Being convicted of a DUI or DWI whether it is alcohol or drugs has a negative impact on the rest of your life and potentially others as well. Your license is in jeopardy, your job or livelihood may be in jeopardy, future housing or rental applications could be in jeopardy. In addition, you will likely be required to pay a great deal of money (were talking thousands) in counseling sessions, fines or fees, ignition interlock devices (that’s right, the state makes you pay for it), and perhaps additional monies towards any personal injury suits or damage that may have been caused as a result of being under the influence. The higher your blood alcohol content (BAC) or if you are a repeat offender all these offenses are the least of your problem. Generally, a repeat offender’s biggest problem is likely jail time. Of course there are other things that are associated with a DUI or DWI such as the prevention of future employment, higher insurance rates, serious financial issues, a large smudge on your driving record, and of course potential embarrassment for the rest of your life for having a conviction on your legal records.
Nearly all States have a legal driving limit the BAC of .08%. For commercial drivers its half of that usually at 0.04%. Of course, for those under the age of 21 ALL States have zero tolerance limit. Therefore, any alcohol in your system = you getting a DUI or DWI charge. If you are ever in a situation where you have been charged with a DUI or DWI you should follow the tips on this website that are available in another article. However, we would like to inform you now that you should always be wary of offers by police officers of a free alcohol or drug tests, in fact be wary of any thing “Free” related to a DUI or DWI charge. The only thing free that officers will give is a free ride to jail. In addition, the best thing you can do is to not admit anything to Officers and immediately exercise your 5th Amendment Right to Counsel, and to remain silent until you receive such counsel. Always remember that the Police Officers are not on your side. They are the party attempting to convict you of any potential wrong doing that you may have done. Politely refuse to answer any questions that might implicate you and asking for counsel are some of the best ways to protect yourself and allows your future attorney to have better leverage in asking for a plea deal or defending you.
If you want additional specific information on the types of DUI penalties a person with a DUI may face check out our article!
If you want information on what exactly to do when pulled over while drinking under the influence check out our step by step guide created by our attorneys on what to do!
