Driving While Intoxicated - DWI
The term DWI, which is short for driving while intoxicated, refers to the consumption of alcohol. More specifically it is if your blood alcohol content, or BAC, is tested to have levels over 0.08%. That amount is equal to two beers or less in one hour. That is the legal guideline that the majority of states use so that they continue to receive funding from the federal government.
Another charge to that you can be stopped for is known as DUI, which is short for driving under the influence. This charge would apply to those that smoke marijuana or take other drugs. This is the same charge that would be given, for example, if you are stopped and had even just one sip of beer. You would receive the same consequences for both offenses, such as points on your license or you could get jail time, penalties and fines. All are just as costly to defend.
When those that drink socially are caught, the fact is that they are put in the same category as more serious problem drinkers. The social drinker who maybe has one drink or two, maybe twice a year, are always shocked to learn of this rule.
The old federal guidelines, which are not as strict, are still followed in a few states which make their extra money with sales tax from restaurants and bars where drinks are ordered.
It is the opinion of many people that too much of revenues are spent going after the social drinkers, which is why they will opt for a drink at home rather than take a chance of being stopped. Doing that when in reality it is the heavy drinkers who even with their BAC levels, do not seem to be deterred from driving no matter what. Many believe that more should be spent on them instead.
The majority of states now follow the limit of 0.08% BAC. If you are caught, then in order to defend your privilege to drive you will need to spend a good deal of money. Defense is not the only expense, though. There is also the SATOP, which is the required safety program that is aimed at those that drink and drive and without it you can not get your driver's license back after administrative suspension. An automatic suspension of your license that happens even before a verdict of guilty is spoken causes additional costs. Not only that, but this suspension even stays on your driving record for a period of up to five years in most states even if it is your first offense.
If you are charged, then a good lawyer is something you must have. Although you used to be innocent until proven guilty, that no longer applies to DWI charges. Actually, just by refusing the breathalyzer test you will most likely lose your license for a year and if you are found guilty of DWI, then you can also receive up to six months jail time for the first offense and up to five years for your third conviction. Most drug dealers don't even have to fear those kinds of harsh sentences.
For that reason alone it is a good idea to hire an attorney should you ever be in such a position. You wouldn't want a drink with a meal to ruin your whole life and it is sad, but true, that some drug dealers don't have to face as much trouble as someone who has an occasional drink. This is the result of stricter laws that are now enacted, because that is what the public demanded. This is because there are more accidents caused by drivers impaired by alcohol consumption and in response the number of crackdowns increased and more DWI charges are made. - 21393
Another charge to that you can be stopped for is known as DUI, which is short for driving under the influence. This charge would apply to those that smoke marijuana or take other drugs. This is the same charge that would be given, for example, if you are stopped and had even just one sip of beer. You would receive the same consequences for both offenses, such as points on your license or you could get jail time, penalties and fines. All are just as costly to defend.
When those that drink socially are caught, the fact is that they are put in the same category as more serious problem drinkers. The social drinker who maybe has one drink or two, maybe twice a year, are always shocked to learn of this rule.
The old federal guidelines, which are not as strict, are still followed in a few states which make their extra money with sales tax from restaurants and bars where drinks are ordered.
It is the opinion of many people that too much of revenues are spent going after the social drinkers, which is why they will opt for a drink at home rather than take a chance of being stopped. Doing that when in reality it is the heavy drinkers who even with their BAC levels, do not seem to be deterred from driving no matter what. Many believe that more should be spent on them instead.
The majority of states now follow the limit of 0.08% BAC. If you are caught, then in order to defend your privilege to drive you will need to spend a good deal of money. Defense is not the only expense, though. There is also the SATOP, which is the required safety program that is aimed at those that drink and drive and without it you can not get your driver's license back after administrative suspension. An automatic suspension of your license that happens even before a verdict of guilty is spoken causes additional costs. Not only that, but this suspension even stays on your driving record for a period of up to five years in most states even if it is your first offense.
If you are charged, then a good lawyer is something you must have. Although you used to be innocent until proven guilty, that no longer applies to DWI charges. Actually, just by refusing the breathalyzer test you will most likely lose your license for a year and if you are found guilty of DWI, then you can also receive up to six months jail time for the first offense and up to five years for your third conviction. Most drug dealers don't even have to fear those kinds of harsh sentences.
For that reason alone it is a good idea to hire an attorney should you ever be in such a position. You wouldn't want a drink with a meal to ruin your whole life and it is sad, but true, that some drug dealers don't have to face as much trouble as someone who has an occasional drink. This is the result of stricter laws that are now enacted, because that is what the public demanded. This is because there are more accidents caused by drivers impaired by alcohol consumption and in response the number of crackdowns increased and more DWI charges are made. - 21393
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