It seems like these days almost everyone knows someone who has been arrested for a DUI. The surprising thing is that despite the commonality of the phrase there is a lot of misunderstanding regarding what a DUI actually is.
One misconception is that you can only be cited while driving a car, which is wrong. Operating motorcycles, boats, trucks and planes are subject to DUI charges, also. DUI means "Driving Under the Influence", but many refer to it as drunk driving and that is not correct. Drunk driving is alcohol related whereas DUI involves other drugs legal, or not.
Since a DUI is treated in the same manner as any other criminal offense, the consequences are also more severe. The reasoning behind this is that before you can get a driver's license that you have to pass the written test and part of that is proving knowledge of what driving under the influence entails. In addition, if you are caught and charged with a DUI then you not only put yourself at risk, but also everyone else on the road.
Normally the BAC, or blood alcohol content, is what ultimately determines a DUI. However, that is not the only possible way for a DUI conviction to take place. It is important to know what your local legal BAC limits are at any time, because these can vary by state.
It is also important to keep in mind that you can be convicted of a DUI for being under the influence of drugs as well as alcohol. Basically, anything that impairs you should keep you from driving. There are even prescription drugs that state you should not operate any machinery while taking them and if you still decide to drive a vehicle then you are putting yourself and others at risk.
There are also some strange ways to get a DUI and in some cases you will be surprised that such an offense can come from the use of a supposedly harmless product. Good examples of this are cough syrups and cold medicines. However, it is logical if you think about it since they do have alcohol as an ingredient and if you take too much then it is possible for your BAC to be above the legal limit.
Should you be arrested for DUI the consequences you face for it depending on the state you are in as rules vary but they also have some in common such as fines, suspension and restrictions on your license, probation and in some cases jail time.
If is also worth noting that if you are arrested for a DUI you are most likely in for a surprise with your insurance premiums. When you are convicted, you will have to file an SR-22, and your insurance may elect to drop you. Additionally, you have instantly become harder to insure. You are a bigger risk for the company so you will have to pay higher premiums and most likely a higher deductible.
This information is provided solely for informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice.
One misconception is that you can only be cited while driving a car, which is wrong. Operating motorcycles, boats, trucks and planes are subject to DUI charges, also. DUI means "Driving Under the Influence", but many refer to it as drunk driving and that is not correct. Drunk driving is alcohol related whereas DUI involves other drugs legal, or not.
Since a DUI is treated in the same manner as any other criminal offense, the consequences are also more severe. The reasoning behind this is that before you can get a driver's license that you have to pass the written test and part of that is proving knowledge of what driving under the influence entails. In addition, if you are caught and charged with a DUI then you not only put yourself at risk, but also everyone else on the road.
Normally the BAC, or blood alcohol content, is what ultimately determines a DUI. However, that is not the only possible way for a DUI conviction to take place. It is important to know what your local legal BAC limits are at any time, because these can vary by state.
It is also important to keep in mind that you can be convicted of a DUI for being under the influence of drugs as well as alcohol. Basically, anything that impairs you should keep you from driving. There are even prescription drugs that state you should not operate any machinery while taking them and if you still decide to drive a vehicle then you are putting yourself and others at risk.
There are also some strange ways to get a DUI and in some cases you will be surprised that such an offense can come from the use of a supposedly harmless product. Good examples of this are cough syrups and cold medicines. However, it is logical if you think about it since they do have alcohol as an ingredient and if you take too much then it is possible for your BAC to be above the legal limit.
Should you be arrested for DUI the consequences you face for it depending on the state you are in as rules vary but they also have some in common such as fines, suspension and restrictions on your license, probation and in some cases jail time.
If is also worth noting that if you are arrested for a DUI you are most likely in for a surprise with your insurance premiums. When you are convicted, you will have to file an SR-22, and your insurance may elect to drop you. Additionally, you have instantly become harder to insure. You are a bigger risk for the company so you will have to pay higher premiums and most likely a higher deductible.
This information is provided solely for informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice.
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