Driving under the influence of an impairing substance is illegal in the United States. According to 2008 statistics released by the Department of Transportation (DOT), there are over two hundred ten million licensed drivers in the U.S. Drinking and driving is lethal and irresponsible and anyone who consumes alcohol should have the commonsense and rationale to make other plans for getting around after they have consumed alcohol.

• Having a child in the car while driving under the influence.
• Speeding in excess of 20 mph over the legal limit while intoxicated.
• Driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) over .20%.
• Refusing to submit to a chemical test (blood, breath, or urine) when suspected of DUI / DWI.
• Causing an accident, injury, or property damage while driving under the influence.
• Driving while intoxicated and under 21 years of age.
• Having prior DUI-related convictions.

Every state has different laws when it comes to DUI. The only law that is the same in all 50 states is the legal limit for blood alcohol concentration. The legal BAC limit across the nation is under .08%. Anyone who is caught driving with a BAC of 0.08% or higher will be charged with DUI, DWI, DWII, OWI,or OMVI. The actual classification may vary from state to state but the penalties are similarly severe and restrictive across the nation for anyone caught operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated. Additionally, 45 states have laws that require individuals found guilty of DUI to install an ignition interlock device in their car. This device will only permit the vehicle to start after the driver gives a breath test. The rest of the laws vary depending on each state’s legislation but they all have severe penalties. Some states allow prior convictions from other jurisdictions to apply making the defendant a repeat offender and there by subject to stricter penalties.

The moment someone operates a motor vehicle while inebriated, he/she is putting innocent lives at risk and posing a threat to everyone on the roadways. If you are injured by a drunk driver, you have a civil right to pursue compensation for your suffering. Many people considered DUI one of the most intolerable crimes because it is so preventable and reckless. Do not allow a careless and irresponsible driver to get away without paying you the compensation you deserve. If you are a drunk driving victim, employ a professional and experienced drunk driving attorney to represent and defend your rights under the law.