DUI 101: DUI Crime in the United States
It's safe to say that most police, judges and American citizens recognize the consequences of DUI arrest and take America's DUI laws seriously. Nationwide, police have stepped up their enforcement efforts to reduce DUI crime.
The ramped-up enforcement of DUI crime is apparently working - there's been a nationwide decline in alcohol-related traffic deaths (crashes involving a driver with a blood alcohol concentration [BAC] of .08% or greater). In fact, alcohol-related traffic deaths were down 3.7% in 2007, according to the National Center for Statistics and Analysis (NCSA).
Although alcohol-related traffic deaths are down, most people agree that one death or injury from a DUI crime is considered one too many. Driving under the influence may also lead to injury to the driver and/or others, property damage and loss of the driver's job, among other things.
Legal Consequences of DUI Crime
A DUI crime is a serious legal offense. States intentionally have tough DUI consequences in an effort to deter drinking and driving. They may include: loss of license; substantial fines; mandatory counseling; probation; installation of an ignition interlock device; seizure of vehicle; and/or jail time.
The severity of your DUI penalty may depend on a variety of factors, including:
- which state you were arrested in (state laws differ);
- whether your BAC was higher than a certain level (it varies by state);
- whether you have been previously convicted of drinking and driving;
- whether you caused a DUI accident;
- whether you're an underage driver;
- whether you had a child in the car; and/or
- whether you had other passengers in the car.
The consequences for committing a DUI crime are hefty and may greatly affect your life. However, it's important to know that an arrest for a DUI crime doesn't always lead to a DUI conviction or DUI sentence. A DUI attorney can help you fight your case.
Who's Working To Reduce DUI Crime?
DUI crime is an important societal issue to many people in this country, including legislators who work to develop new DUI legislation. The laws constantly evolve to ensure they stay relevant in fighting DUI crime.
Non-profit groups like Mother's Against Drunk Driving (MADD) also contribute to creating new laws to fight DUI crime. MADD often pushes for stricter DUI legislation. They're also notorious for launching aggressive campaigns to give attention to DUI crime and its consequences.
Other Resources for DUI Crime
Connect with a local DUI lawyer today by filing out our free form or by calling (877) 349-1311.
