DWI offenses carry some serious penalties. This is not surprising. According to the Prevention Council, drugs other than alcohol are involved in approximately 18% of motor vehicle deaths. Alcohol itself is involved in a lot of accidents that also lead to death. Here are some things that you need to know about DWIs.
State DWI Laws
DWI is a term that’s used to describe impaired or drunken driving. The impairment can be caused by alcohol or other substances other than alcohol. These include prescription or recreational drugs. Some states also use DWI to refer to driving with blood alcohol levels that are over the legal limit. The terms DWI and DUI can be used interchangeably in some states. However, both offenses should be taken seriously as they can have some serious consequences. To understand more about these charges, the moment you get arrested, you should find a DWI attorney right away.
Consequences of a DWI Arrest
No matter the definition of DWI in your jurisdiction, if you are caught by the police driving in an impaired state, you will face some serious consequences. This includes arrest, fees, loss of your driving license, and other forms of court-ordered treatment. If you go to court and are found guilty, you will be required to pay fines and fees that vary with location. You will also face jail times, probation, or community service. There is also a possibility that you will lose your license. To get it back, you will probably be required to attend defensive driving classes. The court can also order that your drinking and substance-use issues be evaluated. Based on the results, you might be required to get into an alcohol treatment program.
Liability of Third Parties
A business that sold alcohol to a person who was later involved in a DWI crash might also be held liable for damages. The rules are quite similar to those applied if the person being charged was served alcohol at a party and eventually got involved in a crash. The host of the party can also be held liable for the damages. Things get worse if the host or vendor supplies alcohol to someone who is underage. If you are a third party and you are being charged, it’s wise to contact a drunken-driving accident lawyer right away.
If you are drunk or impaired in any way, it’s best to avoid driving. That way, you won’t end up on the wrong side of the law. However, if you get caught driving, and you are facing DWI charges, the best move would be to hire a DWI attorney as soon as possible. Get in touch with us today if you are looking to hire a DWI attorney.