DUI Arrest Information
A DUI arrest, which happens to those driving under the influence of an intoxicating drug, is known by many names depending on the state: DWI, or driving while intoxicated; OUI, or operating under the influence; and OWI, or operating while intoxicated. Regardless of the name, being arrested on a DUI charge can lead to prison or jail time, fines, license sanctions and driving restrictions.
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Blood Alcohol Content
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Depending on which state the driver is in upon arrest, a DUI can be issued if the driver's blood alcohol content, or BAC, is over a certain percentage, such as .15 to .18 percent. However, most states arrest drivers with blood alcohol content over .08 percent. According to the website AboutDUI.org, two-thirds of accidents with alcohol-related fatalities are caused by drivers with a .15 percent or higher blood alcohol content.
Legal Penalties
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A DUI arrest results in immediate penalties, which vary by states, as drivers often spend a night in jail, have their license suspended for 30 days and face 60 days of driving restrictions. These penalties are enforced in all U.S. states, while many western countries are equally harsh. Penalties are examined annually, according to AboutDUI.org, with state legislators seeming to grow more strict every year. The website D-U-I.org states that a DUI arrest can also result in fines, community service requirements and probation. In some cases, drivers with a DUI conviction will be asked to attend DUI school or educational programs. Offenders with multiple arrests and convictions face stiffer sentences and may be forced to use an ignition lock.
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Other Consequences
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The website D-U-I.org states that a DUI arrest can lead to increased auto insurance rates and even cause problems obtaining some jobs.
Extreme DUI
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An "extreme DUI" is given when a driver has a blood alcohol content of .20 percent, which is more than twice the legal limit in most states. Unlike a regular DUI, extreme DUIs can result in a longer jail sentence and more stringent license sanctions. The website AboutDUI.org states that extreme DUIs can result in a minimum of 10 days in jail. Drivers arrested with an extreme DUI are considered dangerous, but they can have their sentences lowered if they complete an alcohol treatment program or educational course.
Less Safe and Per Se Violations
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Most U.S. states will distinguish between a "less safe" DUI offense and a "per se" DUI. A less safe DUI is given when a driver was impaired by alcohol, but only in the sense that they were less safe on the road. A per se DUI, or "drunk driving," is given to a driver with a blood alcohol content over the legal limit, even if the amount of alcohol did not cause the driver to drive unsafely.
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References
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