DWAI Penalties
As your attorney we will seek to minimize the following potential penalties in your case and attempt to retain your drivers license:
1. DWAI - first offense
A Court must impose from between 2 days to 6 months in jail. The law permits the judge to suspend all or part of the sentence if you complete an alcohol treatment program. The judge must also impose 24 to 48 hours of useful public service, $100 to $500 in fines and court costs that usually exceed $400. Eight points will be assessed to your driving record as well as a habitual strike against your driving record.
2. DWAI with prior alcohol offense or test exceeding .20
The penalties increase if you have a prior alcohol offense or take a test that exceeds .20. Generally, and most importantly, jail may become mandatory, the maximum fine may increase to $1,500, useful public service may increase to 120 hours and court costs will usually exceed $400. In addition the DMV will assess a second habitual strike against your driving record and attempt to suspend your license.
Please call our office for the specific penalties that will apply to your individual case.
