Drugs and alcohol can often put you on the path to many bad decisions and costly mistakes. One of the worst decisions you can make while under the influence of drugs or alcohol is to get the behind of the wheel or the car. Other than being selfish and reckless, getting caught in this act will likely land you in the local jail with a charge of driving under the influence (DUI.) A DUI can be a complicated charge, so let’s look more into DUIs including what they are, the penalties for DUI, and what to do if you are charged with a DUI thanks to Matthew Martin.
So, What is a DUI?
DUI is an abbreviation for driving under the influence. Driving under the influence is the crime of operating a motor vehicle while you are intoxicated or impaired from drugs or alcohol. Many people may have one drink then drive or take one prescription pill then drive. This does not necessarily constitute a DUI. A DUI is typically charged when a person exceeds certain legal parameters such as having a certain blood-alcohol level, or if they are deemed incapable of operating a motor vehicle due to intoxication.
What Are the Penalties for DUI?
The penalties for DUI will depend on your level of impairment, your state or local jurisdiction’s guidelines, your previous criminal history, and the judge’s judgement. These factors may also influence whether you are charged with a misdemeanor DUI or a felony DUI. You could have 2 people receive a DUI on the same night, in the same jurisdiction and receive different penalties. Typical penalties for DUI include:
- Jail Time
- Revocation of license and driving privileges
- Fines
- Community Service
- Drug and Alcohol Courses and Counseling
- Mandatory attendance of 12-step programs
What to Do when Charged with DUI
A DUI can be affect nearly every part of your life from your career to relationships with friends and families. There are some things you can do to help a DUI charge not take over your life such as:
- Hiring an attorney
- Completing all penalties, fines, and court requests within allotted timeframes
- Showing up for all court dates
- Seek counseling or help if you feel you may have a drug or alcohol problem
Being charged with DUI is a terrible penalty and charge but it does not have to take over your life. Take the courts advice, and actively participate in any penalties and fines to make your DUI charge a terrible mistake and nothing more.
