As a rule, a car stop is allowed
only if the officer has a good reason to believe the driver is committing a
traffic offense or some other criminal act. For example, a driver can only be
pulled over if the officer sees the car speeding or drifting in and out of a
lane of traffic. If the officer believes the driver is intoxicated after asking
some questions, observing the driver's movements, and perhaps detecting alcohol
on his or her breath, an arrest can be made on the theory of probable cause.
The person can be jailed for a DUI conviction. In most states, however,
an adult's first DUI conviction usually involves a stiff fine, a license
suspension, mandatory attendance at a DUI rehabilitation course, and probation
for up to three years.
For a second offense, an adult will
often go to jail. Furthermore, his or her vehicle might be impounded, a
community service obligation might also be imposed, and attendance at a series
of Alcoholics Anonymous meetings might be ordered. For a minor, the
consequences are similar, although confinement in an institution is uncommon
unless the minor is a "recidivist" -- a repeat offender. In recent
years states have adopted "zero-tolerance" policies toward
intoxicated teen drivers. Their legislatures have established lower BAC limits
for persons under age 21 -- usually 0.02 percent.
Driving a moped and riding a bicycle while intoxicated are also
punishable offenses. You can't legally ride a horse while intoxicated either.
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