DWI – DUI Laws

Driving under the influence, or DUI for short, is the term for operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated. Though most cases of DUI deal with persons under the influence of alcohol it is also illegal to operate a vehicle while under the influence of marijuana, cocaine, or any other illicit drug that impairs your judgment and motor skills. Also, though some believe that you can only be charged while driving a car it is illegal to operate any motorized vehicle, a boat, an off-road motorcycle, or a tractor, while under the influence.

Drinking and driving – as commonly referred to – is one of the most discussed and debated legal issues facing American society today. All states in America are adopting harsher penalties for drinking and driving. This is because of the major impact and ramifications that can result from it and the negative ways crime has affected society.

Many lives have been lost, and many families have been destroyed because of this senseless crime. Some feel that penalties for an individual who gets drunk and drives, resulting in serious injury or death, are not strong enough. Many organizations nationwide, such as MADD – Mothers Against Drunk Driving – are pushing for penalties more in line with someone who commits murder.

What Happens With a 3rd DWI in Texas?

Texas 3rd DWI Offenses Driving while intoxicated (DWI) with a .08 BAC (blood or breath alcohol concentration) under any circumstances can result in arrest and other major consequences in Texas….

Is Deferred Adjudication a Good Deal for a DWI Texas?

Understanding Deferred Adjudication for Texas DWI Cases: A Comprehensive Guide Deferred adjudication can be a valuable tool for first-time offenders charged with driving while intoxicated (DWI) offenses. It offers an…

Top 10 Best San Antonio DWI Lawyers

Best DWI Attorneys in San Antonio Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) is considered a serious criminal offense in San Antonio and its surrounding areas. Facing a DUI charge can be life-altering,…

Driving While Intoxicated with BAC 0.15

DWI/DUI with .15 Alcohol Level (BAC) Being caught driving while intoxicated (DWI) or driving under the influence (DUI), also known as “drunk driving,” can have serious legal repercussions in Texas…

Top 10 Best Austin DWI Lawyers

Best DWI Attorneys in Austin Finding a qualified and experienced DWI lawyer to defend you is crucial if you have been charged with driving while intoxicated (DWI). A competent DWI…

Legal Limit for Blood Alcohol Content

Beyond the legal limit: Understanding how alcohol affects your body and driving skills For many people, drinking alcohol is a social activity that can be enjoyable and fun. However, it’s…

ARS 28-1381 – Arizona DUI laws

Consequences of ARS 28-1381: Understanding Arizona’s DUI laws Driving under the influence (DUI) is a serious offense that can have long-lasting consequences. Arizona has some of the strictest DUI laws…

Federal DUI vs State DUI

State vs. Federal DUI: What’s the Difference? Driving under the influence (DUI) is a serious offense that can result in severe consequences. However, not all DUI charges are the same….

Ankle Monitor for Alcohol

SCRAM Ankle Bracelets vs. Jail for DUI SCRAM (Secure Continuous Remote Alcohol Monitoring) electronic ankle bracelets have been an effective way to monitor people under house arrest and are now…

Obstruction of Highway Charges in Texas

Obstruction of Highway Charges vs. Texas DWI Navigating the criminal court system in Texas can be difficult, especially if you are facing a driving while intoxicated (DWI) charge. One possible…

What is Intoxilyzer 9000?

Intoxilyzer 9000: Controversial Breathalyzer Used to Determine DUI The Intoxilyzer 9000 has become a controversial tool for determining levels of intoxication for those arrested for driving under the influence (DUI)….

Secrets of Avoiding a DUI Conviction

12 Insider Tips from a DUI Lawyer to Avoid a DUI Conviction Driving under the influence of alcohol or other intoxicants that impair your ability is a violation of law…

DUI Emergency Shortcuts

DUI Emergency in Georgia The fact is, more people go to jail for DUI than for any other crime! You can lose your driver’s license for as long as five…

Georgia Form DS-1205

What is a DUI DS 1205 form in Georgia? As of July 1, 2017, in Georgia, if you are issued a DDS 1205, you can waive the appeal of the…

Fourth DUI Offense in Georgia

Georgia 4th DUI & Felony DUI You face severe consequences if convicted of a fourth DUI offense in Georgia. The state of Georgia has a zero-tolerance policy when it comes…

Georgia Implied Consent Law

Implied Consent in Georgia You have been arrested for DUI and haven’t been officially tested yet. You will receive an important warning from the officer who just arrested you. He…

Arizona Impaired to the Slightest Degree DUI

What is Impaired to the Slightest Degree? Suppose a driver over 21 with a non-commercial license is discovered to be operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of.08…

Marijuana DUI Arizona

Marijuana DUI Laws in Arizona The legal environment surrounding marijuana use has drastically changed during the past ten years. In 2010 it was decriminalized for medical use, and in 2020,…

Ignition Interlock and Arizona DUI Laws

Arizona Interlock Laws You’ve probably heard of an ignition interlock device if you were convicted of a DUI in Arizona (IID). So let’s learn more about Arizona DUI laws and…

How Much does a DWI Cost in Texas?

