Open Container Laws

Having an open container of alcohol in your car while you're driving is against the law. Depending on the state you reside, and whether or not this is your first offense will determine if the crime is a felony or misdemeanor. If you're stopped by the police for a traffic offense, and the officer sees the container in plain sight, that gives him/her probable cause to ascertain whether or not you're driving under the influence. You can expect the officer to give you a field sobriety test and a Breathalyzer test. If you're not intoxicated in the officer's opinion, you will be cited for the open container and have to pay a fine; the amount of the fine depends upon your past arrest record. If you're a "habitual offender," the fine will be higher. Play it safe - keep the open container out of your reach in the trunk. Better still, don't have any open containers in the car, and don't allow any passengers to do so.

The Far Reaching Consequences of Drunk Driving

Some consequences of drunk driving are more obvious than others. Most people are aware that you will have your license suspended for a certain period of time. Many are also aware that a certain amount of jail time may be a consequence of drunk driving (depending on how many offenses you have). What fewer people take into account when thinking of the consequences of drunk driving, however, is the future.

Did you know that on every future job application you fill out you will have to disclose your DUI conviction? An offense like a DUI speaks volumes about your character and many potential employers will take such charges seriously. Think about that.

What Is California Vehicle Code 23152?

California Vehicle Code 23152 states that a misdemeanor violation of California DUI law is defined as an incident with no personal injury or property damage. This is an excellent example of how vague some DUI laws can be. Could you be charged with a felony California DUI if your car bends a tree in a public park? Or leaves a dent in a telephone pole? Under the strictest interpretation of the law, yes. Can a California DUI lawyer argue against this in court? Yes.

A Wobbler and My DUI Bail

A DUI arrest may be termed a wobbler, meaning the case may be charged as either a felony or misdemeanor. These cases may require a bail hearing, which means the offender will spend some time in jail before going in for the hearing. Some violations of DUI laws may stipulate no bail is allowed, or a bail that is higher than the offender can afford to pay. In these violations, the best thing the offender can do is contact a good lawyer, patiently do the jail time, and prepare his or her defense.

If I Posted Bail, Do I Need to Appear in Court?

Did you know that some state DUI laws stipulate that bail forfeiture is equal to a conviction? These laws are spelled out for specific circumstances. If you post bail in a DUI or DWI case, but are required by the court to report, it is absolutely imperative that you show up for all court dates and hearings. Three strikes laws may not apply to your initial charges if they don't meet state criteria, but increased penalties and new charges can result if you ignore court orders to appear.

Did you know that in some cases your lawyer may be able to appear in court on your behalf? This can allow you to legally be in two places at once, for purposes of the hearing or court date. Ask your DUI lawyer or legal counsel in your state if your circumstances allow this. Regardless, you are required to comply with all court orders or requirements to remain in a particular area if such restrictions apply to your case.

Penalties Mandated in the State of Ohio DUI Laws

The following are the penalties as mandated by the State of Ohio DUI laws. There are separate stages involved for repeat offenses:

1st Offense:
• Administrative License Suspension (ALS) for a prohibited BAC
• ALS for test refusal = one year license suspension
• Jail - Minimum of three consecutive days or 3-day driver intervention program
• Fine - Minimum $200 and not more than $1,000
• Court License Suspension - 6 months to 3 years

2nd Offense:
• ALS for one year for a prohibited BAC
• ALS for test refusal = two year license suspension
• Jail - Minimum of 10 consecutive days or five days jail + minimum 18 consecutive days or
• Electronically monitored house arrest combined, not to exceed 6 months
• Fine - Minimum $300 and not more than $1,500
• Discretionary driver's intervention program
• Vehicle immobilization and plates impounded for 90 days
• Court License Suspension - 1 year to 5 years

These are just after two offenses. The penalties get greater the more offenses you have. As you can see, the penalties in State of Ohio DUI laws are severe, so be careful when choosing to drive and when to pass the keys to someone else.

Penalties Set by Virginia State Law for DUI

Virginia state law for DUI is very specific with regards to the penalties for first time DUI offenders. First offenses are met with a fine ranging from $250 to $2500. In addition to the fine, Virginia state law for DUI also states that you can serve up to 1 whole year for a first DUI offense. If your blood alcohol level is above .15%, you will also be forced to install a mandatory ignition interlock system in your car once your driver license is reinstated.

*These penalties for DUI set by Virginia state law may seem severe, however, DUI offenses are on the rise and the commonwealth must try to prevent more occurrences through its stiffer penalties. Virginia drivers, be smart and don't drive under the Influence!

How Can Three Strikes Affect Me?

Did you know that some states have a version of the three strikes state law that says a "one strike" repeat violator may be charged a double or greatly increased sentence on a current felony? This includes DUI state law violations that require felony convictions.

Some people mistakenly believe that this "double sentencing" issue applies only to violent offenses. Bottom line, those with violations already on the books should avoid putting themselves in situations where they find three strikes rules applicable.

Learning More About DUI Law

If you are looking to expand your knowledge of local DUI law, there are many available resources to help:

• The state that you live in should have a website that gives detailed information about your state's DUI law
• Use your local agencies
• Try contacting your sheriff's department or police station—officers will typically be happy to help
• Contact your local State's or District's Attorney office

Between all of these resources, you can easily learn more about DUI law.

