What is DUI or driving under the influence?
DUI is commonly known as drunk driving. It means a person operating an automobile while the alcohol content in his blood go beyond the legal limit fixed by the law of state. If a person drives with a BAC above 0.08 he cannot drive his own vehicle safely leading to an accident. The legal alcohol limit in the blood varies in states and it ranges between 0.8 and 0.10. A person can drive his vehicle on private properties like parking lot and it is not considered as a crime. As with any lawsuit, a person who is charged with driving under the influence or driving while intoxicated is recognized innocent until he is proven guilty. The penalty will change as per the law and on aggravating circumstances once the guilt is established. A person may put in jail for drunk and drive or charged to pay a huge sum as fine. It depends on the circumstances and damages caused by the alcohol impaired driver.
Punishments and penalties of DUI
In most of the states, the first offense DUI is considered as misdemeanor and punishable. The alcohol impaired driver will be jailed for about six months. The jail time may get increased under particular circumstances. Many of the states require sentencing the impaired driver for a minimum period on the first offense. Courts can also impose high fines on a person along with jail sentences. One of the consequences charged by the court on a person who drives his vehicle under the alcohol influence is getting the driving license suspended for certain period. Most of the states suspend the license of first offender for about 90 days, the second for a year and so on. Even refusing to take urine, blood and breath test can also result in license suspension. Even there are some other forms of penalties such as sending people to alcohol preventing programs and let them undergo treatment for alcohol or drug abuse. The judge may suggest these steps to a person instead of paying fines or jail time. This is mostly recommended for the first offender. Judge may also combine this punishment with other penalties like taking part in a community service.
Consequences for young offenders
Most of the states form strict rules for the youngsters in driving. Being young can make the things worse. A minor who is below 21 years old should not drink alcohol and get beverages from shops. A youngster who is below 21 may get arrested if he drives the vehicle under the influence of drug or alcohol. Youngsters cannot get any advantages or breaks from the penalties and punishments. He or she need to face the consequences of DUI law cases. Some of the states punish underage drivers even on the lower BAC levels below than 0.08 percent. They should have a result of zero alcohol content in the blood. The law of the states may enforce adult sentences on underage drivers and the licenses of minors are suspended for about a year.
Punishments and penalties of DUI
In most of the states, the first offense DUI is considered as misdemeanor and punishable. The alcohol impaired driver will be jailed for about six months. The jail time may get increased under particular circumstances. Many of the states require sentencing the impaired driver for a minimum period on the first offense. Courts can also impose high fines on a person along with jail sentences. One of the consequences charged by the court on a person who drives his vehicle under the alcohol influence is getting the driving license suspended for certain period. Most of the states suspend the license of first offender for about 90 days, the second for a year and so on. Even refusing to take urine, blood and breath test can also result in license suspension. Even there are some other forms of penalties such as sending people to alcohol preventing programs and let them undergo treatment for alcohol or drug abuse. The judge may suggest these steps to a person instead of paying fines or jail time. This is mostly recommended for the first offender. Judge may also combine this punishment with other penalties like taking part in a community service.
Consequences for young offenders
Most of the states form strict rules for the youngsters in driving. Being young can make the things worse. A minor who is below 21 years old should not drink alcohol and get beverages from shops. A youngster who is below 21 may get arrested if he drives the vehicle under the influence of drug or alcohol. Youngsters cannot get any advantages or breaks from the penalties and punishments. He or she need to face the consequences of DUI law cases. Some of the states punish underage drivers even on the lower BAC levels below than 0.08 percent. They should have a result of zero alcohol content in the blood. The law of the states may enforce adult sentences on underage drivers and the licenses of minors are suspended for about a year.