Texas DWI Cost 2024 The cost of a DWI case includes not only expenses related to your legal defense, but also the costs, including fines, that follow a conviction. Mounting…

Are DUI Checkpoints Legal in Texas?

In Texas, as well as across the United States, it is against the law to operate a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. However,…

How to Get an ALR Hearing in Texas

What You Need to Know About DWI ALR Hearings The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) will attempt to suspend the driver’s license of anyone arrested for DUI who either…

How To Expunge DUI Conviction

DUI Expungement – Can a DWI Conviction Be Expunged? Courts will only consider DUI driving record expungement following a certain period of time. Applicants may also be disqualified for expungement…

What is the Zero Tolerance Law?

Zero-Tolerance Law – Underage Drunk Driving The creation of zero-tolerance laws came in direct response to the issue of drinking and driving by underage drivers. Over time, statistics have shown…

What Makes a DUI a Felony?

DUI Felony Charges DUI felony charges refer to claimed instances of the act of “driving under the influence” undertaken by a driver. In this way, the applicable sector of the…

California Social Host Laws

Social Host Laws in California Most youths who obtain alcohol do not get it from irresponsible retailers or by using fake identification. The majority of alcohol consumed by minors is…

What to do if you miss a court date

I Missed My Court Date, What Should I Do? If you have missed a court date for a criminal matter, you should consult with an attorney as soon as possible…

Second DUI conviction in Georgia

 2nd offense DUI in Georgia Being arrested and charged with a DUI is a very scary situation. In Georgia, if you are convicted of a 2nd DUI within a 10-year…

How to fight a DUI without a lawyer

Can you be your own drunk driving defense attorney? Police officers’ business is to ensure the safety of our highways and citizens. Questioning whether you should be behind the wheel…

Georgia’s 30-Day Rule

Save Your License after a Georgia DUI When you are arrested for driving under the influence in Georgia, the officer must present you with a form 1205 from the Georgia…

California Drunk Driving – BAC Tests

SAN DIEGO DRUNK DRIVING & BLOOD ALCOHOL TESTS Simply driving a vehicle in San Diego – or anywhere in California — legally and automatically implies consent to submit to a…

Field Sobriety Tests

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has devised what is commonly referred to as the “Approved Field Sobriety Tests.” My readers are happy to learn that I have spent…

Punishments for DWI

DWI Punishments: A Well-Informed Perspective Individuals convicted of drunk driving face a wide range of punishments, as state laws on the matter vary significantly. In most states, a first offense…

Consequences of Drunk Driving Offenses

Drunk Driving Offenses Drunk driving offenses are our nation’s most frequently committed crimes, killing someone every thirty minutes. Drunk driving offenses kill more than 17,000 and injure 500,000 people yearly…

Difference Between DUI and DWI

Another term for operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated is DWI, which stands for driving while intoxicated. In some states, the two terms are interchangeable, with both carrying the same legal definitions and penalties. Other states differentiate the two by certain factors, such as level of intoxication, recklessness of driving, and whether or not personal injury or death resulted. Usually, a DWI would be more severe in these states than a DUI.

It is possible to have a DWI reduced to a DUI, provided a certain set of criteria are met. These criteria can include but are not limited to; whether it’s a first offense, the defendant’s likelihood of repeating the offense, and his or her level of remorse for their actions. In addition to these examples, several other factors are usually determined case by case.

DWI – Driving While Intoxicated

DWI (driving while intoxicated or driving while impaired) refers to the operation of a motor vehicle while under the influence of any substance, whether drugs or alcohol, that may diminish an individual’s ability to drive safely.

Because of increased public pressure on government agencies to crack down on drunk and impaired driving, law enforcement officials may be tempted to increase the number of DWI and DUI arrests. Unfortunately, many arrests are made through improper and unconstitutional investigations and procedures. The increased pressure may also result in the wrongful accusation of innocent people. However, if you’ve been charged with a DWI, knowing you have many legal rights and options is important.

Please contact us today to speak with a qualified and experienced criminal law lawyer FREE of charge to learn more information about your rights and interests.

