| Driving under the influence (DUI), commonly known as | | | | and urine levels are first tested. Also, a breath test is |
| drunk driving, means operating a motor vehicle in a | | | | administered. If it is proved that your blood alcohol |
| public area while intoxicated. It is considered a criminal | | | | content is above the legal limit set by the state's |
| offence to drive a vehicle after consuming alcoholic | | | | statute, you will be arrested. In some states, if any one |
| beverages. DUIs are also considered an offense when | | | | is proved to have a breath test of .08 or higher, they |
| boating and piloting aircraft. | | | | are said to be under the influence of alcohol. |
| Driving under the influence of alcohol is a misdemeanor, | | | | In all cases, if you are driving under the influence of |
| and depending upon the nature of jurisdiction, it is | | | | alcohol, there is a good chance that you will lose your |
| sometimes referred to as driving while intoxicated | | | | license, serve time in prison and serve a lengthy |
| (DWI), operating while intoxicated (OWI) or operating a | | | | probation period. The charge could also affect future |
| motor vehicle while intoxicated (OMVI). DUI is perhaps | | | | employment. DUI laws are quite complex, and |
| one of the main reasons for motor vehicle crashes. | | | | offenders generally seek assistance of a competent |
| The excess use of alcohol impairs the nervous | | | | and experienced lawyer to help them out. |
| system, thereby adversely affecting the balance of | | | | Offenders are generally charged large fines based on |
| mind and body. | | | | the court proceedings and test results. Usually, |
| While driving under the influence is regarded as a | | | | first-time offenders are charged a fine, and there are |
| serious offense in almost all states, the punishment | | | | certain provisions to get keep punishments at a |
| generally depends upon the DUI statute in the state. If | | | | mimimum. |
| you are charged with driving under the influence, blood | | | | |