DUI (driving under the influence). DWI (driving while intoxicated), OWI (operating while intoxicated) all refer to the offense of drunk driving -- a dangerous trend that takes lives, invites stiff fines, punishment and penalties. An officer can charge you under the DUI laws if you violate traffic rules. The violations may range weaving, swerving, and drifting to braking erratically.

The officer may stop you and ask you to take a chemical test to check the alcohol content in your blood. This may involve a breath or blood test. All states have prescribed that the level of alcohol in your blood should not exceed a certain limit. For example in California, the blood alcohol content should not exceed .20%. If your BAC shows greater levels, your driving license may be suspended. Keep in mind that refusing to take the chemical test will lead to adverse consequences. For example, in California, your license may be suspended for one year, even if you are proved innocent.

In some states, refusal to take a chemical test is a crime and adds to the jail term for a DUI sentence. In California, this may amount to another 48 hours in the prison.

The fines and penalties awarded vary depending on the nature and frequency of the crime. Usually, a conviction for the first time is not very severe. It could involve a fine, a license suspension or restriction and attendance of a DUI course for certain period of time. Though a jail sentence may not result in the first offense, in a second offense it most certainly will.

If you have committed the crime for the first time, the punishment and penalties will drastically increase if certain other factors exist. These factors include the presence of a child in the car, or if you are traveling 20 to 30 miles over the prescribed speed limit. Damage to a person or property will also lead to increase in the punishment. The legal drinking age is 21 years and above. This means if you are under 21 years of age and booked under DUI laws, your license will be suspended for a longer period.