Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) - Under 21: Fines, Traffic Points and Defense.

Driving while intoxicated (DWI) is the act of operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol and/ or drugs. Intoxicated means that a person’s mental and motor skills are impaired because of the amount of alcohol in their blood stream. In the 1990’s a zero tolerance laws were passed which made the offense of driving under the influence of a blood alcohol count (BAC) of 0.01 or 0.02 of any person under the age of 21 a punishable crime.

Fines and Penalties

Drunken driving laws in the United States are considered to be light when compared to other countries, however, a charge of driving while intoxicated that results in injury or the death are extremely harsh when compared to other nations. The fines and penalties for this offence vary from state to state most jurisdictions impose large fines, mandatory DUI classes, and some will impose a jail sentence in cases where a person’s BAC is over 0.20 or 0.15.

Points and Impact on Driving Record/License

The penalties for driving while intoxicated are different in every jurisdiction. But, in most cases you will have points placed against your driving record for the first offence, and have to pay a fine. Repeat offenders face the possibility of more points against the record, higher fines and the loss of their driver’s license. They may even face jail time if the courts feel the circumstances surrounding the offence warrant it.

Hiring a Lawyer

It is wise for anyone who has been charged with the offence of driving while intoxicated to retain a lawyer. There are many factors involved in a driving while intoxicated case.

Mitigation Damages – To mitigate an offence means to make the crime less serious in natural, and the punishment handed down less harsh or severe.

Save Your Driver’s License – If your situation is applicable, an attorney will know how to go about saving your driver’s license.

Keeping The Offence Of Off Your Record – A lawyer may be able to keep the offence off your record.

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