You are driving home from a party, club or other social event. Suddenly you hear the siren. You look in your rearview mirror and see the flashing red lights. You pull over and stop your car wondering what you did wrong.
You put your window down as an officer steps up and says, "Sir, may I see your driver's license and proof of insurance?" You take out your wallet, pull out your driver's license and hand it to him. Then, you reach into your glove compartment and get your proof of insurance.
He says, "Sir, the reason I stopped you was because your car was weaving back and forth across the center line. Sir, I'm going to need you to step out of the car."
Once outside the car, the officer asks you to walk a straight line and breathe into a breathalyzer. The officer says, "Sir, because of the results of the breathalyzer, I'm going to have to arrest you for Driving Under the Influence."
You find yourself being placed in handcuffs and seated in the backseat of a police car. You are taken downtown and put in jail.
What has just taken place? What exactly has happened to you? How serious is this?
You have been arrested on DUI charges. DUI stands for, "driving under the influence." But, what is that? What does it mean? How is it defined?
Driving under the influence (DUI) is commonly called "Drunk Driving." It refers to operating a motor vehicle while your Blood Alcohol Content is above the legal limit set by statute. Your complete intoxication is not required for DUI charges to be brought against you. The level of alcohol or drugs in your body must simply be enough to prevent you from thinking clearly or driving safely. State laws specify the levels of blood alcohol content at which a person is presumed to be driving under the influence. State statutes vary from state to state as to what that level is, but it ranges from .08 to .10.
Driving on private property like a parking lot is no defense. Sitting in a non-moving vehicle without the ignition on probably is a defense, but it can sometimes result in a charge of "drunk in and about a vehicle".
Driving under the influence (DUI) is a misdemeanor. It is variously referred to as DUI, driving while intoxicated (DWI), drunk driving or a "deuce."
DUI charges are a serious matter. How you deal with DUI charges can potentially change your life forever. This means that the attorney you call to represent you may make all the difference in the world.
Make your one phone call count. Contact a DUI Lawyer today.
What happens in a DUI trial? Most DUI cases do not go very far in trial. Usually, a guilty verdict is made, and the case is turned over to sentencing. Other times, you might get a plea bargain with the prosecution, though these are rare in DUI cases. I...
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