DUI (Driving Under the Influence)

Driving under the influence (DUI) is a criminal offense. When an individual drives a motor vehicle, such as a car, motorcycle, bus, truck or SUV, while "under the influence" of alcohol or drugs, this is against the law. Depending on the specific laws of the state, a driver may be considered "under the influence" if:

• He or she has a blood alcohol concentration of .08% or greater; and/or
• His or her normal abilities are impaired as a result of alcohol or drug use.

Specific consequences associated with driving under the influence charges will vary depending upon the jurisdiction as well as the circumstances of the charge. For example, in some states a driver may face DUI charges for operating a motor vehicle while with any amount of illegal narcotic (such as ecstasy) in his or her system. Commercial drivers and drivers under the age of 21 will face different laws and penalties in association with DUI charges. Some states enforce "zero tolerance" laws when it comes to drivers under the age of 21, meaning these drivers cannot operate a motor vehicle with any detectable amount of alcohol in their systems.

A Basic Overview of DUI Arrests and Charges

When you have more information on a subject, you will be better prepared to address the situation at hand. We have therefore included basic information in several key topics related to driving under the influence charges:

About DUI
Looking for basic information about DUI? You can find it here. Learn more about driving under the influence by reading an overview of the subject.

Anatomy of a DUI Arrest
Though every jurisdiction may have its own procedure in regard to DUI arrests, most follow a similar outline. It is helpful to know what to expect in a DUI arrest so you know what to do and what not to do, as this can help with your case in the future.

DUI Penalties
The specific criminal and administrative penalties that a driver may face for DUI will vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. Some of the most common penalties include: fines, imprisonment, court fees, license suspension, probation and community service.

Fighting Drunk Driving Charges
In the face of a "failed" breath test or "poor performance" on field sobriety tests, it may seem impossible to fight drunk driving charges. With a thorough understanding of how these tests work, however, a competent attorney may be able to effectively challenge the evidence against you.

How a DUI Defense Lawyer Can Help
DUI is a criminal matter. You may also face administrative driver's license suspension proceedings. A DUI defense lawyer can help in both of these matters, protecting your legal rights and guiding you through in order to seek a dismissal or acquittal.

Pulled Over for DUI: What Now?
So, you've been pulled over for suspected DUI. What happens now? What should you do? Do you have to agree to field sobriety testing? You can find out the answers to your most basic questions about DUI by connecting with a qualified attorney.

Your Legal Rights
You have specific rights if you are pulled over and arrested for drunk driving. This includes the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney. Exercising these rights is absolutely crucial if you are to have any opportunity of avoiding a conviction and serious penalties.

Get the information and guidance you need – find a DUI lawyer near you.