Every year, approximately 1.5 million people are arrested for drunk driving. This shockingly high number illustrates how important it is for everyone to be aware of the issues surrounding the offense and the legal processes and consequences that accompany a DUI or DWI arrest. Below, DUI attorney Stacy D. Fulcher of the Fulcher Law Firm in Albemarle, NC, shares three facts you should know surrounding the crime.

DUI Attorney Offers Insight Into the Offense

1. You Are Legally Intoxicated With a BAC of .08 or Higher

In the eyes of the law, you are considered under the influence when you have a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08 or higher. Many people are surprised to learn how little it takes to reach that number. Liquor affects everybody differently, depending largely on one's gender and weight. The .08 threshold can often be met with just a few drinks, so be very cautious; even if you don't feel drunk, your BAC may read otherwise.

2. DWI/DUI Doesn't Just Refer to Alcohol

You can be arrested for drunk driving without taking a single sip of alcohol. Drugs, whether illegal, prescription, or over the counter, can impact one's ability to safely operate a motor vehicle. If an officer suspects you are under the influence, they can pull you over and perform a breathalyzer. If the results come back negative, they can order further chemical tests to see what drugs are in your bloodstream. Always exercise caution with medications before you get behind the wheel, and understand that you can be charged with drunk driving if those pills affect you—and your ability to drive—adversely.

3. You Will Temporarily Lose Your License

Getting a DUI or DWI in the state of North Carolina always means you will lose your driver's license for a certain period. You can expect it to be suspended for at least 30 days. With repeated DUI or DWI offenses, the amount of time it’s withheld grows; a Level I offender—the most serious stage of DUI of DWI in the state—could lose their license for a year.

If you’ve been charged with the crime, DUI attorney Stacy Fulcher at the Fulcher Law Firm will guide you through every step of your drunk driving case. For over 16 years, he has been successfully representing clients throughout Stanly County in DUI and DWI cases, traffic violations, and criminal law matters. Call (704) 984-6060 or visit the firm's website to schedule an appointment with a DUI attorney today.