DUI Guides

How the process works, in plain English — the parts that are broadly the same everywhere. For the numbers that vary, check your state.

• DUI vs. DWI: What's the Difference?DUI and DWI both describe the crime of operating a vehicle while impaired, but the exact term — and whether the two mean different things — depends entirely on your state. Here's how the labels break down and why the penalties matter far more than the acronym.
• What Happens After a DUI ArrestA DUI arrest sets two separate processes in motion at once: an administrative case about your driver's license, and a criminal case in court. They run on different timelines and have different consequences. Here's the general sequence — the specifics vary by state.
• Implied Consent & Refusing a BreathalyzerEvery state has an 'implied consent' law: by driving on public roads, you've already agreed to submit to chemical testing if you're lawfully arrested for DUI. Refusing that test carries its own penalties — often harsher than the DUI itself. Here's how it works.
• Field Sobriety Tests ExplainedField sobriety tests are the roadside exercises an officer uses to gather evidence of impairment before deciding whether to arrest. There are three standardized tests, and they're different from the breath or blood test that measures your BAC. Here's what they are and how they work.
• First-Offense DUI: What to ExpectA first DUI is a serious charge, but for most people it's a misdemeanor with a fairly predictable set of consequences. The exact penalties depend heavily on your state and the circumstances (like your BAC or whether anyone was hurt). Here's the general picture of a first offense.
• How Long Does a DUI Stay on Your Record?"How long does a DUI stay on your record?" doesn't have one answer, because a DUI touches three separate records — criminal, driving, and insurance — and each keeps it for a different length of time. Here's how each one generally works.