| Driving Under the Influence (DUI) and Driving While | | | | or seminar. Repeat offenders may be subject to more |
| Intoxicated (DWI) laws vary according to the state of | | | | severe penalties up to and including permanent |
| the offense. The most important factor surrounding | | | | removal of his or her driver's license. Generally license |
| any of these laws is that the repercussions are | | | | suspension and revocation occurs for repeat |
| generally steep and severe. Due to the rash of | | | | offenders. Most states have implemented a |
| drunken driving fatalities in the past half century or so, | | | | comprehensive system of monitoring the driving |
| most states have enacted harsh penalties for anyone | | | | privileges for an individual who has had his or her |
| caught drinking and driving. The DUI laws of each state | | | | license suspended but who has been granted limited |
| define a level at which an individual is considered | | | | driving rights. These individuals must generally employ |
| intoxicated. Although these levels may vary slightly, for | | | | the use of a breathalyzer system that has been |
| the most part, this level does not exceed .08 blood | | | | installed in their vehicle and that locks the ignition if the |
| alcohol content (BAC). Any individual caught driving | | | | individual fails the breathalyzer requirements. Some DUI |
| with a BAC higher than the state has defined as the | | | | DWI convictions can be expunged. Depending on the |
| point of intoxication may be subject to fines, license | | | | severity of the conviction and the age of the offender |
| suspension or revocation, and even jail time. The | | | | at the time of the conviction, it may be possible to seal |
| severity of the offense and the number of DUI | | | | the information from public access. In general, this |
| convictions are a primary determinant in the severity | | | | process, and any other issues surrounding a DUI/DWI |
| of the penalty. Initial offenses may carry a penalty of a | | | | offense will require the services of an experienced DUI |
| fine and mandatory attendance at a DUI traffic school | | | | attorney. |