Legal•Info

DWI / DUI Laws

Call (888) 473-4174 to speak with a DUI attorney.

If you or someone you know has ever been convicted of a DWI (driving while intoxicated) or a DUI (driving under the influence) you probably know that it is a very serious offense. The DWI and DUI laws of virtually every state are getting more and more severe in an attempt to deter people from driving under the influence. Driving while intoxicated typically refers to alcohol, while driving under the influence generally covers any type of drug or alcohol. This can include marijuana, cocaine, heroin, ecstasy, PCP and a wide variety of other drugs. Whenever anyone ingests any chemical, they are no longer able to make decisions as well as they could while sober. This is incredibly dangerous not only for them but also for everyone else on the road.

DWI and DUI laws vary slightly from state to state. However, the consensus is that it is illegal to have more than a 0.08 percent blood alcohol level in your system while you are driving a car. The penalties also vary from state to state but most depend on the actual incident. In most cases, even if you have a very high blood alcohol level but you did not cause an accident, you will still receive a harsh sentence. Depending on the judge or jury, you could end up with jail time, but most times a first offense only results in probation and a fine if there was no accident. License suspension is also quite common. However, if you caused an accident because you were drunk, then you can expect to be punished harshly.

If an accident did occur, punishments vary from case to case depending on the precise nature of the accident. If it was only you that was responsible for the accident, then you can expect to have to pay for the accident on top of any criminal fines you might have. If someone is injured because of your drunk driver, you can probably expect significantly harsher sentences, including very large fines and jail time, depending on the severity of the injury. On top of all of this, there will usually be alcohol rehabilitation classes (which you will have to pay for) and probation.

If you have if you have made the mistake of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, then you should consult a lawyer as soon as possible. There are many law firms and lawyers who specialize in this type of case and can help protect your rights and get you a fair trial. Driving under the influence is dangerous and irresponsible, but if you have been convicted of a DWI or a DUI, you need to contact a lawyer as soon as possible. Most states have a very narrow window of time when challenges to certain aspects of your case can be raised, and a lawyer can help.

There are many lawyers who have been dealing with these types of cases for years who will be able to help you throughout the process. They will be able to make sure that you don't have excessive punishments and that all protocols were followed. The DWI and DUI laws are not yet perfect but hopefully soon, we will be able to achieve a decline in the number of drivers who decide to get behind the wheel under the influence of drugs or alcohol.