DUI Laws Tips


DUI Laws Tips has been rated 3.2 out of 5 based on 1363 ratings and 3 user reviews.

Open Container Laws



How Can Three Strikes Affect Me?

Did you know that some states have a version of the three strikes state law that says a "one strike" repeat violator may be charged a double or greatly increased sentence on a current felony? This includes DUI state law violations that require felony convictions.

Some people mistakenly believe that this "double sentencing" issue applies only to violent offenses. Bottom line, those with violations already on the books should avoid putting themselves in situations where they find three strikes rules applicable.

What does "wet reckless" mean?

What Does "Wet Reckless" Mean?



What are the consequences of drunk driving?

The Far Reaching Consequences of Drunk Driving

Some consequences of drunk driving are more obvious than others. Most people are aware that you will have your license suspended for a certain period of time. Many are also aware that a certain amount of jail time may be a consequence of drunk driving (depending on how many offenses you have). What fewer people take into account when thinking of the consequences of drunk driving, however, is the future.

Did you know that on every future job application you fill out you will have to disclose your DUI conviction? An offense like a DUI speaks volumes about your character and many potential employers will take such charges seriously. Think about that.

What are the penalties for DUI in Ohio?

Penalties Mandated in the State of Ohio DUI Laws

The following are the penalties as mandated by the State of Ohio DUI laws. There are separate stages involved for repeat offenses:

1st Offense:
• Administrative License Suspension (ALS) for a prohibited BAC
• ALS for test refusal = one year license suspension
• Fine - Minimum $200 and not more than $1,000
• Court License Suspension - 6 months to 3 years

2nd Offense:
• ALS for one year for a prohibited BAC
• ALS for test refusal = two year license suspension
• Jail - Minimum of 10 consecutive days or five days jail + minimum 18 consecutive days or
• Electronically monitored house arrest combined, not to exceed 6 months
• Fine - Minimum $300 and not more than $1,500
• Discretionary driver's intervention program
• Vehicle immobilization and plates impounded for 90 days
• Court License Suspension - 1 year to 5 years

These are just after two offenses. The penalties get greater the more offenses you have. As you can see, the penalties in State of Ohio DUI laws are severe, so be careful when choosing to drive and when to pass the keys to someone else.

What is California Vehicle Code 23152?

What Is California Vehicle Code 23152?

California Vehicle Code 23152 states that a misdemeanor violation of California DUI law is defined as an incident with no personal injury or property damage. This is an excellent example of how vague some DUI laws can be. Could you be charged with a felony California DUI if your car bends a tree in a public park? Or leaves a dent in a telephone pole? Under the strictest interpretation of the law, yes. Can a California DUI lawyer argue against this in court? Yes.

What are the Washington state DUI laws?

Washington State DUI Law Gets Tougher



What happens if I forfeit bail?

If I Posted Bail, Do I Need to Appear in Court?

Did you know that some state DUI laws stipulate that bail forfeiture is equal to a conviction? These laws are spelled out for specific circumstances. If you post bail in a DUI or DWI case, but are required by the court to report, it is absolutely imperative that you show up for all court dates and hearings. Three strikes laws may not apply to your initial charges if they don't meet state criteria, but increased penalties and new charges can result if you ignore court orders to appear.

Did you know that in some cases your lawyer may be able to appear in court on your behalf? This can allow you to legally be in two places at once, for purposes of the hearing or court date. Ask your DUI lawyer or legal counsel in your state if your circumstances allow this. Regardless, you are required to comply with all court orders or requirements to remain in a particular area if such restrictions apply to your case.

How can I learn more about DUI law?

Learning More About DUI Law


• Use your local agencies
• Contact your local State's or District's Attorney office



Three Strikes?

Did you know that many states allow DUI arrests even if your blood alcohol content is below the legal limit? If you find yourself in danger of falling under three strikes because of a DUI or other violation connected with alcohol, it is vital to secure the services of an experienced DUI attorney right away. Your only hope of avoiding conviction and federal jail time under three strikes may be resting on a technicality or point of law only an experienced DUI attorney can argue.


