DUI Offenses

DUI Offenses

DUI OFFENSES

What Does “Drunk Driving” Mean?  Drunk driving means a person is driving an automobile after consuming alcoholic beverages to the extent that his/her ability to drive a motor vehicle is impaired. Drunk driving comes under various names or abbreviations depending on the particular state you are in. The most common names and abbreviations are: “Driving While Impaired” (DWI), “Driving Under the Influence” (DUI), or “Operating a motor vehicle while Under the Influence of intoxicating Liquor” (OUIL).

You Can Be Charged With Drunk Driving Even If Your Driving Is Perfect.  Most people charged with drunk driving argue that their driving was not bad. They often accuse the arresting officer of either making up an excuse to pull them over or that the so called “error” that the officer observed was incorrect or that it had nothing to do with their driving. Whatever the case maybe, if the driver’s blood alcohol content exceeds the “legal limit” of 0.08%, he/she can be charged and possibly convicted even if he/she does not feel that his/her driving is affected by the alcohol consumed.

Moreover, you may be stopped because there is a mechanical problem with your motor vehicle. In that process, if the officer determines you appear to be intoxicated with the usual signs such as: conspicuous odor of alcohol, slurred speech, glassy or bloodshot eyes, poor balance, clumsiness or lack of coordination, combativeness, difficulty comprehending instructions, and disorientation, he/she may investigate further.

For additional information on what happens during the investigation of a possible drunk driving case, and possible charges for drunk driving offenses, please call the offices of Okeke Law Firm, P.C. at 770-996-6003 or via cell phone number 404-403-4487.

Obvious Signs Suggesting To The Police That A Driver May Be Drunk May Be Any of The Following:  (1). Poor Driving Skills such as making wide turns, almost sticking another vehicle particularly, if it is parked or stopped, almost striking objects, braking erratically, or making sudden stops in the traffic lane, sudden acceleration or deceleration and/or driving very slowly.  (2) Lack of Coordination such as swerving, weaving or drifting, straddling the “fog line” or the “center line” of the road, slow response to traffic signals.  (3) Single Vehicle Accidents such as driving off the roadway, striking a stationary object or tree.  (4) Lack of Due Care such as following another car too closely, turning suddenly, driving with the headlights off, stopping inappropriately in the roadway or on the shoulder.  (5) Major Driver Errors such as driving the wrong way into opposing traffic, failure to stop for traffic signals, and making illegal turns.   

Very tired drivers can generally be differentiated from drivers who are drunk because drivers who are falling asleep tend to swerve in the same direction. For example, very tired drivers will consistently swerve in one direction as they fall asleep, suddenly wake up, and then straighten out their cars, but drunk drivers tend to swerve in both directions.

Self Representation Against Drunk Driving Charges.  Though you have the right to represent yourself against any criminal charges, but it is not a good idea to do so. Drunk driving may appear to be a relatively minor offense, but it is in fact one of the more complicated criminal charges for prosecutors to bring. There are many technical defenses that an attorney may be able to raise, to assist you either in avoiding conviction, negotiating a lesser charge, or in reducing the consequences of conviction.

For more information on defending against drunk driving charges, please contact the offices of Okeke Law Firm, P.C. at 770-996-6003 or via cell phone number 404-403-4487