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Dui Dwi - An Overview

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Even though there are thousands of people killed every year by people who drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol, it still happens on a daily basis in the United States. Even though there are now tougher regulations, it doesn't seem to stop people from getting behind the wheel after they have been drinking or doing drugs. Now, if a driver kills someone while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, he or she can be charged with manslaughter and face many years in jail.

Driving while intoxicated (DWI) and driving under the influence (DUI) both mean basically the same thing, but the term DUI can refer to drivers under the influence of any drug and not just alcohol. You can be charged with DUI if you have any trace of any inhibiting drug in your system at the time that you are pulled over. Many drugs even those prescribed by a doctor can impair your judgment, making it hard to make split second decisions while driving. That is why there are so many accidents every year that are caused by people who are under the influence of either drugs or alcohol.

There are a variety of punishments for people who are convicted of DUI or DWI. Every case is different because they all vary in severity. If the drunk driver was pulled over and never crashed into anyone or anything, he or she will probably only face fines and probation. However, if he or she caused an accident while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, he can face much harsher punishments. Often, the driver will have to spend at least some time in jail, and could even be charged with manslaughter, if someone died as a result of the crash.

Another thing to consider is the level of drugs or alcohol the person had in their system at the time of the arrest. If a driver is just barely over the legal limit and is being pulled over on a routine traffic stop, he or she might be able to get off with the lightest punishments. However, if the driver is well over the limit, they will have to pay much steeper fines, and will possibly even have their license revoked.

You should never drink and drive. If you are planning on drinking alcohol over the course of an evening, be sure to have a way to get home or to wherever you need to be. Have a designated driver, call a taxi, take the subway, or ride a bus, just don't get behind the wheel of a vehicle after you have been drinking. You will be putting your own life in danger, and you will be endangering the lives of everyone on the road. Even if you don't cause yourself or anyone else physical harm, if you are caught, the consequences can be life changing. No one wants to have a criminal record, pay heavy fines, or do jail time.

If you do make the mistake of drinking and driving, know that you still have rights. Law enforcement officials have to abide by a set of rules to ensure that you are being treated fairly. The best way to ensure that your rights get protected and that your best interests are looked out for is to hire a DWI or DUI attorney. They know all the details of every DWI/DUI law in your home state, and will fight to make sure your rights are secure.