Underage Drinking And Driving

California DUI law and other state DUI laws now feature a a zero-tolerance policy for underage drinking and driving. While some mistakenly believe that you need a 0.08 blood alcohol level to be charged under DUI or DWI law, the rules are much different for minors. In some states, a blood alcohol concentration of 0.02 is enough to be charged if you are underage. Don't risk tangling with DUI state laws.

Have there been any changes in Arizona state law for DUI?

Changes in Arizona State Law for DUI

Arizona state law for DUI is changing often. Recent changes should be taken note of by anyone with a driver's license. Among these changes were:

• An increase in the initial fine for 1st time DUI offenders from $450 to $950
• A DUI conviction when a driver has a blood alcohol content of 0.15 percent or above increases from $700 to $1,700

As you can see, the fees set forth by Arizona state laws for DUI are high and only getting higher. Think of it this way—how much would a cab cost to take home from the bar? I bet it would be less than the $950 fine it would cost if you get behind the wheel after a long night.

*Do the math and make the right choice.

Is DUI law exclusive to cars, trucks, and motorcycles?

DUI Law - More than Just Your Car

Many people live under the impression that DUI law only covers transportation in a car or truck. What most do not know, however, is that you can be charged with DUI while operating many other types of vehicles, including:

• Boats
• Golf Carts
• 2-wheelers
• Bicycles

Remember, DUI laws extend past cars, trucks, and motorcycles, so be careful no matter how you are traveling. Any mode of transportation can be used as a weapon if operated incorrectly and/or under the influence.


Out of State Representation

In many cases, those out-of-state residents charged with a violation of state DUI laws may have their DUI or DWI cases represented for them by an in-state lawyer. The lawyer will have to demonstrate that it is "inconvenient" for you to be present based on your residency status in another state. Most lawyers can and do represent such cases without the defendant present.

Can different types of alcohol make a difference in drunk driving char

Beer, Wine, or Liquor - Are Any Safer to Avoid Violating Drunk Driving Law?

When it comes to drunk driving law and drinking in general, many people fall under the misconception that the kind of alcohol you consume makes a difference when it comes to drunk driving law. While different types of drinks contain different concentrations of alcohol, or what may be called "proofs", this matters not to the law.

Most hard liquors have a higher alcohol concentration than most wines, and most wines have a higher alcohol concentration than most beers (meaning that it may take "less" hard liquor and wine to become intoxicated). However, when it comes to drunk driving law, the alcohol concentration of a drink is not everything—you also have to consider the size of the drink that you are having. Therefore, a shot glass of hard liquor, which is usually only about 1-1/2 ounces of alcohol, may end up having the same effect as one five-ounce glass of wine or one twelve-ounce beer.

No matter what type of alcohol you consume, you are equally at risk of violating drunk driving law. Be smart, if you are going to drive, don't drink. And if you want to drink, get a designated driver who doesn't have to worry about breaking your state's drunk driving law.

How can I find my state DUI law?

How Much is Too Much? Depends on Your State DUI Law

Were you half in the bag or only a quarter in the bag when you got pulled over? While all states have DUI laws, different state DUI laws define ‘drunk' in different parameters. Most people would be surprised to learn how much of a difference there truly is between a .06% blood alcohol level and a .10% blood alcohol level. What does your state DUI law consider drunk?

Once you know your state DUI law, there are legal ways to help you stay off the road if you are beyond the legal limit. Among the most popular is a personal breathalyzer test. These can let you know your BAC at any time. They are small and easy to carry around. If you like to have a good time out of the house, buy one of these from you're a local convenience store and keep it handy. They are fairly inexpensive and could save you from an extremely costly DUI charge.

Advances in science have made it easy to keep yourself from breaking your state DUI law. Take advantage of these advances and party safely.

Does drunk driving law change often?

