You know it is not good to drive while under the influence of alcohol, but many still go ahead and drive after a drinking spree. The effects of driving while intoxicated affect not only you but innocent people on the road. A DWI is punishable depending on past convictions and your blood alcohol concentration level.
A DWI attorney in Tarrant County, Texas would remind you that you can win a DWI case with a good defense. A competent DWI lawyer will help you get a dismissal even with the most serious offenses. The next time you have DWI charges, invest in a competent lawyer, but still avoid driving while intoxicated at all costs.
What Are the Different Types of DWI Charges?
You now know that a DWI is not something you want on your record. With the right kind of legal representation, your chances of getting out of the punishment is higher. But first, you need to understand what DWI charges there are.
Here are the types of DWI charges you should know about:
1. Aggravated DWI
There is a DWI, and then there is an aggravated DWI offense. What makes an aggravated DWI are certain factors that exacerbate the charges. An excellent example of aggravated DWI is where the driver is driving with extremely high blood alcohol concentrations.
When the driver drives intoxicated and carries a minor in the vehicle, it is an aggravated DWI. Additionally, when there are multiple DWI convictions or excessive speeding, it is an aggravated DWI.
2. Felony DWI
Unlike a misdemeanor, felony DWI’s attract harsher penalties depending on the state in question. Like an aggravated DWI, the felony DWI has similar criteria, depending on the area. Because of the severe nature of a felony DWI, the consequences of a felony DWI are also harsh and longer-lasting.
Before you embark on a drinking spree, think about the consequences of a felony DWI charge and whether you can live with them.
3. Commercial DWI
Drivers with a commercial driving license have a lot of responsibility to maintain sobriety on the road. As such, the DWI rules governing commercial vehicles are stricter. If you are driving a class A, B, or C vehicle, you face serious punishment once you are caught driving under the influence of alcohol.
As a first-time offender, you face a minimum of one year revocation of your commercial drivers license. For a second offense, you face permanent revocation of your drivers license with a waiver after ten years. Finally, on a third offense, the state will revoke your drivers license with no possibility of surrender.
4. Underage DWI
Underage citizens require protection because of their vulnerable and impressionable natures. States have set different age limits defining when someone is considered underage. While some put the minimum underage provision at 12 years, others set it at 16 years.
The next time you drive near a school zone, ensure you are sober and have no intention to carry a minor in your vehicle.
5. DWI Manslaughter
Driving intoxicated is all fun and games until you cause an accident that results in the death of another person. Although it may not be your intention as the driver, your intoxicated actions result in ending the life of an innocent person.
A DWI Is a Serious Offense
A DWI charge is serious, but having suitable legal representation is an excellent move for your case. In addition to understanding the federal laws in your state, be familiar with the DWI laws in that state. With the knowledge of what constitutes a DWI offense, you are sure to limit situations that could get you into trouble.
The next time you go out for a drink, think about making alternative arrangements regarding your drive back home.
