, DWI, help, law, lawyer, legal