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DUI-An acronym embedded in the very fibers of all forty-eight contiguous United States, as well as Hawaii and Alaska. In fact, driving while intoxicated has become a crime in most countries across the globe. In the United States, there are provisions for two separate and distinct criminal offenses: The traditional "drunk driving" offense, and the more recent, "per se" offense. The former is based primarily on the field tests required by the officer, supported by a blood alcohol test result over the legal limit. The latter focuses specifically on the blood alcohol content (BAC), regardless of the tolerance of the driver. The driver has the right to refuse to submit to a blood/breath test, wherefore he/she will only be charged with the traditional "drunk driving" offense.

There is truly one solution to avoiding a DUI: Don't drink and drive. This solution will avoid any confusion with an officer, and the result of any test will be a moot point. Weekend checkpoints will be a breeze, and life will become hassle-free, not to mention the money saved from court costs, attorneys' fees, and class expenses. Would this be too much to ask? There are other solutions if drinking is part of the plan.

Designate a driver. A common solution to the problem is to comprise a rotating schedule of an individual that refrains from drinking. This ensures that everyone makes it home safely without incident. Beware of the snare of driving home with an intoxicated designated driver. In some instances, the temptation to drink may overcome the will of abstaining. Do not go home with this individual. More so, do not allow this person to drive home either. No matter how aggressive they become during the evening, they will thank you the following day.

Take a cab. A taxi ride may cost a little more than the allotted budget for the night, but consider the alternative. The penalty for a first-time offender: a $600 fine is imposed, 1-year of driving probation, or even jail time. For a second offense: 14 days in jail, 2-year driving probation. For a third or subsequent offense: 90 days jail, 3 years driving probation. These numbers do not include attorneys' expenses, nor do they convey the tremendous consequential impact of possible bodily injury to self/others. In such a case, the misdemeanor charge is elevated from a misdemeanor to a felony offense (felony DUI).

Take public transportation. Some cities gear toward this option more than other cities; but, if it is an option, use it. The worst-case scenario would be a ticket for being drunk in public. If public transportation is not an option, call a sober friend. If there are no sober friends, find new friends. There simply is no excuse for drinking and driving.

Please consider these alternatives. There is a man, a friend who is facing charges of a felony DUI. He chose to drive drunk, collided head-on with a car, and is now awaiting sentence. Fortunately, no one died. It was his seventh offense, and he is surely facing the possibility of prison time. The problems created by the act do not end with prison time, either. He also has a civil suit pending. One question remains to be asked; is it worth it?

Learn more about this author, Irwin Gelding.
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