| There are a number of things that can lengthen or | | | | information, you should use a search engine (or other |
| amplify the amount of punishment you receive if | | | | means of research) to learn what the law says in your |
| convicted of DUI or DWI. Conversely, there are a very | | | | state about open containers. |
| few situations that can help you during the trial. The | | | | Were there bodily injuries involved, if you had an |
| trick is to know when each should be used-or | | | | accident? Most juries look at these types of cases |
| avoided-and how to do so most effectively. You | | | | more strictly than those cases that do not involve |
| should begin by being able to recognize what these | | | | harm to people. Innocent bystanders getting hurt |
| affecting circumstances are, but you will likely need a | | | | because of the actions of someone who decided to |
| professional attorney to handle the rest. | | | | drink and drive is something that most juries and |
| The laws of the United States regarding drinking and | | | | judges frown on heavily, and can cause them to vote |
| driving generally vary based on the state itself. Some | | | | for a more severe punishment than usual. Along these |
| see little or no difference between DUI (driving under | | | | same lines, how much property damage was done, if |
| the influence of drugs or alcohol) and DWI (driving while | | | | any? The more damage, the stricter the punishment |
| intoxicated or impaired). Others view these as distinctly | | | | will likely be. |
| different charges and proceed accordingly. In most | | | | The point that the courts are trying to make is that |
| states, though, there are circumstances that make a | | | | there are alternatives to deciding to drive while |
| judge and/or jury view the situation in an entirely | | | | intoxicated or impaired. Call a taxi, have a designated |
| different light, and that light is not always positive for | | | | driver, stay over when possible, or drink at home. |
| your case. | | | | There are punishments for DUI and DWI, and they |
| At the time you were arrested on suspicion of DUI | | | | become more severe when people get hurt, things get |
| DWI, was an open container of alcohol present? | | | | damaged, or there is evidence that more drinking was |
| Drinking and driving is very dangerous, and most states | | | | on the way. An attorney can help limit the damage |
| have strict laws against having an open container in | | | | done in some cases by these affecting circumstances, |
| the vehicle while you drive. Some states limit the open | | | | so it is crucial to hire a licensed attorney with |
| container to only the passenger, while some restrict | | | | experience in these types of cases early in the case. |
| any open container altogether. If you have been | | | | This information is provided solely for informational |
| charged with a DUI/DWI, or just want some general | | | | purposes and does not constitute legal advice. |