Today it seems that you hear the abbreviation constantly. DUI task forces are constantly on the news. However, not everyone understands the basics of a DUI are or even what DUI stands for.
Basically, the abbreviation DUI stands for "driving under the influence." Typically, this means that someone has gotten behind the wheel of a motor vehicle and has driven while being under the influence of either drugs or alcohol. Each state has different requirements regarding DUI's, but in all of them driving under the influence of a substance is illegal.
When you are 21 or older consuming alcohol is legal, yet driving when your blood/alcohol content is above the limit is not. This also includes illegal drugs (which is a crime itself) but also includes prescription medication as well.
There are many police officers who are on the look -out for those who may be driving under the influence. They often drive erratically drawing attention to themselves. The reason for this is a person's focus and reaction time is greatly diminished.
When a law enforcement officer pulls someone over with the suspicion that it may be a DUI, they will begin by questioning the driver as to whether they are under the influence of anything. After that, it is normal for the officer to complete a field sobriety test with the driver. This is where they will test your coordination and physical reactions like walking on a straight line or standing on one foot while touching your nose with each hand. After that, if the suspicion is still fairly high that this is a case of DUI the officer may request a more specific test like a breathalyzer or even a blood test to check what your blood levels are.
Again, rules vary from state to state, but most of the time the driver under suspicion is able to decide which type of advanced test they would like to take. However, each state also has "implied consent." This means that when you get your driver's license, you have given your consent to be tested if your well-being is under suspicion. The logic here is that driving is a privilege and a responsibility. If you are driving under the influence, you are putting both yourself and the others on the road at risk.
Each state has its own punishments for DUI offenses. The most common consequences to be expected are jail time, community service, fines, probation or a suspended license. The severity of the consequences will depend on just how severe the crime was. For example, if your blood levels were way over the legal limit or if it is not a first offense then you can safely assume that your punishment will be more severe than for a lesser infraction.
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