It seems like these days almost everyone knows someone who has been arrested for a DUI. The surprising thing is that despite the commonality of the phrase there is a lot of misunderstanding regarding what a DUI actually is.
One misconception is that you can only be cited while driving a car, which is wrong. Operating motorcycles, boats, trucks and planes are subject to DUI charges, also. DUI means “Driving Under the Influence”, but many refer to it as drunk driving and that is not correct. Drunk driving is alcohol related whereas DUI involves other drugs legal, or not.
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.
Once you have been arrested for a DUI, you have a variety of consequences that you could be facing. Again, as each state has different rules you cannot expect the same consequences from state to state. However, some of the most common punishments include fines, license suspensions and restrictions, probation, and even jail time.
Finally, there is the consequence you don’t think of and that is your automobile insurance. If you are arrested for a DUI and convicted you will have to fill out an SR-22 form and your insurance company may opt to drop you and since you are now “high risk” you also face higher premiums and deductibles because you are considered high risk.
This information is provided solely for informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice.
For top quality information on Maine drunk driving, please visit this site which has very good help with William Bly.