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November 12, 2018

What is Driving Under the Influence?

If you are ever arrested for driving under the influence, you will need to fully understand not just the punishment that will come immediately following the DUI conviction, but the possible long-term impact on your life as well. In order to fully understand driving under the influence consequences, you need to understand what the law states regarding the definition of a DUI. The law has a specific definition in response to the question “What is driving under the influence?” According to transportation.gov, “In the United States, any person operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher is considered to be driving under the influence.” Many states impose harsher penalties on individuals who operate a motor vehicle with an extremely high BAC.

Driving Under The Influence Consequences

There are several consequences that you will have to face due to driving under the influence. These consequences can be extremely costly and time-consuming. Here are some of the results that may happen when you are suspected of driving under the influence:

  • Jail Time: When you are stopped for suspected drunk driving, you will be required to take a sobriety test. The most widely used test in the breath test. If you refuse the test or are found to have a BAC over the state limit, you will likely be taken into custody and transferred to the police station. You will be booked into jail and depending on the state’s laws, could face several days in jail.
  • Temporary License Suspension: You will lose your driving privileges. The period of your suspension will vary depending on the state laws where you are arrested.
  • Vehicle Impound: Your vehicle will likely be impounded and in order to get possession of it, you will have to prove ownership, provide the vehicle impound report, pay the impound fee, the towing fee, and the daily storage fee.
  • Appear in Court: You will be assigned a court date where your sentence will be decided. It is wise to seek legal counsel before the court date. In any criminal case, you have the right to a jury trial but once you are convicted, the punishment you receive is up to the judge.

If You Have Been Convicted

If convicted, your punishment will be set by the court. The severity of the punishment will be dependent upon the number of DUI convictions you have had in the past. Here are some of the punishments that the courts could impose:

  • Fines – In addition to jail sentences, courts can and do impose high fines for DUI or DWI. These range from $500 to as much as $2,000.
  • Suspend or revoke your license (Motor Vehicle Departments may do so even if the courts do not)
  • Mandatory participation in a drunk driver education program
  • Add points to your license (your insurance will increase)
  • Mandatory ignition interlock
  • The sentence you to serve jail time or community service
  • Put you on probation

If you have been arrested and charged with a DUI, you may be required to obtain an ignition interlock device in your vehicle. The device will help you determine your breath alcohol concentration and will lock your ignition if you are over a preset limit. This will ensure your safety and the safety of others.

If you are in need of an ignition interlock device, the qualified technicians at RoadGuard Interlock will install the interlock device and provide support to you. RoadGuard Interlock understands the importance of being able to drive. Contact us today and let us get you back in the driver’s seat. You can find an installation location here.

 

*Links to any third-party websites herein are provided for your reference and convenience only. RoadGuard Interlock did not create nor develop and does not own any such third-party websites. RoadGuard Interlock does not endorse nor support the content of, nor any opinions stated in any such third-party website links. RoadGuard Interlock is not responsible for the content of any third-party website or its accuracy or reliability. Nothing contained in this article or in any such third-party website shall be considered legal advice or be deemed to constitute legal advice. For any legal advice concerning a DUI arrest, charge, conviction, or consequences thereof, you should contact an attorney of your choice.