However, most states have programs available—such as diversions and first-offender programs—that can lessen the impact of a DUI arrest. And, in some cases, a driver who's charged with driving under the influence might have viable legal defenses. To ensure your rights are protected, it's always a good idea to talk with a qualified DUI attorney about your situation. In DUI cases, a key factor is also where the driver was operating the vehicle.

Laws.

In contrast with culpability studies, case control studies compare the prevalence of marijuana use among drivers injured or killed in traffic accidents with a control group of other drivers. The validity of these studies depends upon careful selection of an appropriate control group for comparison. For individuals who have previously been convicted of DUI, the legal consequences become progressively harsher with each subsequent offense. The law takes a firm stance against repeat offenders, recognizing the heightened risk they pose to public safety.

Impaired Driving Facts

In DUI cases that incur higher costs, you could be looking at financial losses in excess of $20,000. Keep in mind that we are talking about first-time offenses here; for second and third offenses, the cost of a DUI conviction is likely to be at least double that figure. Plus, this calculation does not take into account the financial consequences of lost productivity, time spent off work, medical costs, compensation and money spent on alternative means of transportation. Take our free, 5-minute alcohol addiction self-assessment below if you think you or someone you love might be struggling with alcohol misuse.

The Impact of Drunk Driving

You may experience some loss of judgement after just two drinks, while significant impaired judgment occurs at a BAC of .08%. You may also experience a decline in consequences of driving drunk include: your self-control and reasoning at this level of intoxication. At this point, limited coordination and balance make it difficult to maintain a safe position in your lane.

Risk Factors

• In most jurisdictions, an individual who is getting a first-time DUI will most likely be charged with a misdemeanor.
• An individual who is operating a motor vehicle under the influence of other drugs, including over-the-counter drugs, prescription drugs, and even illicit drugs, can be charged with this offense.
• In this way, a DUI conviction can cause people to not only lose their specific jobs, but also their livelihoods—at least temporarily.
• Most states give some leeway for a first offense and allow it to be charged as a misdemeanor, but they take drunk driving seriously and impose significant penalties for multiple convictions and when aggravating factors are present.
• Mothers Against Drunk Driving® (MADD) wants to remind everyone of the heightened risk of impaired driving this Halloween, a holiday that ranks among...

In certain cases, the offender’s vehicle may be impounded or even forfeited to the state. If an individual is arrested for a DUI-type offense while their driving privileges have been suspended or restricted, they may be charged with higher-level offenses. The trend in numerous states is also to charge individuals with multiple DUI offenses with felony convictions after they have been arrested many times for DUIs or similar offenses (most often, three times or more). Thus, in many states, after an individual has two (or three) DUI convictions on their record, any subsequent arrests for DUIs are felony convictions. Deaths and injuries are the most severe outcomes of drinking and driving, but these aren’t the only potential consequences.