Drunk Driving Charges

Every state has laws designed to prevent motorists from driving while intoxicated / impaired / under the influence of alcohol and drugs. If you or a family member were charged with a DUI then you need to understand your options before taking next steps. You may defend yourself against your DUI charge, retain the services of the public defender (assuming you qualify financially), or hire a private attorney to represent you.

DUI / DWI / OWI Terminology

Your state may define your charge with one of many different acronyms. Most commonly, states refer to driving under the influence (DUI) but some states use other terminology:

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  (DUI) Driving Under the Influence

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  (DWI) Driving While Intoxicated

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  (OWI) Operating while impaired

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  (OVI) Operating a vehicle under the influence

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  (DWAI) Driving While Ability Impaired

Recreational drugs

Colorado, for example, limits the amount of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) that can be in blood to be prosecuted for a DUI. Even if the marijuana is prescribed by your doctor, over-consuming may impair your driving. Police can test your blood and determine the concentration of THC. If the THC level is beyond the acceptable threshold then you may be prosecuted.