DWI/DWAI DEFENSE

Driving under the influence (DUI) is a serious offense that needs a serious defense.
In order to pull a driver over for DWI, DUI or DWAI (Driving While Ability Impaired) an officer must first have reasonable suspicion that a law has been broken. If the officer suspects the driver has been drinking, he must administer field sobriety tests according to set, standard procedure. After the field sobriety tests, if the officer establishes probable cause that the driver has been driving while intoxicated, he may then administer a breathalyzer test. This breathalyzer test must be properly administered on a machine which has been properly calibrated and maintained. Failure to follow these set procedures can provide grounds for getting a drunk driving charge dismissed. The same protocol must be followed to stop a person charged with driving while ability impaired by drugs as well.
The penalties associated with a drinking while driving related conviction can include license suspension or revocation, fines and potentially jail. Attorney Joseph Centra is a highly skilled criminal defense lawyer who has a complete understanding of how the criminal justice system works. His experience gives him the ability to thoroughly review every aspect of your DWI charge, provide you with clear end scenarios, possible outcomes and the ability to work to get a favorable disposition in your case.

• DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) 
  • This crime alleges that you were driving with a blood-alcohol content of .08 or more. 
  • This is a misdemeanor level crime that carries penalties that include up to $1,000 in fines (for a first time offense), potential jail and license revocation. 

 

• Aggravated DWI 
  • This alleges that you were driving with a blood-alcohol content (BAC) of .18 or more.
  • This is a misdemeanor level crime where the penalties can be much greater than with a standard DWI including longer license revocations and higher fines.

 

• DWAI (Driving While Ability Impaired) 
  • This charge alleges you were driving with a BAC of more than .04 but less than .08. 
  • A DWAI may carry no jail time however, it carries a fine of up to $500 (for a first offense), license suspension and a conviction counts as a first offense if arrested for a DWI in the future. 

• DWAI – Drugs (Driving While Impaired by Drugs)  
  • This charge alleges you were driving while impaired by a drug (or drugs). This applies to prescription medication as well as illegal substances. 
  •  This is a misdemeanor level crime that carries penalties that include up to $1,000 in fines (for a first time offense), potential jail and license revocation. 

 

• Felony DWI 
  • This crime applies when you have either repeat DWI offenses or there was a DWI related death or injury. 
  • Penalties can include high fines, a mandatory license revocation and potential jail or prison time. 

 

• Refusal
  • Refusal of a breath test or blood test will result in an automatic suspension of your license and can have a more significant effect on a CDL. 

 

• Underage DWI
  • An individual charged with DWI under the age of 21 faces an automatic license suspension.