Every state has laws that make driving while intoxicated illegal. If you are arrested and charged with this offense, you could face any number of legal consequences, all of which could have a negative impact on your life. Find out how to act in your own best legal interests by learning what happens when you get a DWI.
DWI Definition
Before you can advocate for yourself in a court case, you first must understand how DWI is defined. The definition of what does DWI mean in your state can be found online at websites like DUIWise.com. You can also find out what does DWI mean in your county or city by hiring an experienced DUI attorney.
Moreover, the DWI limits vary from state to state although many establish the legal BAC, or blood alcohol content, at 0.08 percent. If your BAC is over this limit, you could be charged with a DWI.
The types of punishment you might face depend on whether this is your first DWI, if you are a repeat offender, or if you have committed a probation violation for second DWI. As with learning what DWI means in your state, you can get more information about the DWI limits and how a first DWI or subsequent violations are treated by hiring a DWI attorney.
DWI Penalties and Punishments
The severity and length of any legal ramifications you might face stem on circumstances like if you are charged with a probation violation for second DWI or if you are a first time offender. Some states mandate that you spend the allotted minimum days in jail for a DWI even if it is your first offense; alternatively, others may hand out sentences of community service or probation if your offense did not inflict harm on other people or property.
When you have questions like how much jail time can you get for first DWI or how to get out of a DWI, your best solution would be to hire an experienced DWI attorney. Attorneys who specialize in this area of law know the answers to how long does a DWI stay on your record and what happens with first DWI in your state. They can even advise you on can you get a DWI off your record once you complete your sentence or pay your fine.
Working with a DWI Lawyer
When you retain a DWI lawyer, it is important that you be an active participant in your own legal defense. Being upfront and honest about the circumstances of your offense can help you avoid the minimum days in jail for a DWI and also could help you find out how to get out of a DWI altogether.
It is also important that you remember all of the information provided to you when you ask questions like can you get a DWI off your record or how much jail time can you get for first DWI convictions in your state. The answer to concerns like how long does a DWI stay on your record or what happens with first DWI in your state can depend greatly on how well you follow the legal advice provided to you.
For example, if your lawyer tells you to avoid going out and drinking before your case is heard and judged, you should follow that advice thoroughly. If you are arrested for DWI while your first case is still pending, you could face punishments like jail time and the suspension of your license.
However, if you follow the advice, you might be let off with minimal punishment. You may even have the charges against you dropped altogether. Nonetheless, your active participation and cooperation with your lawyer can be critical to the outcome of your DWI case.
The laws regarding driving under the influence vary from state to state. Even so, all 50 states outlaw DWI.
When you want to know what kind of legal ramifications you might face after your DWI arrest, you can get the information you need to act in your own best interests by retaining a skilled DWI lawyer. You can also get helpful information and learn how to participate in your own legal defense by using websites like DUIWise.com.