Drunk Driving has been a problem for a long time in the United States. Every year, thousands of people are killed in motor vehicle accidents that involve drunk driving.
Other words that most people are familiar with that relate to the problem of Drinking and Driving are DUI (Driving Under the Influence) and DWI (Driving While Intoxicated). In many states these two terms mean the same thing. They are used interchangeably. In some states DUI and DWI are used a little differently, but however they are used, DUI Penalties and consequences are a serious matter.
If you are stopped by the police and placed under arrest on DUI charges, two of the main things that will probably be used against you as evidence are breathalyzer and blood tests. Many people think that a breathalyzer and BAC (blood alcohol content) are the same thing. The truth is there is a very important difference. A breathalyzer does not read your BAC. A breathalyzer estimates it.
You may ask, “What exactly is a breathalyzer?” It is a breath analyzer. A breathalyzer is a device that is used to estimate your (BAC) from a breath sample. Breathalyzers can detect and measure your current alcohol levels. You blow into a breathalyzer and the results are given as a number. This is known as the Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC). This shows the level of alcohol in your blood at the time the test is taken. (Check out our BAC Calculator for a demonstration of how BAC works.)
It is extremely important to remember that a breathalyzer estimates rather than reads your BAC. You may ask, “But what does this difference really mean to me and my DUI arrest?” This means that breathalyzer test results are far from being 100% certain and can often be challenged in court.
There are several problems with breathalyzers that can result in an inaccurate estimation of your BAC. Some of these are:
It is interesting to note that urine tests also make estimations on an assumed ratio of 1.3:1. This is a ratio that may not apply to every person.
So, what does this mean to you if you are facing DUI Charges? If your DUI arrest was made and your DUI charges issued based on a breathalyzer or urine test, a good DUI Lawyer may be able to help you challenge the results of these tests.
The other main evidence that will probably be used against you for DUI charges is blood tests. Blood tests are the most accurate method of determining your BAC. This usually involves blood being drawn from you by a doctor or other qualified medical professional. This is typically done when you are taken to the police station after a DUI Arrest.
Once again, there are three ways of determining your blood alcohol content (BAC). These are by breath (breathalyzer), urine or blood tests. The most accurate is a blood test. The least accurate is a urine test. Thus, if you are given a choice as to which test you would like to take, a blood test is probably the wisest choice if you are sure that you are sober. A urine test, which as the least accurate is easiest to challenge, would be the right choice if you believe your BAC is above the legal limit.
Facing DUI charges and DUI Penalties is a serious matter. Your DUI defense is not something that you can handle by yourself. You are going to need the help of an attorney.
Who is the right attorney for you? Choosing the right DUI Lawyer may be one of the most important decisions you will ever make. General or family attorneys are great, but are they the right ones in this type of case?
You need a lawyer who handles drunk driving cases. You need a DUI lawyer who specializes in this type of case.
A determined DUI Attorney may be able to minimize the fines and damages you face. An established DUI lawyer may even be able to have the DUI charges against you dropped.
The penalties and consequences of a DUI arrest and conviction can last for the rest of your life. You are going to need a DUI Defense that is provided by a DUI lawyer who knows and is experienced in dealing with DUI charges, DUI laws and DUI penalties and consequences.
Teenagers and a DUI in New York
It is illegal in most states for minors to be partaking of alcohol, marijuana, and other controlled substances, and to drive while doing so puts them in double jeopardy. Yet, teenagers are doing so at alarming regularity. Some studies show that 70 percent...
MT Department of Justice Employee Accused of Second DUI in State Vehicle - KECI-TV - 3/12/2010
Why Fight Your California DUI? - JD Supra (press release) - 3/11/2010
STATE v. BURKHART - Leagle.com - 3/11/2010
DUIFinder.com Launches National Directory of DUI Attorneys - BigNews.biz (press release) - 3/9/2010
Letter: Stick with what you know - Mercury-Register - 3/9/2010
=== More DUI News ===