A DUI charge is definitely confusing because there are actually multiple things that you could be charged with when you get a DUI. it’s very important that you take the time to read through all of the available information online so you know what exactly you are charged with and what your rights are.

Depending on the jurisdiction, this criminal offense may also be referred to as driving while intoxicated ( DWI ), driving while impaired (also DWI ), operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated ( OWI ) or operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated ( OMVI ).

DUI charges are usually based on a person’s BAC or blood alcohol concentration and may be determined by the administering of a breath, blood or urine test (which is usually conducted if drugs are suspected).

There are 2 main things you need to be concerned with about your DUI charge.  The first is the criminal charge and the second is the actions the DMV will take against your license due to your DUI offense.  Understand that they are 2 separate charges and you need to deal with each and not just the criminal dui charge.

If convicted you will also be required to get what’s known as an sr22 insurance policy as a condition for the DMV to reinstate your drivers license.  SR22 insurance policies are simply high risk auto insurance policies that cost alot of money.  There are alot of bad deals out there when it comes to sr22 insurance policies so you’ll want to be careful of the small companies that prey on people that get DUI offenses.

The penalties for DUI / DAI / DWI convictions vary according to many factors, depending on the blood alcohol level, the number of prior convictions, the age of the accused (in the case of underage drinking), and the status of the driver’s license at the time of the arrest. And can include a combination of:

Suspension of driver’s license
Revocation of driver’s license
Probation
Community service
Seizure of your vehicle
High risk insurance requirement
Fines
jail time
Suspension of your license plates
Mandatory alcohol education programs
Installation of an ignition interlock system on your car
Criminal record
CRN evaluation

A DUI conviction may also carry indirect penalties, such as increased automobile insurance rates and limitations on future employment opportunities. Of course, employment opportunities may be naturally limited by the transportation problems created by a DUI license suspension, but increasingly the conviction itself may preclude work in certain fields or with certain companies.The powerful lobby of organizations like MADD bringing constant publicity to the issue, and the growing ease with which employers can conduct criminal background checks, that impact is spreading beyond fields directly requiring a clean driving record.