Drunk Driving

Drunk Driving

Criminal Defense for DUI & DWI Charges

Every state in the U.S. has its own implementation of laws and penalties related to drunk driving. Depending on the jurisdiction, this criminal offense may be referred to as driving under the influence (DUI), driving while intoxicated or impaired (DWI), operating under the influence (OUI) or operating while intoxicated (OWI). Although it may be called different names, the crime is virtually the same from state to state. It involves driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. To further explain, a driver may be charged with a drunk driving offense for driving while with:

  • Abilities that are impaired by alcohol and/or a controlled substance; and/or
  • A blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08% or greater.

In some states, a driver may be charged with DUI for driving with any detectable amount of an illegal narcotic in his or her system. There are also usually different laws that apply to commercial drivers and drivers under the age of 21. A commercial driver, for example, may face DUI charges for driving with a BAC of .04% or greater. A driver under the age of 21 may be taken into custody and may face license suspension for driving with any amount of alcohol in his or her system.

Drunk Driving Defense: A Specialized Area of Law

Because drunk driving charges involve a specific type of evidence and proceedings, representing clients in the face of these charges may be considered a specialized area of law. In addition to having a thorough understanding of state laws pertaining to DUI, DWI or OUI, an attorney should know exactly how field sobriety tests, blood tests and breath tests should be administered, what faults they may have and how to challenge these inside and outside of the criminal courtroom. It is also helpful to work with a lawyer who knows how to handle administrative license suspension proceedings, which typically go along with criminal drunk driving charges.

Now is the time to learn more about drunk driving and your legal rights. Find a local DUI lawyer by clicking on any state listed below.