Driving while intoxicated (DWI) refers to a criminal offense wherein a person operates a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. In the United States, it’s illegal to drive with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. However, the legal limit can vary depending on the state, but all states have laws and regulations prohibiting driving while impaired by drugs or alcohol.
Also, dealing with DWI can be frustrating because it can significantly impact your life. A DWI conviction can result in many serious legal penalties and consequences. The sanctions can vary depending on the state where the offense took place and the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Read on to learn the legal penalties and consequences of DWI.
Criminal Penalties
The criminal penalties for a DWI conviction can be serious and life-changing. These can include:
- Fines: A person convicted of a DWI may be required to pay fines. However, the amount can depend on the state and the number of previous DWI convictions. For example, a first-time DUI conviction can result in a fine of several hundred dollars, but it can be much higher for a second or subsequent conviction. Aside from the fines, you may also be ordered to pay court costs and fees.
- Jail Time: A DWI conviction may result in jail time. However, the sentence length and the nature of the DWI convictions can vary from one state to another. In some states, a first-time DUI conviction may only result in a fine and probation, but you could face up to a year in jail in other states. For a second or subsequent DUI conviction, the penalties can be much more severe, and you could end up serving several years in jail.
- Probation: If you’re convicted of DWI, you may also be placed on probation as part of your criminal penalties. This legal sentence allows you to remain in the community under the supervision of a probation officer instead of serving jail time. It’s often used for non-violent offenses or first-time offenders. It can last for some time and can include conditions such as attending alcohol education classes or submitting to random drug and alcohol testing.
- Community Service: You may be required to serve if you get a DWI conviction. Community service is a common penalty for individuals convicted of driving while intoxicated (DWI). It’s a form of punishment that requires the offender to perform unpaid work for a certain number of hours in a community service organization. The goal of community service as a DWI penalty is to provide a form of restitution to the community and encourage offenders to take responsibility for their actions.
Therefore, if you’ve been convicted of DWI, seeking legal representation as soon as possible is important to avoid criminal penalties. A skilled attorney can review your case’s facts and determine if any defenses are available to help get a DWI dismissed.
Administrative Penalties
In addition to criminal penalties, a person arrested and convicted of DWI may also face administrative penalties. These can include:
- License Suspension: You may also have your driver’s license suspended if you’re charged and convicted of DWI. License suspension is a common administrative penalty that involves the temporary loss of the offender’s driver’s license. The duration of the license suspension may depend on the jurisdiction and the severity of the offense.
- Installation f Ignition Interlock Device: In some states, a DWI conviction may require you to install an ignition interlock device (IID) on your vehicle. An IID is a breathalyzer that’s connected to the vehicle’s ignition system. You must blow into the device to start the vehicle. If the device detects alcohol in your breath, the car will not start.
Like the criminal penalties, the administrative consequences associated with a DWI conviction can also significantly impact your life. So, it’s best to seek legal assistance from a lawyer to help you get out of legal trouble and avoid facing these life-changing penalties.
Other Consequences
A DWI conviction can have other consequences besides administrative and criminal penalties. These can include:
- Increased Insurance Rates: You may face increased insurance rates if you have a DWI charge or conviction record. This is because many insurance companies will see you as a high-risk driver who’ll be more likely to file a claim in the future.
- Difficulty Obtaining Employment: If you’ve been charged and convicted of drunk driving, you may also find it hard to seek employment because the DWI conviction stays on your criminal record. Many employers conduct background checks and may view a DWI conviction as a red flag.
If you’ve been arrested for drunk driving, chances are high that you’ll face such consequences.
Conclusion
Dealing with a DWI arrest and conviction can be frustrating for you and your loved ones. Depending on the extent and severity of your offense, you may be subjected to severe penalties and consequences. Therefore, it’s essential to keep the information mentioned above to know and understand the impact of DWI and what you can do to avoid it. In this case, it’s crucial to seek legal representation as soon as possible to determine the best course of action to defend your rights.