DUI Basics

DUI Basics to Know

The terms DUI or DWI are interchangeably used in the realm of criminal law. These two terms though refer to the criminal offense of driving or operating a vehicle while impaired or intoxicated. To the layman, DUI or DWI refers to driving while intoxicated by alcohol but this has since been expanded to include an individual that operates a motor vehicle that has ingested a drug, prescription or illegal and that such drug ingestion impairs one’s ability to drive a motor vehicle in the nation’s highways.

The chemical substance that falls within the said criminal offense has also been expanded. This is not just about alcohol anymore but such other substance that affects one’s mental and physical faculties to an extent that operating a vehicle presents a danger to the person behind the wheel and to others around them. These substances include prescription drugs sold over the counter or even drinks that have high caffeine content.

Under the law, the individual is considered under the influence or impaired if there is a drug or any substance that affects one’s physical faculties. There are active ingredients in the compound that slows down motor and neural functions that to a degree impairs an individual’s capacity in operating a vehicle. Without the ingestion of the substance, an individual is in complete control of their physical self.

Liability under DUI/DWI laws has many factors to consider. One of these factors is the BAC or the blood alcohol concentration. This is the body’s reaction to the substance ingested by measuring the proportion of the alcohol/drug present in the individual’s bloodstream. Measured in deciliters, if the amount of alcohol exceeds 0.08%, then an individual is liable for violation of current DUI statutes in California.

Though there may be small individual amounts ingested of the impairing substances, all these taken together can snowball into a BAC level well above the limit. The volatile mixtures include sedatives with alcohol and the like. Even those with acquired tolerances, when put together, the drugs and the alcohol can severely impair one’s hand to eye coordination. Furthermore, with the slower neural activity, decision-making is severely impaired thus setting up for very dangerous conditions on the road.

Driving under the influence or driving while impaired is a serious offense and as such, it is important to be properly advised and guided on the steps towards facing this kind of legal problem. If you are facing DUI charges, call a DUI Lawyer from the Law Offices of Ramiro J. Lluis for a free consultation today.