Drinking alcohol and or taking drugs affect your ability to safely operate dangerous equipment such as automobiles, motorboats, and industrial equipment. In every state it is illegal to operate a motor vehicle if you are under the influence of drugs and or alcohol.
The type of alcohol consumed by people is known as Ethanol alcohol. Ethanol alcohol is a colorless, volatile liquid with a mild odor which can be obtained by the fermentation of sugars. The consumption of large doses of ethanol causes drunkenness (intoxication), which may lead to a hangover as its effects wear off. Depending upon the dose and the regularity of its consumption, ethanol can cause acute respiratory failure or death. Because ethanol impairs judgment in humans, it can be a catalyst for reckless or irresponsible behavior.
In the state of Colorado there are two separate DUI laws. The first is Driving a Motor Vehicle While Under the Influence of Alcohol. This statute does not require a measurable level of alcohol in a person’s system. This statute states it is a misdemeanor for any person to operate a motor vehicle after consuming alcohol and or drugs, which affects that person to a degree that the person is substantially incapable, either mentally or physically, or both mentally and physically, to exercise clear judgment, sufficient physical control, or due care in safe operation of a vehicle.
The second law is Drove a Motor Vehicle with Excessive Alcohol Content (Per Se). This statute states that it is a misdemeanor for any person to drive any vehicle when the person’s Blood Alcohol Content is .08 or more at the time of driving or within two hours after driving.
Most of the penalties for Driving Under the Influence are well known, and include jail time, fines, and suspension/revocation of driving privileges. But there are many unspoken penalties for Driving Under the Influence. However, some have changed: For a first DUI conviction, the revocation of your license is now a mandatory 9 months as opposed to 3. It is also now required that you serve at least one month of those 9 without even a red license. The remainder of those 9 months you are now required to have an interlock device installed in your vehicle.
Most states have added the following penalties for a Driving Under the Influence Conviction:
DUI School. Many states require a (12 – 30 hour) class on the abuse of alcohol and or drugs. This class can cost anywhere from $100.00 to $400.00.
Victim Impact Panel. This is a meeting with the victims of drunk drivers or the families of victims.
Ignition Interlock. This is a portable breathalyzer which attaches to your vehicle and prevents the vehicle from starting if alcohol is detected on your breath. This device will also cost you money to rent/purchase.
Community Service. Most states require 20 to 100 hours of community service for a DUI conviction.
The costs involved for a DUI conviction are estimated as:
Attorney Fees - $1500 to $15,000 or more for jury trials and appeals.
Fines and Court Fees - $515 to $8,125
Civil Suits – Unlimited
Electronic Home Monitoring - $150 to $2,250
License Reinstatement Fee - $150
Ignition Interlock - $730 to $2800
Alcohol Treatment - $1500 to $20,000
Insurance - $1800 to $3000 additional premium over 3 years.
Towing Charges - $50 to $250
The total is - $7,145 to $61,425 or more.
In 2006 there were 13,740 fatalities in crashes involving an alcohol-impaired driver (BAC of .08 or higher) – this amounts to 32 percent of total traffic fatalities for the year. 16,005 people were killed in the United States in alcohol-related motor vehicle traffic crashes. 1,794 children age 14 and younger were killed in motor vehicle crashes. Of those 1,794 fatalities, 306 (17%) occurred in alcohol-impaired driving crashes. Children riding in vehicles with drivers who had a BAC level of .08 or higher accounted for half (153) of these deaths. The 13,740 fatalities in alcohol-impaired-driving crashes during 2006 represent an average of one alcohol-impaired-driving fatality every 39 minutes.
Are You Willing to Take the Risk?
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