DWI Laws

Driving while intoxicated, or DWI, is dangerous and puts all of those who are involved at risk of injury or even death. Because driving while intoxicated is so unsafe, DWI laws have become much more strict over the years. DWI laws differ from state to state, but all states have become much more firm with their punishments and consequences because of the number of DWI charges that are given every year.

First Offense

DWI laws for first offenders are not as drastic as they for individuals who have been charged with more than one DWI, although even first offenders face serious consequences. Some of the consequences and penalties of driving while intoxicated for first offenders include:

Jail time (anywhere from 48 hours to six months, depending on the severity of the charge)

Fines

Community service

Drivers license suspension

Attendance of a drug and/or alcohol programs

Multiple Offenses

For individuals who receive more than one DWI charge, or multiple charges, the punishments and consequences are much more severe and long-term. Some of theses penalties include:

Jail time (depending on how many offenses the individual is charged with, jail time can be a few days or a few years)

Fines

Community Service

Impounding of vehicle

Revoking or suspension of license

Months, and even years, of drug and/or alcohol program, such as an Alcoholics Anonymous group

Blood Alcohol Level

Although DWI laws vary from state to state, all fifty states now consider a person legally intoxicated if their blood alcohol level is .08% or higher. The penalties and consequences differ from state to state, however. If a person is caught driving a motorized vehicle with a blood alcohol level of .08 % or higher, some of the penalties include, but are not limited to:

Vehicle Impoundment

Special license plates

Suspension of Vehicle Registration

Vehicle confiscation

Enhanced Penalties

In some cases, the consequences and penalties become much more severe depending on the circumstances surrounding the DWI charge. Some of the factors that enhance DWI penalties include:

A child in the car while the individual is driving while influenced

The person operating the vehicle is under the age of twenty-one when they are charged with a DWI

Property damage caused by the individual driving while intoxicated

Death or injury of other individuals caused by the individual driving while influenced

A blood alcohol content level higher than .10 percent. These are just a few of the factors that can drastically enhance the penalties of a DWI Charge.

Know The Laws

It is dangerous to drink alcohol or take illegal drugs, period. However, if you are an individual that does participate in such unwise behaviors, it is important to know the laws and regulations that pertain to your individual state. Becoming educated and being in-the-know on the DWI laws will help you to stay safe and keep you from facing severe, long-lasting consequences.