Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal and dangerous. The risk of being involved in an accident is high, and it’s not just the potential for physical injury that you should be concerned about. In addition to the criminal justice system, there are other consequences of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs that you should know about.
What Is A DUI?
Driving under the influence (DUI) is a criminal offense in the United States and most countries worldwide. DUI is defined in several ways. In some states, it refers to operating a vehicle with any amount of alcohol in one’s blood or breath. In other states and jurisdictions, driving while intoxicated can refer to driving with a Blood Alcohol concentration (BAC) between 0.08% and 0.15%. However, while most people assume it is primarily related to alcohol, it covers any substance that can alter your perception and cause danger to yourself and other road users. Driving under the influence has become more dangerous in recent years, with more attention given to drug-impaired driving and distracted driving.
Alcohol is a drug that affects the brain’s ability to process information and can make people more prone to dangerous decisions like driving under the influence. Driving while intoxicated or under the influence of drugs is dangerous and can lead to deadly consequences. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), alcohol is the leading cause of fatal crashes in which one driver was killed. It will always be treated as a crime, and as such, those found guilty will face severe repercussions in a court of law.
What Are The Consequences Of Driving Under The Influence?
Driving under the influence might seem like an innocent mistake. After all, you’re not trying to hurt yourself or others. However, this seemingly small action can have serious consequences. The consequences can be severe, like losing your license, paying a fine, or having a criminal record. In fact, this DUI Attorney in Phoenix, AZ, states that being charged with a felony can be one of the most daunting experiences of your life, which is why you will typically need an excellent lawyer to represent you. With that in mind, in any case of a felony charge, it is vital that you immediately seek professional legal help.
You Could Cause Injury Or Death
The first and most profound reason you should never drive while intoxicated is that you have an increased chance of causing injury or death. This refers to you and others as you will not have complete control of your vehicle. Aside from the legal ramifications, you will have to live with this fact for the rest of your life, and you might also face civil action.
Jail Time
Driving under the influence is a dangerous decision that can lead to catastrophic consequences. If you cause a severe accident or death due to being under the influence, there is a high possibility that it could result in jail time. It will vary depending on where you are in the country and which jurisdiction you are in. Nevertheless, you can be assured that every jurisdiction takes DUI very seriously, and most people view those convicted of a DUI with disdain.
Loss Of Respect
As previously mentioned, most regard those convicted of a DUI offense as criminals, and you can expect to be treated as such. This can range from losing the respect of your family and friends to even losing your job.
Loss Of License
You will almost certainly lose the right to drive, at least for a certain amount of time. This can be debilitating if you live in an area without access to decent public transport, but you can count yourself lucky if this is the worst punishment you received.
A Monetary Fine
You will likely be fined a specific amount if you are caught driving under the influence and are a first-time offender. This amount will vary and be decided by the state legislature. Repeat offenders will usually face more severe punishments ranging from increasing fines to jail time.
You Might Have A Criminal Record
If you end up in prison due to your DUI, you will almost certainly have a criminal record that will stay with you for a long time. In some jurisdictions, you might even get a record even if you receive the lightest punishment.
Because of how laws are applied, depending on various factors, the legal consequences associated with driving under the influence can vary greatly. Nevertheless, your primary reason to avoid DUI should be to prevent the chance of destroying your or sometime else’s life.
