| DUI (driving under the influence). DWI (driving while | | | | crime and adds to the jail term for a DUI sentence. In |
| intoxicated), OWI (operating while intoxicated) all refer | | | | California, this may amount to another 48 hours in the |
| to the offense of drunk driving -- a dangerous trend | | | | prison. |
| that takes lives, invites stiff fines, punishment and | | | | The fines and penalties awarded vary depending on |
| penalties. An officer can charge you under the DUI | | | | the nature and frequency of the crime. Usually, a |
| laws if you violate traffic rules. The violations may | | | | conviction for the first time is not very severe. It could |
| range weaving, swerving, and drifting to braking | | | | involve a fine, a license suspension or restriction and |
| erratically. | | | | attendance of a DUI course for certain period of time. |
| The officer may stop you and ask you to take a | | | | Though a jail sentence may not result in the first |
| chemical test to check the alcohol content in your | | | | offense, in a second offense it most certainly will. |
| blood. This may involve a breath or blood test. All | | | | If you have committed the crime for the first time, the |
| states have prescribed that the level of alcohol in your | | | | punishment and penalties will drastically increase if |
| blood should not exceed a certain limit. For example in | | | | certain other factors exist. These factors include the |
| California, the blood alcohol content should not exceed | | | | presence of a child in the car, or if you are traveling 20 |
| .20%. If your BAC shows greater levels, your driving | | | | to 30 miles over the prescribed speed limit. Damage to |
| license may be suspended. Keep in mind that refusing | | | | a person or property will also lead to increase in the |
| to take the chemical test will lead to adverse | | | | punishment. The legal drinking age is 21 years and |
| consequences. For example, in California, your license | | | | above. This means if you are under 21 years of age |
| may be suspended for one year, even if you are | | | | and booked under DUI laws, your license will be |
| proved innocent. | | | | suspended for a longer period. |
| In some states, refusal to take a chemical test is a | | | | |