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Is there a federal standard for blood alcohol content when driving?
Question:
Is there a federal standard for blood alcohol content when driving?
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Get Informed - DUI/DWI Law Information
We've got a large library of DUI and DWI law articles, Q&A's and other resources. Start here to learn about DUI laws, arrests, defense, penalties and more.
DUI Basics
Get the low down on the law and what you can expect if you're arrested and charged with a DUI.
Get the low down on the law and what you can expect if you're arrested and charged with a DUI.
Your DUI and the DMV
Besides the court and criminal charge the Department of Motor Vehicles will also bring you grief.
Besides the court and criminal charge the Department of Motor Vehicles will also bring you grief.
DUI Arrests, Police Reports, Arraignments, and Fees
After you're arrested, booked and released, you'll need to get ready for your arraignment.
After you're arrested, booked and released, you'll need to get ready for your arraignment.
DUI/DWI Charges and Penalties
After a DUI conviction expect fines, license suspension, DUI school, and sometimes jail.
After a DUI conviction expect fines, license suspension, DUI school, and sometimes jail.
Fighting a DUI
You may have options to lessen the sentence, get a reduced charge or get the case dismissed.
You may have options to lessen the sentence, get a reduced charge or get the case dismissed.
Getting Help with a DUI/DWI Charge
There are some things you can do yourself and some which require the help of an attorney.
There are some things you can do yourself and some which require the help of an attorney.
In the vast majority of DUI situations, the states each set their own laws. This includes laws relating to blood alcohol content. While .08 percent is the standard across most states, this doesn't make this a federal standard. It is simply a number that each state has determined is the appropriate number at which to set the bar for DUI charges. However, there are certain states that do set the BAC level at .10 percent instead of at .08 percent. In addition, Federal DUI charges do set the bar at .10 percent.
Federal DUIs are possible, but only under very limited circumstances. For example, you may be charged with a federal DUI if:
If you are accused of a federal DUI, you need to consult with a DUI attorney who is experienced at handling federal cases. Since these cases are controlled by the federal court, a different court process is used and you may face potentially different penalties than you would with a state-DUI case. As such, you will need a lawyer to guide you through the process and help you to minimize the penalties you face.
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