If you are someone who occasionally goes out for a drink after work, then you might be surprised to hear that on the way home you could possibly face a DWI, or driving while intoxicated, charge. This can happen even if you don’t think you are impaired. Due to the pressure put on state governments by groups such as Mothers Against Drunk Drivers, also known as MADD, the laws regarding drinking and driving have become tougher. An additional bonus is that this also boosts revenue for the states.
Since drunk drivers cause more of the fatal accidents that happen, states don’t bother to differentiate in their treatment of those who occasionally drink after work and those who are alcoholics and drink a 12-pack every day after work. Regardless of which category you fall into, you will have to pay for an attorney, the same fees, penalties, fines and jail times. This is especially true for first time offenders.
Bar owners saw their business almost disintegrate when most states lowered the BAC or blood alcohol content to .08. This is the equivalent of two beers in one hour or less for most people. Legal fees can cost quite a bit and that doesn’t count mandatory SATOP classes, which can run a couple hundred and then there are mandatory administrative suspensions of your license for thirty days or more, BEFORE you ever go to court and are found guilty.
Penalties for alcohol are higher, even though it is sold legally, than some charges for marijuana use or possession and the cost for your defense higher. It is the same for the person who only stops for a drink or two twice a year.
Such cases may fall under the DUI charge, which is driving under the influence. Most states define a DUI as being when it is obvious to the police you have consumed alcohol, but your BAC test does not exceed the 0.08% limit. The police are allowed to charge you with a DUI if they can just smell alcohol on your breath and that basically means that just one sip of a drink can result in the hassles, expenses and license suspensions that every heavy drinker gets when they are pulled over and caught drinking and driving.
These new, stricter “drunk” driving laws discourage you from having a drink with dinner or visiting a bar for a birthday party or anything else. The risk of getting caught is what makes some people only drink at home and withdraw from any social setting where they might want to have a drink or two as a social occasion.
One way of avoiding the risk of being caught is to have someone come along to any festivity, such as a birthday party or bachelor party, etc., that will not drink at all to be the driver but some don’t think it is fair for one to be pressured in it and not enjoy the festivities same as they are.
If you are reading this article, then you have every right to be concerned if you already have a DWI or DUI on your record. Unfortunately, the best advice that can be offered is to prepare for tough financial times, since you will spending a lot of money even before you are possibly found guilty in court, Also keep in mind that the mandatory driver’s license suspension doesn’t have anything to do with the outcome of the court’s verdict. In fact, almost every state will immediately suspend your driving privileges and that for at least 30 days. However, a good lawyer can help you to get a hardship license and may even save you from a jail sentence, paying an expensive find and losing your driver’s license for one year.
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Tags: advice, alcohol, attorney, Auto, cars, conviction, defense, driving, drunk driving, dui, dwi, law, law firm, legal, oui
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