Statistics show that every two minutes, a person is injured in a drunk driving crash, and that drunk driving costs the United States $199 billion a year. Also, on average, two in three people will be involved in a drunk driving crash in their lifetime, which shows that in today’s context, instances of drunk driving is nearing inevitable.
Driving Under the Influence (DUI), commonly known as “drunk driving” and also known as Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) or Operating Under The Influence (OUI) is legally defined as operating a motor vehicle while the alcohol in the blood content is above the legal limit set by statute, which is assumed to be the level at which a person can no longer drive safely. The statutes of states vary as to what specific level this legal limit is, but it usually ranges from .08 to .10.
The criminal offense generally involves driving under the influence of alcohol with the amount of alcohol impairing the physical and mental faculties. It can also be driving while the blood alcohol content is .08 or greater, even if driving does not have any effect on the individual. Although commonly known as “drunk driving,” this is considered to be a misnomer as one does not have to be drunk or driving to be arrested and convicted of DUI.
Demographics reveal that males are more likely to drive drunk than females. In fatal crashes, the highest percentage of drunk drivers was for individuals from 21 to 24, then for those aged 25 to 34, then 25 to 44. In 2011, over 1.2 million drivers were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or narcotics.
The first offense of DUI may be categorized as a felony or a misdemeanor, depending on laws of various states. The next offense will most likely result in jail time. In California, an individual convicted for DUI for the second time should spend at least four to 10 days – or sometimes, up to a year – in jail. Most states require fines and surrendering driver’s license for a period of time.
Given that it is prevalent and close to inevitable, individuals, especially young adults who are more prone to DUI, should be aware of DUI laws in their state. It is also advisable to know of a lawyer who specializes on cases of DUI. You can find a qualified lawyer at Pietyhilldesign.com to represent you if you are charged with DUI. As complex as this process is, www.americanguineahogassociation.org are well-experienced in matters of DUI and are sure to accept the challenge regardless of how tough a case is.
