Drunk Driving Charges Lawyers
Will a Drunk Driving Conviction Go on My Record?
Yes. Drunk driving is not a mere traffic citation; it is a criminal offense. A drunk driving conviction will go on your criminal record.
What Will I Be Charged With?
When you are pulled over for drunk driving, there are a number of different crimes you can be charged with. Most states will charge you with a DUI (driving under the influence). However, under some circumstances, your charge may be reduced to a lesser crime. Each state has a different set of possible charges:
California
- Driving Under the Influence (DUI): Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or Driving with a blood alcohol level of 0.08% or more
- Reduced Charge of Reckless Driving: Driving vehicle in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property
- Reduced Charge of Wet Reckless Driving: Reckless driving involving alcohol
Florida
- Driving Under the Influence (DUI): Driving under the influence of alcoholic beverages or other chemical or controlled substance, when affected to the extent that the person's normal faculties are impaired, or driving with a blood alcohol level of 0.08% or more
- Driving with an Unlawful Blood Alcohol Level (DUBAL): Driving with a blood alcohol level of 0.08% or more
Illinois
- Driving Under the Influence (DUI): Driving with blood alcohol level of 0.08% or more
New York
- Driving While Intoxicated (DWI): Driving under the impairment of alcohol or other substance, or driving with blood alcohol level of .08% or more
- Driving With Ability Impaired (DWAI): Driving with blood alcohol level greater than 0.06% but less than 0.10%
Texas
- Driving While Intoxicated (DWI): Driving while mental or physical faculties are impaired by alcohol or drugs, or Having a blood alcohol level of 0.08% or more
Other states charge drunk drivers with the offense of Operating Under the Influence (OUI) or Operating While Intoxicated (OWI).
What Can You Do if You Are Arrested for Drunk Driving?
If you are arrested for drunk driving, you should speak to a criminal defense lawyer immediately to learn more about your rights, your defenses and the complicated legal system.
What if I Am a Victim of a Drunk Driving Accident?
If you are a victim of a drunk driving accident, you should speak to a personal injury lawyer immediately to learn how to get compensation for your injuries.
Consult a Lawyer - Present Your Case Now!
Last Modified: 03-18-2010 12:03 PM PDT
