A DUI or DWI arrest can significantly impact your criminal record, driving privileges, and employment options.
Created by FindLaw's team of legal writers and editors | Last reviewed December 18, 2024
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If you’re arrested for drinking and driving or using drugs while driving, it's critical you understand the laws of the state where you were arrested. Additionally, it’s important to find and understand DUI-related national and local resources, including:
FindLaw’s DUI Laws & Resources section has the legal information and resources you need to understand your rights and the potential consequences of a DUI charge. The linked materials below can also help you find an experienced DUI attorney in your area.
This section and the linked materials above provide information on:
Drinking and driving is illegal in all 50 states. The reasons are obvious: drunk driving kills and disables many people every year. But, even if you didn’t harm anyone or yourself, you can still be arrested and potentially found guilty of a DUI.
If someone is harmed, liability may extend beyond the intoxicated driver—the bar or liquor store that served the driver could be liable under “dram shop” laws.
The terminology for DUIs varies by state. Depending on the state, the legal charge for drunk driving is called:
The terminology isn’t the only variable: the blood-alcohol level that is considered “per se” intoxicated and the penalties for DUI-related crimes vary by state. If you’ve been arrested for a DUI, it's crucial you understand the laws where you were arrested. The section "DUI Laws by State" near the beginning of this article contains links to the DWI laws and penalties for each state and the District of Columbia.
If you've been arrested for a DWI-related crime and haven’t been involved in the criminal justice system before, you may be unsure about hiring a lawyer. But, working with a criminal defense attorney can be crucial for minimizing consequences and the long-term impact a drunk driving charge can have on your life.
If you work with an attorney, you can explain what happened during your arrest and the events leading up to it. Your attorney can help you provide documentation and attend trial or make the decision to plea. While they can’t make these decisions for you, an experienced lawyer in your area will explain your options and possible defenses so you can make an informed decision.
You have a legal right to representation in criminal court. If you can’t afford an attorney, the court will appoint you a public defender. If eligible, you can request an attorney for low-income defendants from the court.
