| f the most common criminal charges that people are | | | | motor skills and mental clarity. Common examples |
| faced with are DWI or DUI charges. Both of these | | | | including reciting the alphabet backwards and touching |
| offenses involve driving a vehicle while under the | | | | your pointer finger to the tip of your nose. |
| influence of an intoxicating substance. However, a DWI | | | | After conducting these tests, a law enforcement |
| (driving while intoxicated) charge refers specifically to | | | | officer will have a fairly good idea as to whether or |
| alcohol. A DUI (driving under the influence) charge can | | | | not you are intoxicated. Considered to be probable |
| also refer to other drugs such as marijuana or | | | | cause, the officer will usually then present you with a |
| prescription medications. Both of these charges are | | | | portable Breathalyzer test. Refusing to do the test is a |
| quite serious, and can involve jail time, heavy fines, | | | | risky proposition, as the officer will then usually choose |
| probation and community service. | | | | to have a blood sample taken. Even without a |
| More and more states are tightening up their laws | | | | roadside Breathalyzer test, an officer with enough |
| concerning DWI and DUI charges. Years ago, people | | | | probable cause - i.e., through field sobriety tests and |
| who were charged with these offenses often only | | | | observations about things like smelling liquor on your |
| received minor fines and penalties. This is far from the | | | | person - will be enough to place you under arrest. |
| case today, though. Since more has been discovered | | | | Most people are taken to jail until they can see a judge |
| regarding the consequences of drunk drivers, states | | | | or post a bond. This is when a person is best off hiring |
| around the country have enacted legislation that has | | | | a professional lawyer to help them with their case, too. |
| dramatically increased the penalties associated with | | | | While some states have very rigid laws in place, there |
| these crimes. | | | | is still enough "wiggle room" for an attorney to make a |
| Drinking and driving is a very risky proposition. Any time | | | | significant difference in the type and severity of the |
| you consume alcohol and get behind the wheel of a | | | | penalties imposed by a judge. Going in for a DUI or |
| car, you run the risk of harming yourself or others. | | | | DWI hearing unrepresented usually results in every |
| Indeed, a huge percentage of traffic fatalities and | | | | possible charge being rendered against you. |
| injuries are directly attributable to alcohol consumption. | | | | Therefore, if you ever make the mistake of drinking |
| Almost everyone seems to know someone who has | | | | and driving and are arrested, make sure to hire a |
| been effected by the actions of a drunk driver. | | | | knowledgeable attorney. Their advice and counsel can |
| Educational measures attempt to alleviate the problem, | | | | dramatically improve the outcome of your case. The |
| but prosecution seems to be the most effective | | | | extra money that you spend will be well worth the |
| deterrent in most cases. | | | | amount of time and grief you will be exposed to by a |
| That being said, what can a person expect when they | | | | judge who imposes stiff penalties on you. |
| are charged with a DWI or a DUI? Usually, immediately | | | | The information you obtain from this article is not, nor is |
| upon being pulled over by a law enforcement officer, a | | | | it intended to be, legal advice. You should consult an |
| person is given a series of field sobriety tests. These | | | | attorney for individual advice regarding your own |
| vary from case to case, but usually involve trying to | | | | situation. |
| gauge any intoxication based on testing a person's | | | | |