DUI laws collectively refer to the rules and regulations pertaining to DUI. Driving under the influence (DUI), also known as drunk driving, is legally referred to as driving or operating a motor vehicle in a public place under the influence of alcohol and other illegal drugs. DUI is considered one of the main reasons of motor vehicle crashes.

Driving while intoxicated (DWI), driving under the influence of intoxicants (DUII), operating motor vehicle intoxicated (OMVI) and operation under the influence (OUI) is the other legal terms for driving under the influence of alcohol. A person is generally accused of DUI, when DUI (driving under the influence) laws are violated in one of two ways -- driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs and driving with a 0.08 or higher blood alcohol level.

DUI laws are quite complex and vary from state to state. The DUI statutes of a particular state, determines the punishment for the DUI charge. Each state has set a legal limit for blood alcohol content. If it is proved that the offender's blood alcohol content is above the fixed limit, an arrest and penalty will usually follow.

If you are suspected of driving under the influence of intoxicants, your blood and urine are first tested. A breathalyzer test is made to measure blood alcohol concentration - the quantity of alcohol found in your blood. Driving under the influence of alcohol leads to loss of license, time in jail, hefty fines, probation and vehicle impoundments.

Depending upon the situations, DUI laws can charge a wrongdoer with either a felony or a misdemeanor. If a defendant has violated any traffic rule or injured another person, DUI conviction becomes felonies, and in the event of any property damage, it becomes a misdemeanor. In such instances, most offenders seek the assistance of a competent and qualified attorney.