How do I avoid a DUI?

In addition to threatening your safety and the safety of others, drunk driving is one of the easiest ways to create overwhelming legal problems for yourself. DUI laws vary from state to state, and they have become increasingly harsh over the years.

Refusal of breathalyzer and sobriety tests generally carries a punishment equivalent to being found guilty of DUI. While drunk driving enthusiasts often tout "silver bullet" strategies for beating DUIs, there’s really nothing you can do except find a good lawyer and hope you get your driver’s license back someday. The best way to learn your state’s DUI laws and find a local DUI attorney is to run an Internet search for "DUI + (your state)."

(See also "Are sobriety checkpoints constitutional")