DUI is a term that means driving under the influence.  This is a term that is commonly used in many states; however, there are other popular forms of the term.  Driving while intoxicated or DWI is another common term.  Also found is operating under the influence or OUI.  Regardless of what term is used, the meaning is operating a vehicle when under the influence of a substance that impairs driving.  This includes alcohol, illegal drugs, or even prescription drugs.  Whenever you operate a vehicle and can not do so safely because you are under the influence, you are at risk for getting pulled over and charged with driving under the influence.

The criteria for determining legal intoxication vary from state to state.  If you are unsure of the legal limits in your state, check the Internet.  There are numerous resources available for checking what the laws are in each state.  It generally includes a blood alcohol limit.  There are various tests to determine what that is.  These include a breath test, urinalysis, and blood test.  If you are not found to have a high alcohol content by a breath test, you may be asked to undergo a blood test so you can be checked for illegal substances.

Driving under the influence is a serious matter and if arrested, you may face severe consequences.  The laws in each state vary regarding the penalties, but most include suspension or revocation of your driver’s license, fines, restitution, and jail time.  The severity of these consequences and what you may be facing will depend on whether you are charged with felony DUI or a misdemeanor offense.

If you are arrested and faced with either a felony or misdemeanor driving under the influence charge, it is very important to retain an attorney immediately.  They will be able to give you valuable advice on the laws in your state and what penalties you may be exposed to.  They will be able to analyze the particulars of your case to see where challenges can be made to weaken the prosecution’s case.  If the attorney is successful in using the law to weaken the case, you may be looking at reduced charges or even a complete dismissal.

An attorney will look at violations of your rights and challenge procedures.  The laws for stopping and arresting someone may differ between states but there are usually probable cause criteria and certain procedures the officer has to undergo before the arrest.  After the arrest there are particulars of how any tests are administered, how the equipment is maintained, and who administers them.  If there are any violations to these laws, you may have particular evidence thrown out of the case, which will help immensely.

Driving under the influence laws vary from state to state.  There are different criteria for being impaired as there are different consequences for a conviction.  Your individual rights for dealing with a stop are also different between states.  Check with your attorney on the best way to handle any arrest for drunk driving.

Driving under the influence is a serious matter.  If you are arrested for driving while impaired, you may face severe penalties and consequences.  Being arrested, facing suspension of your license, high insurance rates, and even jail time are among the penalties you may face.  Driving under the influence is usually a misdemeanor crime.  However, under certain circumstances, felony driving under the influence charges may be brought against you.

The usual criteria for determining if the District Attorney will bring felony charges are the severity of the case.  If you have injured someone else in an auto accident due to driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, felony charges will likely be sought.  Laws vary from state to state but the injury rule is prevalent among most of them.  Some states also have an additional requirement that the driver has to have driven negligently.  So, while you may have been in accident while under the influence, if you did not violate any traffic laws or if it can not be proven that there was negligence involved, you may still only face a misdemeanor offense even if there was a resulting injury.

The second most common determining factor for felony DUI is if you have had other misdemeanor convictions in the past or if you have had another felony conviction in the past.  Again, state laws vary but some states have rules that if you have had a previous conviction, the second charge will generally be a felony.  Most states, however, have a three strikes rule.  If you have been convicted for driving under the influence misdemeanor at least three times, the next charge will automatically be a felony regardless if there was any damage or injury.

In the case of a felony driving under the influence charge, you are typically faced with much more severe penalties.  While a misdemeanor charge may entail a short jail sentence in county jail, a felony conviction often comes with a prison sentence.  The minimum and maximum time to be served varies from state to state.  There will also be lengthier, if not permanent, driver’s license suspensions.  If there was an injury or accident, fines and restitution will likely be ordered to compensate for any pain and suffering, damage, or loss of income resulting in the accident.

If you are charged with felony DUI, check with your attorney for the possible penalties associated with driving under the influence in your state.  It is important to retain an attorney for your defense because you are looking at some serious legal issues that will affect you for the rest of your life.  An attorney may be able to help reduce charges or save you from a long amount of prison time.  They may also be able to reduce the amount of money you will need to compensate the victim of an injury.

Felony charges of driving under the influence are very serious.  A skilled, experienced attorney will be able to advise you on the possible penalties and recommend a strategy for defense.  It is important to seek help as soon as possible to avoid long lasting, far reaching consequences of living with a felony DUI conviction.

It is important to protect yourself from arrests due to driving under the influence.  The best possible way to avoid this is to not get behind the wheel of a car if you have been drinking.  Choose a designated driver or take a taxi cab to and from your destination if you feel like you will be unable to safely operate a vehicle.  If you are arrested for driving under the influence, it is important to hire a good attorney to defend your case because the penalties for the offense are quite severe.

The first thing you will face is an actual arrest.  This is a very traumatic experience and will take several hours before you can be released on bond or your personal recognizance.  You will have to face getting booked and processed which is a highly embarrassing situation and will also have to sit in jail, often overnight, until you are released on bond.

Once you are released you will have a court date set.  You will need to prove your case in a court of law and will likely need the assistance of an attorney for this.  Attorney’s fees for this type of trial can be very expensive and can sorely damage a person’s budget.  There is also the time element involved and you may need to take time off work.  Unfortunately, this can also put your job in jeopardy.  However, hiring an attorney is the best possible way to avoid some of the more severe penalties associated with a drunken driving conviction.

If convicted, you may face suspension or revocation of your driver’s license.  This is highly inconvenient and prevents you from dealing with your normal daily activities.  Suspension of your driver’s license can last for several weeks, months or even years depending on the severity of the situation.  This penalty can be highly debilitating to your lifestyle.

When you are able to legally operate a vehicle again, you will find your auto insurance rates have increased significantly.  You will have to get a special type of insurance that costs much more than insurance for people with clean driving records.  Because of the conviction you are deemed a higher risk.  The insurance rates can stay inflated for many years.

After a conviction you may have several legal consequences such as fines, community service or even jail time.  This may occur if this is your first offense and you are put on probation.  The legal fees are generally high and if not paid you can face prison time.  Community service is often something that is not pleasurable, such as picking up trash on the side of the road.  If the offense is not your first or there was an injury or damage to property you may face a jail sentence.

Penalties for driving under the influence are fairly severe.  They can also follow you through the rest of your life and be on your permanent record.  This can prevent you from getting certain jobs.  The best way to avoid driving under the influence penalties is to not drink and drive.