If you were to ask a random individual for the definition of a DUI, they will more than likely respond by saying that it is a person driving while under the influence of alcohol. That answer is actually incorrect. There have been a great number of people who have been charged for a DUI without even consuming an alcoholic beverage.
Definition of a DUI
It is a sad case that even if you only had one sip of alcohol and decided to get behind the steering wheel of a motor vehicle, you can still be pulled over by a police officer, charged for driving under the influence, and arrested. DUI arrests happen often, but are not always for an individual drinking an alcoholic beverage. The term “DUI” means “driving under the influence.” This means that the substances that you could have been under the influence from vary from alcohol, drugs, and other things.
Consequences of a DUI
You may have inexpensive consequences, depending on the facts for your case. People that have been charged with a DUI for the first time will more than likely have to pay a fine as their consequence. Some drivers are required by the court to have a device placed in their motor vehicle for a certain period of time to determine if you should operate it or not.
The more times that a person receives a DUI, the larger the fines that are associated with the crime. There is a chance that a person may even face time in jail and will not be able to get out on bail.
When a police officer pulls you over for a potential DUI, they will more than likely ask you to step out of the vehicle to take a field sobriety test. The field sobriety test might require you to do an array of weird things such as trying to walk in a straight line or having to recite the alphabet backwards. The police officer also has a device that is called a breathalyzer. The police officer will ask the defendant to blow in the device and it will let them know what the defendant’s blood level is. If the breathalyzer shows that your blood level was over the legal limit, the police will put you in the back of their car, placing you under arrest for driving while under the influence.
Contact an Attorney
If you or someone you know is arrested for a DUI, contact a lawyer, like a DUI lawyer from The Lynch Law Group, to ensure you have representation.