DWI laws are the statutes that define a DWI crime and govern the legal consequences of this offense. DWI law defines a DWI as driving while intoxicated. This can include any operation of a motor vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. DWI laws have become harsher in the last few years, in an effort to reduce the frequency with which these crimes are committed. In light of harsher DWI laws, the national rate of alcohol-related fatalities has decreased in the last few years.
DWI laws are different depending on the state in which the crime was committed. In general, DWI laws consider driving while intoxicated a criminal offense that can be prosecuted as a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the circumstances of the crime. DWI laws allow for additional charges to be brought against an offender under certain circumstances. DWI laws usually include statutes known as implied consent laws. This means that when the department of motor vehicles issues a driver’s license, the driver implicitly agrees to submit to chemical testing at the request of a law enforcement official. Failure to consent to these DWI laws can lead to further enhancement of punishment.
DWI laws also define the circumstances under which the crimes and penalties for a DWI offense can be enhanced. If a person has a prior DWI conviction they will face significantly harsher penalties for any subsequent DWI offense. DWI laws also enhance the punishment for DWI perpetrators when excessive speeding is involved in a DWI incident, if any injury occurred as a result if the defendant had a particularly high blood alcohol level if children were involved in the incident, and under a variety of other circumstances.
Under most DWI laws, the penalties for a DWI conviction can include jail time, probation, punitive fines, restitution requirements, compulsory DWI school, mandatory drug and alcohol treatment, and other punishments. The Department of Motor Vehicles also has DWI laws. DWI offenders will often have their licenses suspended or revoked under DWI laws for a certain period of time following a DWI conviction.
DWI laws mandate that a DWI conviction goes on a person’s permanent criminal record. Insurance companies, prospective employers, and several other entities have the right to access this information as governed by DWI laws. These records can negatively affect a DWI offender for years beyond the time of the DWI crime.
A good DWI defense attorney has an intimate knowledge of DWI laws. These professionals can help to protect and maximize a person’s interests in a DWI case. DWI laws allow for a good defense to be built in a case, and it is possible for charges to be reduced or dropped in a strong DWI case.