Nowadays practically everybody knows someone who has already been arrested at least once for a DUI offense. Although it is so common, it is surprising that this phrase is often misunderstood and people can’t really say for sure just what DUI is.
The abbreviation DUI stands for “Driving Under the Influence.” More commonly, people refer to it as drunk driving. However, that is not necessarily an appropriate meaning because a DUI does not simply refer to alcohol which drunk driving implies. A DUI can actually refer to alcohol, but also other drugs legal and illicit. Additionally, people may thing that you can only get a DUI while driving a car, but that is not true. In fact, a DUI can be given for those driving cars, motorcycles, boats, trucks, and even planes.
Since a DUI is treated in the same manner as any other criminal offense, the consequences are also more severe. The reasoning behind this is that before you can get a driver’s license that you have to pass the written test and part of that is proving knowledge of what driving under the influence entails. In addition, if you are caught and charged with a DUI then you not only put yourself at risk, but also everyone else on the road.
Typically, a DUI is determined by your Blood Alcohol Content or BAC. However, that is not the only way that you can be convicted of a DUI. The legal limits vary from state to state so you need to be sure that you are aware of what your local limits are.
It is also important to keep in mind that you can be convicted of a DUI for being under the influence of drugs as well as alcohol. Basically, anything that impairs you should keep you from driving. There are even prescription drugs that state you should not operate any machinery while taking them and if you still decide to drive a vehicle then you are putting yourself and others at risk.
However, perhaps the oddest way that you can get a DUI is actually with something that seems nearly harmless. Cough syrups and cold medicines often have alcohol as an ingredient. If you take too much and then get on the road, your blood alcohol level might be above the legal limit.
Should you be arrested for DUI the consequences you face for it depending on the state you are in as rules vary but they also have some in common such as fines, suspension and restrictions on your license, probation and in some cases jail time.
If is also worth noting that if you are arrested for a DUI you are most likely in for a surprise with your insurance premiums. When you are convicted, you will have to file an SR-22, and your insurance may elect to drop you. Additionally, you have instantly become harder to insure. You are a bigger risk for the company so you will have to pay higher premiums and most likely a higher deductible.
Tags: advice, alcohol, alcoholism, attorney, auto insurance, automobile, driving under the influence, drunk driving, DUI, DWI, lawyer, legal help