Changes to Drunk Driving Law

Changes can occur with any laws or statutes, changes can often occur. Each year, states vote to make changes to their drunk driving laws which will affect every citizen in the state. It is important to keep up with changes to your local drunk driving law. In case you ever find yourself in this terrible situation:

• Know your rights under the law
• Keep up with local drunk driving law through the Internet or your local newspaper
• If you think there have been changes to your state's drunk driving laws but are not sure, contact your legislature
• You can also contact groups such as MADD who track changes in drunk driving law across the country

Stay informed about drunk driving laws and protect your rights!


Upping the Ante For Multiple Convictions


What are the California state laws for DUI?

California State Laws and DUI Offenses



When did Illinois state DUI law come into effect?

History of Illinois State DUI Law

Illinois has a long history behind their present DUI law. Illinois state DUI law started in 1958 when the first amount of blood alcohol content was identified as making on 'under the influence'. At that time, the blood alcohol level was .15%. Today, Illinois state DUI law mandates a blood alcohol level of .08% as making a person 'under the influence'. These are not the only changes that have occurred.

Original Illinois DUI law did not carry nearly as stiff a penalty as current Illinois state DUI law. Today, prison is definitely in the cards for a repeat DUI offender in Illinois—that was not always the case.

*Keep up with the state DUI laws so that you can always know your rights if you are ever stopped.

Is DUI law mandated by the federal government or states?

DUI Law - Not Just for Cars Anymore




The Out of State DUI Violation

If you are charged with a violation of California DUI law, but live in another state, you may not have your license confiscated by the California police officer. However, most states have some sort of reciprocity agreement by which you may be assessed points against your license or be charged according to the laws of your state.

The out-of-state nature of your case may complicate your defense options. Expect the state Department of Motor Vehicles where you got your license from to impose the appropriate measures.

What are your right under drunk driving law?

Drunk Driving & Law Enforcement

Have you ever wondered whether drunk driving law was subjective in its application? Beyond the fact that different states have different drunk driving laws, can a drunk driving charge differ based on the officer that pulls you over? Many studies show that it can. Keeping this in mind can help if you are ever charged with a DUI.

Police and other law enforcement officers are trained on how to recognize drunk driving. The previously mentioned studies, however, suggest that sometimes officers see what they are trained to see instead of what is really happening. For example, officers administering field sobriety exercises are trained on what to look for in a drunk person. However, the observations that they associate with drunk driving may be the result of something wholly different. This means that two officers administering the same exercises to the same person may come to entirely different conclusions based on their training.

Are you sure that the officer who pulled you over acted in line with your state's drunk driving law? Consult with an attorney to make sure that you do not become the victim of an officer seeing what he expected instead of what really happened.

What are the penalties for violation of DUI law in Arizona?

DUI Law in Arizona

Don't be stupid and get a DUI in Arizona. Arizona DUI law has a national reputation as among the Nation's toughest:

• The legal limit for blood alcohol level is .08%
• A blood alcohol concentration of .150% or higher results in additional charges
• A first offense extreme DUI carries a minimum sentence of 30 days in jail
• If it is a 3rd offense or more within a 5 year period charges are more severe
• If there is a child in the car it is considered a felony

Every year the DUI laws in Arizona become more severe, either through judge-made case law, or through legislation promoted by groups such as MADD and prosecutors. If you are driving in Arizona, be aware of the local DUI laws.


Penalties Set by Virginia State Law for DUI




A Wobbler and My DUI Bail


Do I need a lawyer to help with DUI law?

DUI Law is for DUI Lawyers

Attorneys come in all shapes and sizes and with all sorts of specializations. If you are facing prosecution for violation of DUI law, find yourself a qualified DUI lawyer. These specific lawyers have experience with DUI law and will be able to represent you better than another type of lawyer.

If you had a heart problem, you would not go to a podiatrist, but rather to a cardiologist. They are both doctors, but specialization is the key. The same goes for choosing your lawyer. When it comes to DUI law, there are intricacies that are often only known by attorneys with actual DUI trial experience. Make sure that you choose a lawyer with good references and an extensive history of dealing with DUI law. You will be happy you did.


Guru Spotlight
Linda Handiak