Avoiding Dui Cases By Imposing Penalties To Drivers

In every state, including California, it is considered as illegal for drivers to drive while they are impaired by drugs or alcohol. Certain penalties are imposed on people who are found guilty of such offense. Terms that are often used in these cases include:

Driving under the influence (DUI)

Operating under the influence (OUI)

Driving while intoxicated (DWI)

Operating a motor vehicle intoxicated (OMVI)

Whatever term is used, the laws pertaining to DUI make it illegal for drivers to operate a motorcycle, truck, car, or a commercial vehicle if:

The driver is currently intoxicated at a level that is above recognized by DUI standards, like blood-alcohol concentration (BAC).

The drivers capacity in driving a vehicle is impaired by the effects of a substance he or she has taken like illegal drugs, alcohol, prescribed medicines, or over-the counter medicines.

Administering Field Sobriety Tests

A field sobriety test is a technique that is used to test if a driver is intoxicated. A law enforcement officer will just ask the driver to undergo physical alertness exercises. A police officer may ask the driver to:

Recite the alphabet- The driver may be asked recite the alphabet, sometimes even backwards. Signs that are observed include loss of concentration, skipping letters, and slurred speech. However, this method may not be mostly accurate. It may also be inappropriate if the drivers main language is not English.

Walk a line- A driver may be required walk a straight line on an even and flat surface, within a safe distance from moving vehicles. Signs of impairment that may be shown by the driver include walking even before the instructions are over, staggering or swaying, and using his or arms for balance.

Other kinds of tests include horizontal gaze nystagmus, standing with the use of one leg, finger to nose, and counting.

DUI Penalties in California

Conviction for a DUI offense in California carries strict penalties. The punishment that will be given to a guilty driver may vary because of the involvement of aggravating factors. These factors include a child passenger, occurrence of accidents, and driving on a suspended or restricted license, among others.

Aside from aggravating factors, DUI penalties also vary because it corresponds to how many times the offense was done. Everyone should remember that penalties and punishments may be different in every county.

Here are some examples of minimum DUI punishments and penalties for first time DUI offenders:

Court probation that will last from three to five years

A fine that will include court fees and costs of about $1400 to $1800

Loss of California Driver License for six months

DUI school

Compulsory jail time

A person who was accused of DUI may need the help of a skilled defense attorney because money and time in prison are at stake. An attorney who has skills in handling DUI cases will assess all evidence to make sure that the rights of the defendant are protected.