DUI Dictionary
Drunk driving arrests, DUI / DWI arrests, cases involving driving under the influence of drugs (DUID), or the combination of alcohol and drugs, all seem to have their own language. Indeed, DUI / DWI criminal defense lawyers seem to have their own language as well. As any criminal defense attorney who concentrates on defending drinking and driving cases will admit, there are special terms which are not readily understood. The following are often-used (and not often easily understood) terms relating to DWI / DUI, drunk driving, drinking and driving, DUID (driving under the influence of drugs) and other related criminal arrests:
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Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN) – Gaze nystagmus that occurs when the eyes gaze or move to the side along a horizontal plane.
High BAC – Threshold blood alcohol content for which maximum penalties and fines may apply, even on a first offense. In California, the court may consider a BAC of .20% as a special factor in imposing enhanced sanctions and determining whether to grant probation, and may give high BAC “heightened consideration” in ordering an ignition interlock device for up to three years. In counties with licensed alcohol education/counseling programs, offenders placed on probation with high BAC must participate in a program for at least six months vs. three months.
