Compared to legal contracts or many of the bills that move through congress, DUI laws can be pretty straight forward and easy to understand. The only trouble is that every state has its very own set of laws. Of course there are similarities between these laws, but it is the differences you have to watch out for.

For example, there are a couple states that permit passengers to consume alcohol in the car as long as the driver abstains from drinking. But, if someone used to those laws is pulled over in one of the 43 states that don’t permit passenger alcohol consumption, they will end up in trouble. There are other differences too. For example, some states don’t even refer to drunk driving as DUI. The offense is also known as operating under the influence (OUI), driving while ability impaired (DWAI), operating while intoxicated (OWI), operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated (OMVI), driving while impaired (DWI) and more. As you can see, something as small as the names used for drunk driving can be a little confusing.

Of course, you should be familiar with DUI laws before you even start operating motor vehicles, but familiarity may not be enough to keep yourself out of trouble if you are pulled over for driving under the influence. Whether your arrest in such a case is justified or not, a good DUI lawyer can help you face the charges placed at your door.

With their extensive knowledge of DUI laws and potential weaknesses in evidence like chemical tests, physical appearance, driving patters and field sobriety test, DUI lawyers show your jury the reasons you shouldn’t be convicted. To make this battle possible though, you will have to appeal to the DMV for a trail shortly after your DUI arrest. Your grace period for requesting the trial is usually about ten days.

Breaking DUI laws often leads to inconvenient and serious consequences. For example, conviction may lead to things like license suspension, community service, prison time, large fines, mandatory traffic school attendance or lock-ignition devices in your car. The more offenses you have, the harsher the punishment.

Driving is indeed a privilege, but the older you get, the more it becomes a mandatory part of your day. For example, just imagine how hard it would be to reach the office or run errands with just your feet or a bike to get you there. So, either keep all DUI laws to perfection or hire someone who can help minimize your consequences.