DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) Information here is necessary for everyone who drives. It is important for those charged with DUI, DWI, or OWI (Orizona DWI) crimes as well as anyone else who may be charged with a DUI or DWI offense. DWI (Driving Under the Influence) Information is broken down into two major categories, the criminal penalties and the civil penalties. A person charged with a DUI or DWI offense faces criminal penalties, which include jail time, fines, loss of license, probation, and community service. Many times, however, a DUI charge will be dropped if it is determined that the defendant had a blood alcohol level above the legal limit of alcohol in his or her system when they were arrested. If this is the case, then the person will not be required to undergo a chemical test.
The penalties for drunken driving vary depending on the state and the severity of the charge. Some states have very strict drunk driving laws, imposing steep penalties for first offenses. Florida for example, has one of the highest penalties in the United States for first-time drunk driving offenders. A first offense can see a person placed in jail time and given a large fine. The maximum penalties for subsequent offenses increase in nature and severity. In addition to jail time and fines, DUI offenders are often required to perform community service or work programs.
The penalties for DWI vary from state to state. The penalties are established by the jurisdiction and are governed by a complex set of factors including the degree of impairment, the circumstances surrounding the incident, and the potential offender’s history of driving under the influence of alcohol. In addition to the penalties, some states have “bailed out” laws in which a judge allows an accused DUI offender to leave the scene of the crime, avoiding arrest, without providing a guarantee of cash or a vehicle to serve as collateral. If a suspect who is caught intoxicated does not appear in court, his or her license is automatically suspended until the case is resolved.
For first-time drunk driving offenders, many jurisdictions also impose a portion of the cost of rehabilitation through local and state funds. In these cases, the offender must pay for rehabilitation as well as fines, fees, and any costs associated with the arrest and prosecution. In many states, mandatory ignition interlock devices are also available for first-time offenders.
For repeat offenses, a judge may impose additional punishment in addition to the penalties already described. For example, first-time offenders who are convicted of operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated may be required to undergo a substance abuse assessment, participate in an anger management program, attend a DUI school, and pay a higher insurance rate. In addition, drivers may face jail time, the loss of current employment, additional alcohol class requirements, probation, and additional license suspension or disqualification. For second and subsequent offenses, the judge may order an ignition interlock device, probation, counseling, community service, and license reinstatement.
An experienced DWI lawyer can provide you with accurate, up-to-date DWI information and can navigate the court system efficiently and effectively to obtain the best outcome for your case. He can also help you through the entire process, from the initial arrest, through the appeal process, and throughout the sentencing phase. An experienced attorney will help you prepare for your trial and fight to prove your innocence. A knowledgeable and experienced DWI attorney will work with you to assess the strength of your case and develop the best strategy to get you the best result. If you or someone you love has been charged with driving under the influence (DUI), it is important to contact a skilled, knowledgeable DWI attorney immediately to discuss your options and your rights.