DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE (DUI/DWI)/DRUNK DRIVING

Driving under the Influence is defined as operating a motor vehicle while impaired by alcohol, other drugs or intoxicating compounds. In most states a driver is legally considered to be under the influence if he or she has a blood-alcohol content (BAC) of .08 percent or greater, has used any illegal substance, or is impaired by medication. A driver's BAC is based on the ratio of alcohol to blood or breath. However, an individual showing alcohol levels between .05 and .08 percent may be convicted of DUI if additional evidence determines that the driver was impaired.

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The effect of alcohol on an individual is determined primarily by two factors: the amount of alcohol consumed and the rate at which it is absorbed by the body. Other contributing factors include gender, body weight, alcohol tolerance, mood, environment and the amount of food consumed.

From the first drink, alcohol affects coordination and judgment. Even with a BAC well below .08 percent, a person's reaction time slows. The risk of being in a crash begins to increase between a BAC of .04 and .05 percent and increases rapidly thereafter. By the time a driver reaches a BAC of .06 percent, he/she is twice as likely to be involved in a fatal crash as a non-drinking driver. By the time a driver reaches a BAC of .08 percent, he/she is 11 times more likely to be killed in a single-vehicle crash than a non-drinking driver.

The only way to rid the body of alcohol is time. Fresh air, coffee, showers and food cannot help a person sober up. It takes about one hour for the body to metabolize one drink. Each of the following has a comparable amount of alcohol and counts as one drink: one 12-ounce mug of beer, one 5-ounce glass of wine or a one 1.5-ounce shot of hard liquor.

If you or someone you know is being accused of DUI or drunk driving, you or that person may be potentially facing:

Incarceration
Probation
Parole
Permanent loss or suspension of driver's license
Court enforced counseling
Impound of vehicle and loss of insurance
Other sentences and/or fines

The outcome of your case will depend not only on the legal ability of your attorney but also on external factors such us your criminal record (prior convictions), current criminal status (parole or probation), and the jury feelings and thoughts towards these types of crimes among many others.

On the other hand, important factors such as insufficient evidence or claiming insanity might be part of an effective criminal defense strategy.

Since the outcome of DUI or drunk driving cases could be life changing, choosing an attorney requires you to be well informed and advised. To help you make the right decision, our service can provide you with important background information that includes attorney's ratings, records, and certifications.

We can refer you to a pre-screened criminal defense attorney with experience in DUI related cases. If you already have a criminal lawyer in mind click here for a complimentary criminal attorney background check.

This web site is been designed to provide educational information only and is not intended to offer legal advice. Every case is unique and outcomes will vary depending upon the facts and legal issues of your case. Please do not make any decisions about any legal matter without consulting with an attorney first. There is no Attorney-Client relationship formed by any use of the information provided. For more information please read our disclaimer.