Driving Under the Influence (DUI) is a term that represents driving while drunk. In some US states, it is referred to as DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) or OUI (Operating Under the Influence). DUI is one of the gravest driving offenses because it causes 33% of all traffic fatalities. Committing it is a crime in all the 50 American states.
It is also a crime to drive with a BAC (Blood Alcohol Concentration) of 0.08% in all American states – and it does not matter whether the driver having a BAC of over 0.08% was affected by the drinks, or whether his driving was impaired because of the drinks.
DUI laws, which are framed by the state, can go beyond the BAC – for example, such laws may prevent drivers from driving when they are under the influence of alcohol or a drug or both, without any regard for their BAC.
The officer who pulls over a driver has to conclusively prove that:
(a) That the person drove/controlled the vehicle when it was moving;
(b) That the person’s ability to drive safely was impacted by alcohol or drugs or both.
A DUI can lead to very serious consequences, which can include a stint in prison. First-time DUIs are usually treated as misdemeanors, while subsequent offences are treated as felonies. However, if the first offense results in death it can be treated as a felony.
If you have been booked for DUI or have been issued a traffic citation, you must hire a lawyer to visit this citation and handle your case.