The Consequences of Being Charged With a DWI
What is DWI, DUI, OWI? What are the ramifications and remedies? Should I hire an attorney? The consequences of being charged with a DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) or a DUI (Driving Under the Influence) in the United States varies from state to state and the punishments vary as well.
A blood alcohol content (most commonly referred to as BAC) of over.
08% is considered a DWI or a DUI across the country (Iowa refers to it as an OWI, Operating While Intoxicated).
It's the states wording of their drinking and driving laws that makes it either a DWI or a DUI.
This charge can also be applied to a person that is using mind altering substances, such as prescription pill use.
For those that have a CDL (Commercial Driver's License), a BAC of 0.
04% or greater is considered impaired.
Those drivers that are under the age of 21, a BAC of 0.
02% or greater, referred to as a zero tolerance policy, is considered impaired.
In some states, an aggravated DWI or DUI is considered the crime of operating a vehicle while under the influence of excessive alcohol (In New York State, a BAC of over 0.
16%) or having a child in the vehicle while intoxicated.
The punishments by state vary.
Jail time is common for even first offenders.
For example, in Texas, jail time for a first time offender can range from 3 days to 180 days, but in the state of Florida, there isn't a minimum jail term.
In North Carolina, a first time offender can expect no less than 24 hours of imprisonment and up to 24 months.
That's 2 years in a North Carolina prison for a first offense! A first DUI conviction in the State of Florida results in having that conviction of a DUI on your record for 75 years.
SR-22 filing and auto insurance after a DUI or DWI conviction: Getting a car insurance carrier after your conviction is difficult.
Your rates will be very high for at least a few years and you might have to file an SR-22.
An SR-22 filing is a statement of financial responsibility that serves as proof that you have the proper amount of insurance that your state requires.
Your insurance company may file the SR-22 for you.
Also, you may need to file an SR-22 for several years after your DUI or DWI conviction.
Having an SR-22 also puts you in the high risk category.
Even though it's only a first offense DUI, DWI, or OWI, a conviction can cost you several thousand dollars, time in prison, a license suspension, a BAC mouth piece that you have must have installed on your vehicle, the inability to vacation in Canada, hefty fines, and in some states a record that lasts lifetime.
The first thing you must do if you are charged with a DWI, DUI, or OWI is hire an experienced criminal defense attorney.
They know the laws better than you.
An attorney will be able to save you more money that you can imagine.
Don't make that mistake! An experienced criminal defense attorney is highly recommended because the consequences can last a lifetime.
A blood alcohol content (most commonly referred to as BAC) of over.
08% is considered a DWI or a DUI across the country (Iowa refers to it as an OWI, Operating While Intoxicated).
It's the states wording of their drinking and driving laws that makes it either a DWI or a DUI.
This charge can also be applied to a person that is using mind altering substances, such as prescription pill use.
For those that have a CDL (Commercial Driver's License), a BAC of 0.
04% or greater is considered impaired.
Those drivers that are under the age of 21, a BAC of 0.
02% or greater, referred to as a zero tolerance policy, is considered impaired.
In some states, an aggravated DWI or DUI is considered the crime of operating a vehicle while under the influence of excessive alcohol (In New York State, a BAC of over 0.
16%) or having a child in the vehicle while intoxicated.
The punishments by state vary.
Jail time is common for even first offenders.
For example, in Texas, jail time for a first time offender can range from 3 days to 180 days, but in the state of Florida, there isn't a minimum jail term.
In North Carolina, a first time offender can expect no less than 24 hours of imprisonment and up to 24 months.
That's 2 years in a North Carolina prison for a first offense! A first DUI conviction in the State of Florida results in having that conviction of a DUI on your record for 75 years.
SR-22 filing and auto insurance after a DUI or DWI conviction: Getting a car insurance carrier after your conviction is difficult.
Your rates will be very high for at least a few years and you might have to file an SR-22.
An SR-22 filing is a statement of financial responsibility that serves as proof that you have the proper amount of insurance that your state requires.
Your insurance company may file the SR-22 for you.
Also, you may need to file an SR-22 for several years after your DUI or DWI conviction.
Having an SR-22 also puts you in the high risk category.
Even though it's only a first offense DUI, DWI, or OWI, a conviction can cost you several thousand dollars, time in prison, a license suspension, a BAC mouth piece that you have must have installed on your vehicle, the inability to vacation in Canada, hefty fines, and in some states a record that lasts lifetime.
The first thing you must do if you are charged with a DWI, DUI, or OWI is hire an experienced criminal defense attorney.
They know the laws better than you.
An attorney will be able to save you more money that you can imagine.
Don't make that mistake! An experienced criminal defense attorney is highly recommended because the consequences can last a lifetime.