California State Laws and DUI Offenses

The penalties in California state law for DUI vary according to the customs of the local jurisdiction. Generally speaking, a conviction for a first offense may involve a fine, a license suspension or restriction, attendance at a DUI education course for a period of time and probation for perhaps three years. A short jail sentence may or may not be required for a first offense but, for a second offense, it almost certainly will. Additional punishment may involve community service, ignition interlock devices, AA meetings and/or impounding of the vehicle.

*California state law and DUI charges are serious matters. If you are confronted with a DUI in the state of California, you should consult with a local attorney who specializes in DUI cases.

How Much is Too Much? Depends on Your State DUI Law

Were you half in the bag or only a quarter in the bag when you got pulled over? While all states have DUI laws, different state DUI laws define ‘drunk' in different parameters. Most people would be surprised to learn how much of a difference there truly is between a .06% blood alcohol level and a .10% blood alcohol level. What does your state DUI law consider drunk?

Once you know your state DUI law, there are legal ways to help you stay off the road if you are beyond the legal limit. Among the most popular is a personal breathalyzer test. These can let you know your BAC at any time. They are small and easy to carry around. If you like to have a good time out of the house, buy one of these from you're a local convenience store and keep it handy. They are fairly inexpensive and could save you from an extremely costly DUI charge.

Advances in science have made it easy to keep yourself from breaking your state DUI law. Take advantage of these advances and party safely.

Changes in Arizona State Law for DUI

Arizona state law for DUI is changing often. Recent changes should be taken note of by anyone with a driver's license. Among these changes were:

• An increase in the initial fine for 1st time DUI offenders from $450 to $950
• A DUI conviction when a driver has a blood alcohol content of 0.15 percent or above increases from $700 to $1,700
• A second-time offender will face a $1,250 surcharge on top of the other fines

As you can see, the fees set forth by Arizona state laws for DUI are high and only getting higher. Think of it this way—how much would a cab cost to take home from the bar? I bet it would be less than the $950 fine it would cost if you get behind the wheel after a long night.

*Do the math and make the right choice.

History of Illinois State DUI Law

Illinois has a long history behind their present DUI law. Illinois state DUI law started in 1958 when the first amount of blood alcohol content was identified as making on 'under the influence'. At that time, the blood alcohol level was .15%. Today, Illinois state DUI law mandates a blood alcohol level of .08% as making a person 'under the influence'. These are not the only changes that have occurred.

Original Illinois DUI law did not carry nearly as stiff a penalty as current Illinois state DUI law. Today, prison is definitely in the cards for a repeat DUI offender in Illinois—that was not always the case.

*Keep up with the state DUI laws so that you can always know your rights if you are ever stopped.

DUI Law - More than Just Your Car

Many people live under the impression that DUI law only covers transportation in a car or truck. What most do not know, however, is that you can be charged with DUI while operating many other types of vehicles, including:

• Boats
• Golf Carts
• 2-wheelers
• Bicycles

Remember, DUI laws extend past cars, trucks, and motorcycles, so be careful no matter how you are traveling. Any mode of transportation can be used as a weapon if operated incorrectly and/or under the influence.

Washington State DUI Law Gets Tougher

In 2003, Washington State expanded their DUI law to be even tougher on DUI offenders. Washington State DUI law mandates that drivers install ignition interlock devices on their cars if they have repeatedly been convicted of DUI. Furthermore, the penalties increase if you are driving drunk with children in the car.

Washington State DUI law is very strict. If you live in Washington State or will be visiting there, be extra careful with regard to Washington State DUI law. Drive carefully at all times and think twice before getting behind the wheel after a night out.

Beer, Wine, or Liquor - Are Any Safer to Avoid Violating Drunk Driving Law?

When it comes to drunk driving law and drinking in general, many people fall under the misconception that the kind of alcohol you consume makes a difference when it comes to drunk driving law. While different types of drinks contain different concentrations of alcohol, or what may be called "proofs", this matters not to the law.

Most hard liquors have a higher alcohol concentration than most wines, and most wines have a higher alcohol concentration than most beers (meaning that it may take "less" hard liquor and wine to become intoxicated). However, when it comes to drunk driving law, the alcohol concentration of a drink is not everything—you also have to consider the size of the drink that you are having. Therefore, a shot glass of hard liquor, which is usually only about 1-1/2 ounces of alcohol, may end up having the same effect as one five-ounce glass of wine or one twelve-ounce beer.

No matter what type of alcohol you consume, you are equally at risk of violating drunk driving law. Be smart, if you are going to drive, don't drink. And if you want to drink, get a designated driver who doesn't have to worry about breaking your state's drunk driving law.

DUI Law - Not Just for Cars Anymore

The scope of DUI law is ever-expanding to include modes of transportation other than a car. For example, in Michigan, being drunk while riding a snowmobile is grounds for a DUI arrest. In most states, DUI law now exists to deal with drinking while boating. In Texas, you can even be arrested for DUI if you are on water skis while intoxicated. Many college towns such as Gainesville, Florida even have laws regarding bicycling while under the influence.

No matter what your mode of transportation, double check your local laws before getting on your skateboard or your jetski. If you have been drinking, you may be subject to arrest under your state's DUI law.

The Out of State DUI Violation

If you are charged with a violation of California DUI law, but live in another state, you may not have your license confiscated by the California police officer. However, most states have some sort of reciprocity agreement by which you may be assessed points against your license or be charged according to the laws of your state.

The out-of-state nature of your case may complicate your defense options. Expect the state Department of Motor Vehicles where you got your license from to impose the appropriate measures.