It is an all too common scenario. You and co-workers stop after work for a get together and have a couple drinks, and even though you do not feel impaired when leaving you find yourself being pulled over and charged with DWI ( Driving While Intoxicated). State laws have, with pressure from groups such as MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Drivers), tightened up on the law for DWI offenders with an additional boost to the revenue.

The sad fact is that in fatal accidents where drunk driving was a factor the state laws don’t differentiate between the “couple after work” and the alcoholic downing a twelve pack after work. Both types of drinkers are treated the same and both, particularly on the first offense, will be subject to penalties, fines and jail time so you will need an attorney, just another expense.

After the BAC was lowered in most states to 0.08%, people who owned bars saw business drastically decline. This is because that level is for most people equal to only two beers in just an hour or less. The legal fees associated with drunk driving can be quite a lot and that is without adding the expenses associated with the mandatory SATOP course. That alone can be a couple hundred dollars and then there is also the required administrative suspending of your driver’s license. This is for a minimum of thirty days and that is only what comes before you have your day in court and are found guilty.

Even though alcohol is legal and you can buy it if you are old enough, you still will have to suffer tougher consequences for drinking than you would for another substance like marijuana. You will also have higher defense costs than a drug user and this is especially true if you are just a social drinker and are unlucky enough to get caught.

The next charge that comes into play is DUI (Driving Under the Influence). This comes into play when it is obvious to the police that you have had a drink, but failed to test out at .08. Just one sip of alcohol can accomplish this because of the odor. Thus all the same expenses occur, just the same ones that would the habitual drinker.

Thought and risk associated with the new stricter laws makes people withdraw from any social settings such as a simple drink with dinner or stopping for a visit at a bar for a birthday. People are staying home and having a drink rather than risk being caught.

One way of avoiding the risk of being caught is to have someone come along to any festivity, such as a birthday party or bachelor party, etc., that will not drink at all to be the driver but some don’t think it is fair for one to be pressured in it and not enjoy the festivities same as they are.

Chances are if you are reading this, you have reason to be concerned because you have either gotten a DWI or a DUI. The best advice is to be prepared to be out a lots of money, even if you haven’t been found guilty, and the mandatory suspension has nothing to do with winning the court case. Most states immediately suspend your license for a minimum of thirty days, whether you are guilty or not. A good lawyer may be able to get you a hardship license and keep you from serving a jail sentence, paying a large fine and losing your license for a year.

If you are in need of more information about DUI Maine, please visit this site which has lots more info on Maine OUI Lawyer.