DUI Terminology

Absorption Phase: During this period, which typically lasts between thirty minutes to three hours, the body fully absorbs alcohol.

BAC: An abbreviation for Blood Alcohol Concentration, also known as Blood Alcohol Content, it refers to the alcohol level in the bloodstream. BAC serves as the basis for DUI laws across all states.

Breathalyzer/Breathalyser: Law enforcement officers use this device to measure a driver’s Blood Alcohol Concentration. It can be a handheld device used at the scene or a stationary one used at a police station.

DUI: Short for Driving Under the Influence, this includes impairment caused by alcohol and drugs, even if the drugs are legal prescription medications.

DWI: An acronym for Driving While Intoxicated or impaired, which encompasses impairment caused by drugs and alcohol, including legal prescription drugs. DWI is often used interchangeably with DUI.

Field Sobriety Tests: These standardized tests, conducted by police officers and state troopers, assess a driver’s physical and mental coordination as the first step in identifying DUI. The tests include standing on one leg, the horizontal gaze nystagmus test (tracking a pen or object with the eyes only), walking in a straight line heel-to-toe, reciting the alphabet (sometimes in reverse), and touching one’s nose with the head tilted back.

Ignition Interlock Device/Vehicle Lock: This device, installed at the driver’s expense in their vehicle, features a built-in breathalyzer. If the breath test detects alcohol, it prevents the vehicle from starting. This device is also known as the “blow and go.”

Implied Consent: According to this legal concept, all drivers automatically provide consent to undergo Blood Alcohol Concentration tests, including chemical and breath tests, upon obtaining a driver’s license.

Occupational Limited License: Often referred to as the “bread and butter license” or simply OLL, this temporary license allows the holder to drive to and from work while their regular driver’s license is suspended due to a DUI.

Probable Cause: This is the legal justification that a police officer must possess to stop a vehicle, which may lead to questioning the driver and making an arrest. Without probable cause, any evidence against the driver is considered inadmissible in court.

Sobriety Checkpoints: Commonly referred to as “safety checkpoints,” are strategically implemented roadblocks by law enforcement agencies to specifically detect and apprehend drivers operating vehicles under the influence of alcohol or narcotics. These checkpoints serve as a systematic means to assess motorists for potential impairment while driving.

DUI Information

Driving under the influence (DUI) is a serious offense in Pennsylvania, with severe consequences that can have a lasting impact on lives. The ever-changing and intricate nature of DUI laws, combined with the unique circumstances of each case, magnify the gravity of the situation. Penalties for convictions are continuously strengthened with each revision, underscoring the importance of understanding the nuances of the law.

Determining the occurrence of a DUI is based on BAC (blood alcohol concentration) testing, which includes field sobriety tests and chemical tests of blood, breath, or urine. Adults with a BAC level above 0.08 percent are legally considered intoxicated drivers. Refusing to comply with any of these tests results in separate charges and license suspension. Pennsylvania follows a zero-tolerance policy for underage drinking, making minors (under 21 years old) with a BAC of 0.02 percent or higher subject to drunk driving penalties.

Furthermore, multiple DUI offenses, DUI-related accidents, and BAC levels exceeding 0.10 percent result in escalated penalties, with even more severe consequences.

Securing the services of an experienced Beaver DUI lawyer plays a vital role in navigating this complex terrain, as they possess the necessary knowledge of the laws and how they may apply to your specific situation. It is crucial to promptly seek legal representation following your arrest to ensure your rights are protected.

You will find comprehensive DUI information on the left-hand side of this website. If you are facing DUI charges, a skilled and knowledgeable Beaver criminal attorney is essential. The Logue Criminal Defense team has a wealth of experience in successfully defending DUI cases. Serving Beaver, West Virginia, and Ohio, Logue Law Group is just a phone call away for a confidential consultation: (844) PITT-DUI. Alternatively, you can reach out to us online.