The consequences of driving while intoxicated (DWI) can affect you long after the initial penalties are over and done. However, if you’re like most people faced with DWI charges, your focus is probably on your upcoming court hearing.
Here is some preliminary information about penalties for DWI, not to be confused with DUI, and what you can expect when sentencing is handed down.
First Offense for DWI
If this is your first arrest for drunk driving, the judge will most likely be more lenient if there are no other factors to consider. This charge is a Class B misdemeanor and the general penalties are:
A $2,000 fine, plus additional state fines;
Anywhere between three and 180 days in jail; and
Driver’s license suspension up to one year.
A higher blood alcohol concentration may bring steeper penalties, so please reach out to The Fox Firm if you have questions about this or any of the other circumstances that can lead to harsher sentencing.
Repeat DWI Offenses
Second and third offenses will bring increasingly more severe penalties. As a Class A misdemeanor, a second arrest for DWI can bring a $4,000 fine, up to a year in jail, and a license suspension of up to two years.
A third DWI changes the narrative significantly in many cases because the charge goes from being a misdemeanor to a felony. Increased penalties may include a $10,000 fine and two to ten years in prison. In the context of time spent in prison, there is a big difference between two years and ten years, which is why qualified legal representation is crucial in felony DWI cases.
Annual Fees for DWI
Regardless of which level of DWI charge you are convicted of, there may be annual fees you must pay in order to keep your driver’s license. These begin after the suspension period and range from $1,000 per year to $2,000 per year. Keep in mind that if you anticipate the loss of your license causing significant strain on your employment or other essential needs, we can help you file a petition for an occupational license.
Mitigating Risks
Just as there are things you can do to make your penalties more severe, there are also things you can do to help your case. Your behavior after being pulled over may affect any penalties you receive, as this will likely be used in court as either testamentary evidence from the officer or video footage. Knowing the best practices during a DWI stop can prevent unfortunate missteps that could be used against you later on.
There is only so much you can do on your own when the cards seem stacked up against you. If you are looking for an experienced DWI attorney you can trust, call The Fox Firm to schedule a consultation.