What is a DUI?
A DUI stands for driving under the influence. A similar term is DWI which stands for driving while intoxicated or driving while impaired.
It is against the law to drive a vehicle while under the influence of drugs, alcohol or a combination of both. This means if you have had too much to drink, and your blood alcohol content (BAC) is 0.08 or higher, or you have any amount of a scheduled drug in your system without a valid prescription, you are in violation of the law. If you are under the age of 21 and have a BAC of 0.02 or higher, you have violated the law.
Sentencing guidelines for a DUI conviction may vary according to the level of BAC, drugs and whether or not you have a prior criminal history. Being convicted of a DUI may mean losing your driver’s license for up to 12 months or more, being handed mandatory jail time and being court-ordered to install an Ignition Interlock Device in your vehicles for 12 months.