Understanding DUI Laws and How They Affect You

Listed below is a very small excerpt from the statutes regarding DUI laws:

Basic offenses.--Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection: (1) An individual who violates section 3802(a) (relating to driving under influence of alcohol or controlled substance) and has no more than one prior offense commits a misdemeanor for which the individual may be sentenced to a term of imprisonment of not more than six months and to pay a fine under section 3804 (relating to penalties). (2) An individual who violates section 3802(a) and has more than one prior offense commits a misdemeanor of the second degree.It would take you months to read all of these statutes and years to understand the definitions, amendments and exceptions that each one references. We are going to cover some of the most basic DUI laws.

All states prohibit the operation of a motor vehicle by a driver with .08 percent or above blood alcohol concentration (BAC). The .08 BAC limit is the standard measurement used across the United States for the "impaired" driver. Some states have lower BAC limit for commercial drivers and a "zero tolerance" or for drivers under the age of 21. Most laws also include controlled substances other intoxicants.

One of the most frequently asked questions is how many drinks does it take to reach the legal limit?

There is not an exact number unless you are under the exact same conditions every time. This means that you had the same amount of rest, food, etc. There are charts and calculators that can be used as a reference; however these tools do not take into account all variables. Each drink you consume will bring you closer to the legal limit.

The best thing to do is not to drink and drive. When you drink and drive, you risk your freedom, finances and your future. The consequences can be severe and even more severe for a 2nd DUI offense.

The first time you are arrested and convicted for drunk driving, you could receive 6 months probation- 6 months in jail, a $500 to $5000 fine, and license suspension depending on your BAC.

The second time you are arrested and convicted for a DUI you can receive 5 days -5 years in jail, a fine of up to $5000 license suspension, and a mandatory ignition interlock device on your vehicle for a year, alcohol screening and rehabilitation.

This is why having an experienced DUI attorney is crucial. A DUI lawyer can help reduce the severity of your sentence or help you avoid it all together depending on the facts of your case.

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