A considerable number of serious accidents and traffic deaths are the result of drivers being intoxicated by alcohol or drugs. This has driven all 50 states to establish laws regarding drivers who operate vehicles under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol. In a number of states, violation of such laws is referred to as DUI, or Driving Under The Influence. Other states call this violation as DWI, which stands for Driving While Intoxicated. This article will show you some information and tips on how to handle drunk driving situations.
Understand DUI
DWI and DUI laws throughout the United States are becoming stricter because of the extreme dangers involved. What alcohol does is thwart brain function by acting as a depressant. This means that, you may not be able to notice someone crossing the road right away, when it should be easy if you were sober. Alcohol in your system makes you have a distorted sensation of how you are moving as well. When you drink and drive, you are not only putting yourself at risk but you are also risking other people s lives.
Understand DUI Laws
In some cases, a first time offender may not get the maximum penalty permissible under the law. A judge can utilize some discretion when sentencing offenders, particularly if the accused pleads guilty and shows remorse for his or her doings. Oftentimes, a first conviction could result in a revoked driver s license for up to 12 months, a hefty fine or community service, and numerous penalty points when you eventually regain your driving rights. More severe penalties could include court ordered alcohol rehabilitation, prison time and a lifetime suspension of your driver s license.
If You Are Stopped And Questioned By An Officer
If you happen to be driving back home under the influence and an officer stops you, you should be prepared for the evidence that may be used against you. There will be 4 major groupings of evidence that will likely be used against you: physical appearance, driving pattern, chemical test of blood or breath, and field sobriety tests.
Once you notice an officer trying to stop you, remember the way you respond will be carefully observed. Acting erratically and things like throwing out an empty beer bottle or can can put you in worse trouble. The best thing you can do in this scenario is simply putting on your signal when you are being pulled over and park properly without hitting the curb if you can help it. This shows you are still alert. When the officer approaches and you know you will need to take some tests, be as honest as possible. That s really all you can do.
Some Tips And Advice If You Are Arrested
Know that you have constitutional rights. Based on how much alcohol you say to have consumed, your admission alone may constitute probable cause to arrest you and conduct a breathalyzer test on you. You may ask to be represented by counsel, but this varies from state to state. In most cases, you are not allowed to demand your attorney to be present prior to submitting to a breathalyzer.
For legal advice, speak with an attorney. It would be advisable to consult an attorney who specializes in drunk driving defense law. This is even more pertinent if you have had prior impaired driving convictions.
Discover more tips about DUI laws at http://www.dui888.com.
Author Resource:-
Roger Thompson writes articles about DUI laws. His writings will surely provide you with the best tips on DUI Laws. It can help you not just save your self from prison but also save your life. Read his brilliant articles at http://www.dui888.com.
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