DUI Terminology

Absorption Phase: This is the period of time, typically lasting between thirty minutes to three hours, during which the body completely absorbs alcohol.

BAC: Short for Blood Alcohol Concentration, also known as Blood Alcohol Content, it refers to the amount of alcohol present in the bloodstream. BAC serves as the foundation for DUI laws across all states.

Breathalyzer/Breathalyser: This device, employed by law enforcement officers, measures 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: An abbreviation for Driving Under the Influence, which includes both alcohol and drug impairment, even if the drugs are legal prescription medications.

DWI: Stands for Driving While Intoxicated or impaired, encompassing impairment caused by both drugs and alcohol, including legal prescription drugs. DWI is commonly 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 initial 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: 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: This legal concept states that all drivers, upon obtaining a driver’s license, automatically provide consent to undergo Blood Alcohol Concentration tests, including chemical and breath tests.

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

Probable Cause: The legal justification that a police officer possesses 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: Often known as “safety checkpoints,” these are roadblocks established by police or state troopers to target and identify drunk or impaired drivers. Every driver passing through a sobriety checkpoint is screened for Driving Under the Influence and other driving impairments.

DUI Information

Driving under the influence (DUI) is a grave offense in Pennsylvania, carrying severe consequences that can alter lives. The complexity of DUI laws, which are subject to frequent updates, coupled with the uniqueness of each case, compounds the seriousness of the situation. In fact, the penalties for convictions are continuously reinforced with each revision.

Determining DUI is contingent upon BAC (blood alcohol concentration) testing, which encompasses 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 any of these tests incurs separate charges and license suspension. Minors (under 21 years old) with a BAC of 0.02 percent or higher also fall into the category of drunk drivers, as Pennsylvania adheres to a zero-tolerance policy for underage drinking.

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

Engaging the services of a seasoned Washington PA DUI lawyer is crucial, as they possess the requisite knowledge of the laws and their application to your unique circumstances. It is imperative to secure legal representation promptly following your arrest.

Explore the comprehensive DUI information provided on the left-hand side of this website. If you have been charged with DUI, the expertise of a proficient and informed Washington PA criminal attorney is indispensable. The Logue Criminal Defense team boasts a wealth of experience in defending DUI cases. Serving Washington, 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.