We all make mistakes, have lapses in judgment, and get ourselves into trouble every now and then. You can usually get away with this without any major damage to yourself or others, but in the case of the DWI or DUI, you may not be able to escape so easily. Bust, just because you are charged with one of these, it does not mean that you are a bad person. Good people commit these errors and get caught up in the law, either because of a mistake or a minor offense, and the justice system is not always perfect. In any case, it is important to know what could happen.
So what happens when you get a DUI or a DWI?
Depending on the state you live in, the DUI or the DWI can be treated differently, with the DUI often resulting in a lesser charge if your blood alcohol level is not significantly higher than the state’s limit. Depending on the level of a DWI charge, of which there are six, sentencing differs.
For example, the first and highest level, considered Level A1 for offenses committed after December 1, 2011, a person could face a minimum of 120 days to a maximum of 3 years in jail. For a level 2 DWI, the third highest level, a person automatically spends 7 days in jail, and could spend up to a year, and is also charged other penalties associated with lesser DWI charges. Level 3, a mid-level DWI charge, also incurs the penalties of lower DWI charges, as well as jail time as per the judge’s discretion. The lowest level usually results in community service, a fine, suspension of a person’s license for a period of time, and an alcohol assessment.
If you are facing these any of these charges, the best thing to do would be to hire a DWI attorney. These attorneys are well-versed in DWI and DUI laws in your state, and will be able to explain what happens when you get a DUI or DWI charge. They will know how to fight a DWI charge or a DUI one. A DWI lawyer can also answer important questions, such as, “How much does it cost to fight a DUI or DWI?”
To get the best representation, and get your life back on track, the help of these attorneys will be invaluable. You can then leave this incident behind, and start fresh again.