DUI Offenses
Drunk-driving is one of the most commonly committed crimes in the Unites States. As a matter of fact, 41 percent of all vehicle accidents involve alcohol and/or drugs, and 3 out of 10 people will face a drunk-driving situation during their lifetime.Drunk driving is referred to as driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI), depending on the state in which the crime is committed. Each state is responsible for creating its own drunk-driving laws.
In every state, it is against the law for people over the age of 21 to drive a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08 percent or higher. Due to “zero tolerance” laws, minors under the age of 21 may not drive with any alcohol in their system, even if they are not impaired by alcohol.
A drunk-driving offense may be classified as a felony or misdemeanor depending on the circumstances of the case. For example, may states classify a fourth DUI conviction as a felony. Causing injury or death to another person as a result of drinking and driving will also be classified as a felony offense.
There are several factors in a DUI case that may lead to harsher punishments, such as having prior DUI convictions on your record. Driving with an excessively high BAC or refusing to take a chemical test also leads to more severe sentencing.
DUI sentencing differs depending upon the state. The penalties for DUI include fines, court fees, jail time, probation, alcohol counseling and/or treatment, DUI School, community service, and more. You may even be ordered to have an ignition interlock device installed in your vehicle.
The department of motor vehicles may also suspend or revoke your driver's license if you failed your breath test or refused to take the test. In some states, repeat DUI offenses may lead to vehicle impoundment.
A drunk-driving conviction is on your criminal record forever. This may have an adverse effect on your future when trying to obtain auto insurance and employment.
If you are facing a DUI offense, you should contact a DUI defense attorney in your area. Your attorney might be able to have your charges minimized or even dropped.
| States/Abbreviations | |||||
| AK | Alaska | LA | Louisiana | OH | Ohio |
| AL | Alabama | MA | Massachusetts | OK | Oklahoma |
| AR | Arkansas | MD | Maryland | OR | Oregon |
| AZ | Arizona | ME | Maine | PA | Pennsylvania |
| CA | California | MI | Michigan | RI | Rhode Island |
| CO | Colorado | MN | Minnesota | SC | South Carolina |
| CT | Connecticut | MO | Missouri | SD | South Dakota |
| DE | Delaware | MS | Mississippi | TN | Tennessee |
| FL | Florida | MT | Montana | TX | Texas |
| GA | Georgia | NC | North Carolina | UT | Utah |
| HI | Hawaii | ND | North Dakota | VT | Vermont |
| IA | Iowa | NE | Nebraska | VA | Virginia |
| ID | Idaho | NH | New Hampshire | WA | Washington State |
| IL | Illinois | NJ | New Jersey | WI | Wisconsin |
| IN | Indiana | NM | New Mexico | WV | West Virginia |
| KS | Kansas | NV | Nevada | WY | Wyoming |
| KY | Kentucky | NY | New York | DC | Washington DC |