Since the early days when alcohol first began to be consumed by drivers, society has come to realize that it can be a problem for others on the road… Or, just as bad, the person actually driving. This has given rise to the legal charge of “DUI”, or Driving Under the Influence, and understanding what this charge actually is can help you understand and protect your rights, often with the help of Los Angeles DUI Lawyers.

Sometimes referred to as “Driving While Intoxicated”, especially in other areas, the DUI charge isn’t actually limited to alcohol. In fact, you can be considered to be “under the influence” of many different things, but most notable is anything that has an impact on your ability to drive safely. This applies to depressants, which a Los Angeles DUI Defense Lawyer can help you define, as well as to various forms of stimulants and other chemicals (especially prescription medication).

The DUI charges often have a variety of punishments, based on things like how often you’ve been convicted, how serious the event was, and a variety of other factors. At the very least, however, you’ll probably find your license confiscated by the officer who pulled you over, and the loss of your ability to drive yourself around can quickly create quite a few problems for you throughout your daily life. Fortunately, a Los Angeles attorney can help you understand your rights and protect yourself in court to the furthest extent possible.