![The Consequences and Penalties for Driving While Impaired [DWI]](https://metapress.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/The-Consequences-and-Penalties-for-Driving-While--1024x677.png "The Consequences and Penalties for Driving While Impaired [DWI]")
Driving while intoxicated [DWI] is an offense of driving a car while impaired by alcohol, drugs, or both, making operating the vehicle not safe. You will have to face certain consequences and penalties if you have been convicted of DWI. These consequences and penalties vary from state to state. Fortunately, a DWI lawyer from Trey Porter Law can help lessen these penalties thanks to their expertise and experience in DWI laws.
Here are the common consequences and penalties of DWI.
1. Paying fines
If you have been convicted of driving while intoxicated, paying a fine is one of the penalties you’ll have to deal with. Every state has its laws regarding the minimum and maximum fines for drunk driving. However, these penalties can be enhanced by other circumstances.
For instance, if someone was injured, a child was endangered, or property was damaged because of your drinking while drunk, the fines can be heftier. In most states, you may also have to pay court charges associated with your case.
2. Losing driver’s license
Another common penalty for drunk driving is losing your driver’s license for a while. This can also happen to first-time DWI convictions. The suspension period is usually connected to the driver’s prior convictions.
If the driver refused to take a blood, breath, and urine test, it can lead to license suspension even before the driver goes to court. During this period that the driver’s driving license is suspended, they can obtain a hardship license to drive to work or school.
3. Serving probation
If you don’t get sentenced to jail time for your DWI conviction, you’ll probably get a probation sentence. The sentencing judge will determine the terms of the probation. It is worth mentioning that you can be sent to jail if you fail to meet the probation’s terms.
The length of probation generally varies from one state to another. For instance, in certain states like Florida, probation cannot go beyond one year. Remember that probation terms can change, too, and may be more stringent.
4. Serving jail time
This is one of the most stringent penalties for driving while intoxicated. In many states, jail terms are mandatory even if the driver is a first-time drunk driving offender. Generally, first-time drunk driving offenders’ jail terms are one or two days in length and mostly served on weekends. But it is still jail time that comes with consequences, such as affecting your mental health.
For repeat drunk driving offenders, jail is mandatory in the majority of states, and the duration is longer than a couple of days. If there are infuriating circumstances linked with your DWI case, like having prior convictions, it means that jail time can be increased.
5. Using an ignition interlock device
In many states these days, drivers convicted of DWI must install ignition interlock devices on their cars. Even first-time offenders may be required to do so in some states. The ignition interlock device requires drivers to have an alcohol-free breath test result before the car starts. Installing these devices and their monthly fees can be quite expensive in the long run.