Do you know what SR-22 insurance is or "enhanced BAC penalty" means? These are familiar terms in the world of alcoholics, drug addicts and our legal system. If you or someone you know has been arrested for drunk driving, chances are you may begin to encounter some of these terms. The following terms and definitions are compliments of a recent About.com article on alcoholism.
Blood alcohol content (BAC) - The amount of alcohol in a driver's bloodstream as measured by a chemical test, either a breath test, blood test or urine test.
Breathalyzer - A machine that measures a driver's blood alcohol content by determining the amount of alcohol in his lungs. Drivers blow into this machine, are usually given two back-to-back breath tests, and the scores are averaged.
Child Endangerment - In regards to drunk driving, child endangerment refers to whether a child was in the vehicle when someone was arrested. Many states have enhanced sanctions and penalties if a child was endangered by the drunk driver.
DUI - An acronym for driving under the influence. Although DUI means driving while intoxicated, it also can include driving under the influence of drugs.
DWI - An acronym for driving while intoxicated or driving while impaired. Either term refers to driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Enhanced Penalty - Penalties for drunk driving in many states are increased depending on several factors, including a blood alcohol content over .15 or .20, driving over a certain speed, having minors in the car, refusing to take a chemical test, having a traffic accident, or having prior convictions.
Fake ID - A photo identification card usually used to show that someone who is not old enough to drink is over 21. Can also refer to a fake driver's license.
Felony DUI - Most drunk driving charges are misdemeanor offenses, but most states file felony charges under certain situations, such as for repeat or habitual offenses or if someone is killed as a result of driving while impaired.
Field Sobriety Test - A group of tests used by police to determine if a driver is impaired. The tests assess balance, coordination and the ability of the driver to divide his attention to more than one task.
Habitual Offender - Many states have laws that provide for increased penalties if someone is repeatedly convicted for the same offense. Usually a driver is considered a habitual offender after three convictions, but many states now have greater sanctions for even a second offense.
Hardship License - Most states will allow limited driving privileges to be restored to drivers convicted of drunk driving even while their driver's license is suspended or revoked. Drivers usually must demonstrate special hardship, such as being the sole support of their families, to justify restoring privileges during suspension. Privileges often are limited such as driving only to work and back.
Impaired - As it is related to drunk driving laws, impaired means that a driver's abilities are diminished. In some states, a driver can be arrested for driving while impaired--even if his blood alcohol content is below the .08 level of legal intoxication--if the arresting officer believes his abilities are impaired.
Mandatory Alcohol Education - In many states, penalties and fines for drunk driving convictions can be reduced if the driver participates in an education and assessment program. In some states, participation is mandatory in order to restore driving privileges.
Mandatory Jail Time - As part of the penalty for repeat drunk driving offenders, most state sentences must include some jail time. Some states have mandatory jail time for the first DUI offense.
Open Container Law - Laws that prohibit the possession and drinking from an open alcoholic beverage container from inside a vehicle or in public places. Some states prohibit only the driver from having an open container, while most states prohibit anyone in the vehicle from having open containers.
If you enjoy this column, please subscribe. If you would like to participate or make comments, you may do so here or contact the author at: AnthonyEBaker@Hotmail.com or visit the author’s recovery and sobriety blog at Tony’s Sobriety Rack. If you or a loved one is suffering in Columbia SC with addiction issues or for further assistance with chemical dependence and addiction, please see: Columbia Treatment Centers. Additional addiction questions can be channeled through Columbia’s Alcoholics Anonymous Intergroup office located at:
AA Intergroup
3014 Devine Street, Room 103
ColumbiaSC 29205
(803) 254-5301
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