What Is the Charge for a DUI?
DUI is the abbreviation for "driving under the influence" of alcohol or drugs. A police officer will perform a roadside sobriety test, which are simple tests such as reciting the alphabet or following the tip of a pen if he believes a driver is impaired. If a driver fails these tests, he will be asked to go to the police station where a Blood Alcohol Concentration test (BAC) will be administered.
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Blood Alcohol Concentration Limits (BAC)
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The BAC limits for DUI vary in the different states; most states have a limit of 0.08 for drivers aged 21 and over and a limit of 0.02 for drivers under 21 years. Some states, including Massachusetts, however, have a zero tolerance law meaning no alcohol can be in a person's blood system while driving.
Criminal Court
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The convictions received for driving under the influence may also vary between states. A heavy fine is usually incurred--up to $1,000 in some states--as well as a possible jail term of up to six months for a first offense. This may depend on what the BAC was at the time of arrest and whether there are any previous convictions.
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Department of Motor Vehicles
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A state's department of motor vehicles can impose driving bans in addition to any criminal convictions imposed in court. This ban may last for 18 months for a first offense and may last for six years for a repeat offender. The DMV may also require drivers to attend substance abuse treatment programs before the license is returned.
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References
- Photo Credit beer in beer-mug image by Witold Krasowski from Fotolia.com