Consequences of a DWI

A DWI arrest can result in a number of consequences depending on factors such as the severity of the intoxication, past DWI arrests, the suspect’s age and previous criminal history, whether any parties were injured, or whether any property was damaged. Those who are charged and convicted of a DWI may be penalized with the following:

  • Heavy fines
  • License restriction
  • License suspension
  • License termination
  • Probation
  • Jail time
  • More

In some cases, a DWI is considered a felony and could stain a defendant’s criminal record, making it more difficult to find a job, prevent him/her from voting, or participate in other activities in the future.

State Versus Federal Laws

Here you will find information on each state’s DUI or DWI laws. Though each and every state has a separate set of laws pertaining to DUI, or DWI, some federal laws are consistent across all 50 states. These include a legal blood alcohol limit of .08 for anyone operating a motor vehicle. Also, anyone under the federal legal drinking age of 21 years old who is found to have any amount of alcohol in their system will be automatically charged under the federal “zero tolerance” law for underage drinkers operating a motor vehicle.

Whatever situation you find yourself in regarding driving under the influence, or while intoxicated, you will be best served to hire a good lawyer. Try to find someone familiar with your state’s laws and with experience defending individuals charged with a DUI or DWI.

Your Legal Rights

A DWI charge does not always result in a conviction. However, DWI defense requires extensive knowledge of state and federal DUI laws, breath analyzer technology, human physiology, and chemistry. If you or a loved one has been charged with a DWI, it is crucial that you consult with a qualified criminal law attorney who has the experience necessary to defend your legal rights and interests effectively. Please contact us today to speak with an experienced DWI attorney who can examine your case FREE of charge and help plan the best course of action for you.

Drug Impaired Driving

Drug Impaired Driving: An Overview The prevalence of drug-impaired driving has increased significantly in recent years, raising concerns among law enforcement and public health officials across the country. This article provides an overview of the dangers posed by drug-impaired drivers, a look at related laws and legal processes, and tips to stay safe on the...

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DWI Accidents

DWI accidents are motor vehicle accidents that involve a party who was driving while intoxicated (DWI) at the time of the incident. Approximately thirty percent of the United States population will be involved in DWI accidents at some point in their lives. These DWI accidents can involve impaired drivers under the influence of drugs or...

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DWI Boating Laws

The crime of driving while intoxicated, known as a DWI or a DUI (driving under the influence) is often thought of in regards to operating a car, truck, or motorcycle. These laws, however, refer to the operation of any type of motor vehicle, including boats. DWI boating laws have gotten stricter, just as other DWI...

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DWI Charges

DWI charges are the criminal and civil legal charges that are brought against a person who is found driving while intoxicated. The laws that govern DWI charges fall under the jurisdiction of individual states and often depend on the specific nature of the crime in question. Every US state considers driving while intoxicated by alcohol...

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DWI Conviction

A DWI conviction is a legal judgment ruling that a person is guilty of the DWI charges that have been brought against them. A DWI conviction also carries a specific punishment or set of penalties imposed on the party convicted of this crime. A DWI is a crime of operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated,...

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DWI Defense

DWI Defense: An  Overview The potential consequences of driving while intoxicated (DWI) – also known as driving under the influence (DUI) or operating a vehicle while impaired (OWI) – can be serious. For this reason, those accused of DWI offenses should consult an experienced attorney to determine the best course of action that offers the...

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DWI Help

Understanding the Legal Implications of a DWI Charge Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) is an offense that carries serious implications, both in terms of legal consequences and the potential threat posed to public safety. Understanding the laws and penalties related to DWI charges can be essential for those facing these allegations, so reviewing the details below...

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DWI Laws

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...

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DWI Lawyers

What Do DWI Lawyers Do? A DWI attorney is a legal professional who can protect and maximize the rights of individuals that face DWI charges. A good DWI attorney has intimate knowledge of the DWI laws in their state, particularly the laws that are applicable to their client's case. A DWI is a criminal charge...

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DWI Statistics

Alarming Statistics on Drunk Driving in the United States Every year in the United States, thousands of people die in car crashes caused by drunk driving. Over the last 10 years, more than 10,000 people have been killed each year due to alcohol-related accidents. Despite this startling statistic, 2019 marked a historic low in drunk...

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DWI Ticket

A ticket for a DWI is not like the ticket you might receive for a minor traffic violation. Motor vehicle violations such as minor speeding or failure to obey a traffic sign are usually considered infractions. These typically result in a punitive fine and negative points on your DMV record. A DWI ticket does not...

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Facts About DWI

Driving while intoxicated (DWI) is a serious offense that can have significant legal and personal repercussions. As such, it is important to be well informed on the laws and facts surrounding such an act. Here are some key facts about DWI: Definition of DWI DWI is defined as the act of operating a vehicle while...

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