It seems like these days almost everyone knows someone who has been arrested for a DUI. The surprising thing is that despite the commonality of the phrase there is a lot of misunderstanding regarding what a DUI actually is.
The abbreviation DUI stands for “Driving Under the Influence.” More commonly, people refer to it as drunk driving. However, that is not necessarily an appropriate meaning because a DUI does not simply refer to alcohol which drunk driving implies. A DUI can actually refer to alcohol, but also other drugs legal and illicit. Additionally, people may thing that you can only get a DUI while driving a car, but that is not true. In fact, a DUI can be given for those driving cars, motorcycles, boats, trucks, and even planes.
Since a DUI is treated in the same manner as any other criminal offense, the consequences are also more severe. The reasoning behind this is that before you can get a driver’s license that you have to pass the written test and part of that is proving knowledge of what driving under the influence entails. In addition, if you are caught and charged with a DUI then you not only put yourself at risk, but also everyone else on the road.
Typically, a DUI is determined by your Blood Alcohol Content or BAC. However, that is not the only way that you can be convicted of a DUI. The legal limits vary from state to state so you need to be sure that you are aware of what your local limits are.
If you go behind the wheel of a car be sure you know what other things fall under the DUI category. It is not alcohol alone but also illegal drugs and many prescription ones that warn of “operating machinery”. All can lead to a DUI conviction.
However, perhaps the oddest way that you can get a DUI is actually with something that seems nearly harmless. Cough syrups and cold medicines often have alcohol as an ingredient. If you take too much and then get on the road, your blood alcohol level might be above the legal limit.
Once you have been arrested for a DUI, you have a variety of consequences that you could be facing. Again, as each state has different rules you cannot expect the same consequences from state to state. However, some of the most common punishments include fines, license suspensions and restrictions, probation, and even jail time.
Finally, there is the consequence you don’t think of and that is your automobile insurance. If you are arrested for a DUI and convicted you will have to fill out an SR-22 form and your insurance company may opt to drop you and since you are now “high risk” you also face higher premiums and deductibles because you are considered high risk.
This information is provided solely for informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice.
For top quality information on Maine DUI laws, please visit this site which has very good help with DUI laws in Maine.
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