DRUNK DRIVING LAWSWHAT IS DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE? Drinking alcohol and taking certain drugs affects your ability to safely operate dangerous equipment such as automobiles, motorboats and industrial equipment. In every state it is against the law to operate an automobile if you are so under the influence of drugs or alcohol that you can not safely operate the motor vehicle. WHAT IS A BLOOD ALCOHOL LEVEL? When you drink, alcohol from the drink is …showed first 75 words of 496 total…

…showed last 75 words of 496 total…statute in the state where the violation occurred will determine the extent of the punishment for a first-time offender. Generally, a first-time offender convicted of the offense is ordered to pay a fine and may be sentenced to a minimum term of imprisonment. A suspension of his or her driver's license will usually occur as well. There are certain programs available to first-time offenders, which allow the defendant's punishment to be decreased under certain circumstances.