DWI Penalty
DWI, or driving while intoxicated, is a serious crime throughout the United States. Although each state has its own laws and penalties for DWI, one commonality between them is that they are all severe. As a result of increased DWI-related accidents and social and political pressures, the federal government decided to take action and make it illegal for any person to drive with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08% or higher.
If you have been arrested for DWI, it is in your best interest to contact an experienced DWI defense attorney. Your lawyer will help guide you through this confusing, and let’s face it, scary process and advise you on your best course of action.
During your consultations, your attorney will also make you aware of the penalties you are facing. Depending on your state’s specific DWI laws and penalties, you could be facing expensive fines, community service, alcohol education and treatment, probation and even jail time. In addition, you could lose your driver’s license for months or even years.
Outside of court, you’ll face such hardships as loss of employment (if your job involves driving) and increased or canceled insurance. You may even have difficultly securing housing since a DWI will go on your criminal record.
Unfortunately, the penalties become even more severe if you have any previous DWI charges on your record within a specified amount of time. The same is true if this is your first offense and you had enhanced penalties. This may include being involved in a DWI-related accident, excessive speeding, transporting a minor or having a BAC that was much higher than the legal limit of .08%.
Depending on the circumstances surrounding your case, you may face an extended prison sentence, expensive fines and a longer probation period. For specific questions regarding the penalties you’ll be facing, please contact your attorney.
During this difficult time, it is important to remember that you are innocent until proven guilty. An experienced defense attorney who specializes in DWI will tell you that there are many successful defenses. Some of these defenses may just apply to your case.
