DUI-DWI-OUI FAQ

DUI, DWI & OUI  LAWYER - Virginia, New York, North Carolina, Maryland & Massachusetts LAWYER

In Massachusetts, Maryland, New York, North Carolina, & Virginia, operating a motor vehicle after consuming alcohol or other drugs may result in being charged with drunk driving. Driving under the influence of alcohol, drunk driving, drinking and driving is commonly referred to as a DUI or DWI. OWI is operating while intoxicated. Depending on whether you have been charged in Virginia, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York or North Carolina, the charging document may refer to the charge as a DUI, DWI or OUI.  Another type of offense is a DUID.  DUID is driving under the influence of drug(s) or a combination of alcohol and drugs. Regardless of whether you have been charged with a DUI, DWI, OWI or DUID, the penalties are very serious in Virginia, Maryland, New York, North Carolina, & Massachusetts. The penalties you receive from the court is only the beginning. You stand to loose your job, pay an exorbitant rate for car insurance, loose your ability to drive either completely or have your driving privileges extremely restricted. The courts have had a lot of pressure put on them lately to not give any kind of break to those charged with an offense where alcohol and driving are involved. These laws apply not only to automobiles, but also to boats and aircraft as well.

The Law Offices of SRIS, P.C. has offices in Virginia, New York, North Carolina, Maryland & Massachusetts to better serve you.

If you wish to consult with one of our DUI/DWI/OUI/DUID lawyers in Virginia, Maryland, North Carolina, Massachusetts or New York, please free to call us or contact us via our on line form.

Driving while under the influence of alcohol goes under many names, including:

Driving under the influence (DUI)
Driving while intoxicated (DWI)
Operating under the influence (OUI)
Driving while impaired (DWI)
Drunk driving
Drunken driving
Driving under the influence of Drugs (DUID)

But no matter how you look at it, operating a car or motor vehicle while intoxicated is a very serious matter. Driving a car after drinking or taking drugs is one action you should NEVER attempt. Because once you get caught, you're in for a world of trouble.

Just as there are different names for driving while intoxicated, the laws in each state concerning DUI/DWI vary as well. However, there is one constant: It's not only illegal, but driving while alcohol impaired can cause serious injuries or death - and many times to innocent victims.

How Big A Problem Is DUI or DWI?

How Much Liquor Is Too Much? 

If You're Stopped for a DUI or DWI... 

If you're stopped by the police for suspicion of driving under the influence (DUI) or riving while drunk (DWI) you'll more than probably be asked to submit to a "breathalyzer" test.

The breathalyzer measures your Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) or Blood Alcohol Level (BAL). This is the amount of ethanol (alcohol) is in your system. BAC and BAL are scientifically measured, calculating the ratio of ethanol to blood within your system.

Taking The Breathalyzer Test For Suspicion of DWI / DUI

But please take heed - it's not only alcohol or illegal drugs that can get you charged with a drunk driving offense

If you're convicted of a DWI or DUI offense, the consequences aren't pretty. In most jurisdictions, there is a "step-up" method for determining what penalties will apply.

For a first time conviction, you'll be required to pay a hefty fine in many states and attendance of an alcohol safety action program (ASAP). Some even impose a minimum term of imprisonment. This is in addition to having your license suspended. For your second offense, many states increase the fines, length of imprisonment and/or term of license suspension.

If you've been convicted of Multiple DUI/DWI offenses, this may result in the total revocation or loss of your driver's license (even for life), long term incarceration, and some very serious fines. Additionally, a judge may order you to enter an alcohol or drug treatment and education program. Of course, if you seriously injure or kill another person while operating a vehicle under the influence, you may face additional serious criminal charges (such as vehicular manslaughter) and civil lawsuits.

Not only will you lose your freedom if you have multiple drunk driving offenses resulting in injury or death, but you stand a good chance of losing your assets as well.

Leniency for First Time DUI / DWI Offenses

If you've been charged with a DUI or DWI, it's both HIGHLY AND STRONGLY recommended you consult with an attorney! Even though it's not mandatory, the value of an experienced defense attorney for drunk driving or DWI offenses cannot be over estimated.

DWI/DUI laws are strictly enforced and an experienced DUI/DWI attorney can help protect your rights. In fact, some states require the police provide you with a list of local DUI/DWI defense lawyers.

Your chances of successfully making defense arguments or finding mistakes that may have been made in your arrest are much greater if you have an attorney assisting you. If you are faced with a DUI/DWI charge, a DUI lawyer is your best bet for avoiding or reducing the penalties or imprisonment you face.

At SRIS, P.C., we have some of the most qualified and talented DUI attorneys in the nation. Our DUI lawyers' job is to protect your rights.  If you've been arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, please make an appointment with one of our DUI attorneys in Virginia, Maryland, North Carolina, New York or Massachusetts. Don't wait until it's too late to mount a defense. DWI's and DUI's are nothing to fool around with. Get the best legal advice you can.

If you wish to learn more about DUI in New York, Virginia, Maryland, New York, North Carolina, or Massachusetts, please feel free to read our newsletter about about DUI or our primer on drunk driving.

The Massachusetts, New York, North Carolina, Maryland & Virginia DUI lawyers of SRIS, P.C. are ready to assist you if you have been charged with a DUI/DWI/OUI/DUID offense. Please feel free to call us or contact us via our on line form.

The Massachusetts, New York, North Carolina, Maryland & Virginia DUI defense attorneys and staff of SRIS, P.C. speak the following languages in addition to English: Arabic, Tamil, French, Spanish, Hindi, Telugu, Cantonese, Mandarin & Malaysian.

Our DUI lawyers who defend DUI cases are licensed to handle DUI/DWI/OUI/DUID cases in Virginia, Maryland, DC, New York, North Carolina & Massachusetts, however our lawyers DUI/DWI/OUI/DUID cases only in Virginia, New York, North Carolina, Maryland & Massachusetts at the present time.