DUI & DWI Law Center

If you are stopped for a suspected DUI, know your rights and obligations.

The penalties for a DUI conviction vary widely, from fines and jail time to license revocation and more.

Police errors may occur in making a DUI stop, performing tests, or analyzing driver behavior.

Most jurisdictions define a handful of other laws that relate to the possession and consumption of alcohol.

Frequently Asked Questions View More FAQs ›
Popular Topics
  • How BAC Levels Affect DUI Cases
    Every state imposes a blood alcohol content limit of 0.08 percent for operating a motor vehicle, while commercial drivers and people under drinking age are subject to lower limits.
  • Refusing a Field Sobriety Test
    A police officer may ask a driver suspected of driving while intoxicated to engage in field sobriety tests, but in most states, these tests are voluntary, and you have a right to refuse to participate.
  • Public Intoxication
    Public intoxication, or appearing drunk and disorderly in public, is a misdemeanor in most states. While fines or probation may result from a conviction, jail time is unlikely.
  • License Suspension/Revocation
    Your driver’s license can be suspended or revoked as a penalty for a DUI arrest, a DUI conviction, or a refusal to submit to blood alcohol testing.
  • Repeat DUI Offenses
    Most states impose increasingly harsh penalties on subsequent DUI/DWI convictions, such as imprisonment, large fines, and suspension or revocation of one’s driver’s license. Depending on the state, other additional penalties may be imposed, as well.
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