Have a DUI dilemma in the island state? If you’ve been charged with a DUI you face 2 separate legal challenges. You’re license will be suspended at the time of arrest (your home state will be notified if you’re vacationing) and criminal charges will be filed against you. For even first offenders you can expect a fine of $150 to $1000, license suspension, community service, alcohol education, and possibly jail time. With a high level of alcohol content or DUI accidents with injuries or deaths, the penalties can be staggering.
Along with direct penalties that come with a DUI conviction there are many in-direct or collateral consequences. DUI convictions remain on record for years affecting employment and military service. You can also expect a steep increase in insurance rates along with coverage complications. Spending time in jail and struggling to get to work may not go over well with your employer. Retaining employment during this complicated time is difficult.
Blood Alcohol Content (BAC)
BAC is the measure of alcohol in a human’s blood stream. This may be calculated by examining samples of breath, blood, or urine. The legal limit in Hawaii is .08. This means if your BAC is .08 and you’re pulled over, you will be charged with DUI. A BAC of .20 may increase the charges against you.
Field Sobriety Tests (FST)
In general, law enforcement use 3 types of physical tests to help determine a driver’s level of impairment. Stand on one leg measure the suspect’s balance. Walk and turn judges the driver’s movement and behavior. Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN) allows the officer to look for deviate in eye movements. Unfortunately these are all physical tests that are unable to take pre-existing conditions into consideration.
Zero Tolerance
In Hawaii drivers’ under the age of 21 face more severe punishment. If a BAC of just .02 (nearly insignificant) is detected the driver is subject to more fierce punishment.
We all make mistakes. Whether you’re guilty or not-guilty of you DUI charge, it’s important to find a lawyer specializing in DUI to defend your constitutional rights. Act now to retain your money, license, job, and freedom. An excellent DUI lawyer may even expunge previous DUI convictions. Contact a lawyer near you today and finally say Aloha to your DUI troubles!