DUI Terminology

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

BAC: BAC, short for Blood Alcohol Concentration or Blood Alcohol Content, refers to the amount of alcohol present in the bloodstream. It serves as the foundation for DUI laws across all states.

Breathalyzer/Breathalyser: A breathalyzer is a device used by law enforcement officers 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: DUI stands for Driving Under the Influence, which encompasses impairment caused by both alcohol and drugs, including legal prescription medications.

DWI: DWI stands for Driving While Intoxicated, and it includes impairment caused by both drugs and alcohol, including legal prescription drugs. DWI is often used interchangeably with DUI.

Field Sobriety Tests: Field sobriety tests are standardized tests conducted by police officers and state troopers to assess a driver’s physical and mental coordination as the initial step in identifying DUI. These tests include standing on one leg, the horizontal gaze nystagmus test, 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: An ignition interlock device is a device installed at the driver’s expense in their vehicle, featuring 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: Implied consent is a legal concept that states that all drivers, upon obtaining a driver’s license, automatically give their consent to undergo Blood Alcohol Concentration tests, including chemical and breath tests.

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

Probable Cause: Probable cause is the legal justification that a police officer has to stop a vehicle, potentially leading to questioning the driver and making an arrest. Without probable cause, any evidence against the driver is deemed inadmissible in court.

Sobriety Checkpoints: Sobriety checkpoints, also known as “safety checkpoints,” are roadblocks established by police or state troopers to target and identify drunk or impaired drivers.

DUI Information

Driving under the influence (DUI) is a serious offense in Pennsylvania, with life-altering consequences. The complex and ever-evolving DUI laws, coupled with the unique nature of each case, make this a matter of great importance. Convictions result in reinforced penalties with each update.

Determining a DUI offense relies 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 considered drunk drivers. Refusal to undergo these tests incurs separate charges and license suspension. Pennsylvania maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy for underage drinking, with minors (below 21 years old) falling into the drunk driver category at a BAC of 0.02 percent or higher.

Furthermore, multiple DUI offenses, DUI-related accidents, and BAC exceeding 0.10 percent lead to escalated penalties.

Securing the expertise of an experienced Butler PA DUI lawyer is crucial to navigate the intricacies of the laws as they apply to your unique circumstances. Promptly seeking legal representation following your arrest is imperative.

Discover comprehensive DUI information on the left-hand side of this website. If you have been charged with DUI, rely on the skills of a proficient and knowledgeable Butler PA criminal attorney. The Logue Criminal Defense team has substantial experience defending DUI cases. Serving Butler, PA, West Virginia, and Ohio, Logue Law Group is just a phone call away for a consultation: (844) PITT-DUI or (412) 389-0805. Alternatively, you may reach out to us online.