Many driving under the influence (DUI) offenses involve technical violations. Drivers get stopped by the police while their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is over the legal limit and fail tests. While state law refers to such offenses as DUI cases, many people refer to impaired driving situations driving while intoxicated (DWI) offenses. Regardless of what acronym people use, the risk of serious penalties should be a top concern for those accused of driving after drinking.
Some motorists make the mistake of expecting lenient treatment after a first DWI offense. Many people assume that pleading guilty and cooperating with the courts can lead to less harsh punishments. Those aware of the penalties the courts may impose can more thoroughly understand the importance of fighting DUI or DWI charges.
State law establishes specific consequences
Judges can sometimes be a bit more lenient in their treatment of people who acknowledge that they made mistakes and seem earnest about wanting to learn from them. However, the sentence that they impose still needs to align with the laws on DWI offenses.
Even a first-time DWI offense can lead to major penalties if a driver pleads guilty or gets convicted. Most first-time offenses are misdemeanors that can result in a six-month driver’s license revocation, between seven days and six months in jail and up to $500 in fines. After a second DWI conviction, the penalties increase to between 30 days and six months in jail and an 18-month license revocation.
Third DWI offenses can lead to felony charges if they occur within a 15-year period. The penalties for a felony DWI include up to $1,500 in fines, a 15-year license revocation and between 180 days and three years in jail.
Between the mandatory jail time and the loss of driving privileges, a DWI conviction or guilty plea can become a major setback in an individual’s life. There are defense strategies that can help people avoid a conviction and the various penalties the courts might impose.
Reviewing what happened before and during an impaired driving traffic stop with a skilled legal team could help people formulate a reasonable DWI/DUI defense strategy. Those who respond assertively to their charges may be able to avoid a conviction and the various penalties the courts might impose.
