DWI Laws

Driving while intoxicated, or DWI, is a very serious offense and can carry tough penalties no matter what state you reside in.

Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC)

In most states, you are considered intoxicated when your Blood Alcohol Concentration is above the legal limit which is 0.08%.  Whether your driving is impaired or not, you will still face the consequences of driving while intoxicated.  If you are under the age of 21 and you are found operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of an intoxicating substance, the Blood Alcohol Concentration percentage is lower than 0.08%.

An intoxicating substance can be anything that impairs your ability to operate a motor vehicle.   Alcohol, illegal drugs, and prescription medications can all cause impairment.  Any signs of impairment will lead to an arrest.

Penalties

The penalties for a DWI are harsh, especially if you have prior conviction for DWI, if you caused an accident while you were under the influence that caused any type of injury or death of another person, or if you are under the legal age to be drinking alcohol.  Also, there are other factors that can impact your DWI such as refusing blood tests and other implied consent statutes in some states.

If you are ever convicted of driving while intoxicated you can face many different penalties that range from fines, safe driving classes, mandatory ignition locks, having your driver’s license suspended for a period of time, losing it completely, or spending time in jail.

A DWI conviction will stay on your record for up to 5 years in some states and can effect many things in your life thereafter.  You will have to disclose the conviction on job applications and to your vehicle insurance company which can increase your insurance premiums.  Many companies cancel vehicle insurance entirely.  Life insurance premiums will also skyrocket as they will see this as potentially life threatening behavior.

After you will have to discuss hearing dates regarding your license.  The hearing will happen quickly and the court will decide whether your license will be suspended and for how long.  If you don’t make this hearing then your license could be revoked without hesitation.  Also, you will have other court dates that will be set and you are required to appear.

Don’t go into court alone regardless of whether or not this is your first DWI.  A DWI attorney will be able to help you with your case.  Don’t defend yourself against criminal charges such as these.  A DWI attorney can help you with the legal process regarding this type of criminal charge.  Even though you have committed an offense, you still have rights.

If you or a loved one doesn’t know where to start looking for a DWI attorney, look to DWILawers.com.  They can put you in touch with a DWI attorney in your area that will be more than happy to discuss your case with you.  Schedule a free consultation today to meet with a DWI Lawyer.