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A Guide to a DUI Conviction

A Guide to a DUI Conviction
Definition of DUI Conviction

When a person is convicted for DUI violations, it means that the accused person is found guilty of violating applicable DUI laws. In the United States, every state and the District of Columbia has laws in place that makes it illegal for any person to operate a motor vehicle while intoxicated or under the influence of a controlled substance. 

DUI Sentencing Process

In regards to alcohol, the general rule for a DUI conviction is related to the blood alcohol content of the person accused. Generally speaking, the maximum BAC level allowed by law is 0.08%, though certain states may impose more strict limits.

When a person is pulled over and the person is determined to have a BAC level above 0.08%, that person will be arrested and stand trial for a DUI violation. If that person is found guilty of breaking the state's DUI laws, that person will have a DUI conviction. 

Intoxicants Relevant to DUI Convictions

DUI convictions will not always involve the presence of alcohol. Illegal drugs or controlled substances and even some types of legal prescription drugs may also lead to a DUI conviction. However, the tests for the presence of these kinds of substances will prove to be harder to administer and can take various forms. 

For alcohol, the most common test is the Breathalyzer test, which is often the main source of evidence that renders a DUI conviction. In the case of illegal drugs, the tests are more heavily weighted, even though there are no general limits in place by law. Typically speaking, if these tests can prove that there is a presence of particular substance in a person, it can lead to a DUI conviction.

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