Drunk Driving Information
A DUI is driving under the influence, and in some states is referred to as a DWI, driving while intoxicated. In other words: drunk driving. All 50 states have laws against drunk driving and these laws vary greatly state to state.
What Happens if I Get Pulled Over For Drunk Driving?
If you are pulled over by a police officer and he/she feels that you may be drunk, the officer will issue a field sobriety test or a series of field tests. In most cases, three field tests are given in order for the officer to determine if you may be drunk. For example, the police officer may have you stand toe to toe and walk in a straight line. Another common field sobriety test is to have you stand with your arms by your side, feet together, and then raise one leg off the ground and hold it for 30 seconds. The third test may consist of the officer holding up a pen or some other object and have you follow it with your eyes as the officer moves the object from side to side. If the police officer determines that you may be drunk, they could have you blow into a portable breathalyzer. A breathalyzer is a machine that, when you blow into it, can determine your blood alcohol level. If your blood alcohol level is found to be above the minimum for the state you're in, you will be arrested and taken to jail. Once at the jail, you may be required to give a urine sample, or, in some cases, taken to the hospital to get blood drawn to determine how much alcohol is in your bloodstream.
The Penalties for Drunk Driving
While each state has its own set of laws and statutes that determine the punishments for driving while intoxicated, generally you could serve jail time and be subject to stiff fines, depending on whether this was your first offense, or just one of many. Additionally, if you are on probation at the time of the arrest, you could also be charged with a probation violation. Many states have zero tolerance laws, and if you're under the age of 21 and caught driving drunk you could lose your driver's license for a specific period of time. If you are charged with DUI/DWI, you should speak to criminal defense attorneys who are familiar with the drunk driving laws in your state.
Does a Drunk Driving Conviction Affect My Car Insurance?
In many states your car insurance could go up by 300 percent. In addition, your state and your insurance company may make you complete an SR-22 form. This is a form sent to your state's Department of Motor Vehicles office to show that you've been convicted of a DUI. There are many states that have laws that could affect your car insurance for up to six years for your first offense, and significantly longer if you have more than one drunk driving conviction.
Conclusion
If you've been arrested for a DUI/DWI, the first thing you should do is speak with experienced drunk driving attorneys who are familiar with the drunk driving laws in your state. Drunk driving is a serious offense and having the right attorney could save you money and time in jail.