Driving under the influence can mean driving under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or both types of substances. No matter what type of substance is used in an offense, driving under the influence can cause serious injuries and property damage. In most states, DUI (or DWI as it is called in some states) is a misdemeanor charge. But, this can change if aggravating factors are present or if you've had multiple convictions within a specific time period. Aggravating factors can include injuries or property damage caused by DUI accidents, having a child in the vehicle while the offense is being committed, or having a blood alcohol level that is considered extremely high. Being knowledgeable about the consequences of DUI accidents can help you to better understand DUI law and perhaps help you avoid serious criminal charges.

Bodily Injuries - In many states, special provisions exist in the DUI laws that allow judges to impose harsher penalties if you've caused bodily injuries as a result of a DUI accident. These bodily injuries are often serious and can include broken bones, collapsed lungs, and even paralysis in the more serious accidents. These increased penalties make it possible for you to receive longer jail terms, increased fines, longer probationary periods, longer license suspension or revocation periods, and increased requirements for insurance and alcohol treatment and evaluation. These increased penalties are in place to deter drivers from driving under the influence and keep the roads safer from DUI accidents.

Fatalities - Some states have provisions that allow prosecutors to charge drivers with vehicular manslaughter and driving under the influence if any fatalities occur as a result of an accident caused by a driver charged with DUI. Many factors can influence how a DUI offense is charged including blood alcohol concentration levels, other crimes committed during the same offense, number of prior DUI convictions, etc.

Criminal Charges - If you are arrested for DUI, you will be charged with driving under the influence. This is a criminal offense and you will need to go through a criminal trial where a prosecutor will attempt to show that you are guilty of the crime. If you are convicted, you can face a number of penalties that vary from state to state and may also be dependent upon any special circumstances regarding your case.

Administrative Penalties - When you're arrested for driving under the influence, you'll experience administrative penalties through your state driver licensing agency. Some states offer a hearing process that may allow you to get your license back until your trial, but this can be a difficult task to accomplish. Hiring a qualified lawyer who specializes in DUI cases may be your only chance for getting your license back if that's even an option in your state. A skilled attorney can represent you during administrative proceedings and speak on your behalf, possibly minimizing your penalties.

Criminal Penalties - The criminal penalties for driving under the influence can vary quite a bit from one state to another. Most states can impose penalties that include jail time, fines, court costs, probation, suspension or revocation of driving privileges, ignition interlock device installation, alcohol and drug education programs, and additional insurance requirements for DUI offenders. These penalties are imposed based on many factors including prior convictions, aggravating circumstances, and other information from each individual case. Some states are stricter than others when it comes to imposing penalties for driving under the influence. A first offense in one state may get an offender some community service time, a license suspension, and mandatory participation in an alcohol education program while a first offender in another state may spend several days in jail, have a longer license suspension, and have to attend more alcohol education classes. The hashness of penalties for driving under the influence begin at the first offense and escalate if you accumulate additional convictions.

DUI Attorneys - Hiring a lawyer who specializes in DUI cases is one of the best things you can do if you have been charged with driving under the influence. You’ll have better access to the resources you need to defend yourself and you’ll also have a legal professional on your side that can help you prepare for your criminal trial. No case is ever a sure thing, but having a DUI lawyer on your side is one of the best ways to achieve a successful outcome.