10 Things You Should Know About DWIs

Have you made the mistake of getting a DUI or DWI? If you have you are probably wondering what the consequences of your actions are.

Punishment for a DUI, DWI or drunk driving will vary from state to state, or even county to county. Generally, for a first offense DUI or DWI, penalties will include a fine, possible jail time or community service, a driver’s license restriction, and mandatory attendance at an alcohol and drug education program.

Regardless of where you got your DWI, you should know the following:

1. DWIs are delicate matters, matters that are handled well by professionals. You should seek the counsel of an attorney. You should expect to pay upwards of $1,000 in attorney fees, but you could pay more in the long run without an attorney.
2. DWI and DUI are not the same thing. DWI is an acronym for Driving While Intoxicated. DUI is an acronym for Driving Under the Influence. Each state and/or county may have different penalties for each but typically a DUI is the lesser charge.
3. You will probably lose your driving privileges for a minimum of 6 months if not more.

4. When you regain your driving priviliges you can expect to pay a higher insurance rate.

5. A first time DUI is a misdemeanor and may show on criminal background checks run by prospective employers.

6. If you have a commercial license, you will lose your commercial license, and be unable to work in that capacity.

7. A second DUI is a felony. Any employer that does not allow felons to work for them would be forced to terminate you. Much of the reasoning behind that is not only company image, but the ability to provide health insurance to people who have shown that they are in a high risk group as far as alcohol consumption and injury accidents.

8. If your work requires a  bond, you would no longer be bondable.

9. Depending on the state you live in, a first time DWI is a misdemeanor but many times a second DWI is a felony, having a felony on your record can really complicate your future….harder to find jobs, get into schools, not to mention it just shows a lack of good judgment. you can also lose your license, if for a particular job you might have to drive a company car, the company’s insurance provider may not cover you because you’re a risk, DWI’s cost a lot of money too!

10. In many states, any conviction over 2 is a felony. Felons are not permitted to obtain liquor licenses, nor are they allowed to work in businesses selling liquor. If you worked as a restaurant manager you would lose your job. If it was as a bartender, then maybe you can be a cook or dishwasher, but definitely nothing to do with alcohol. And again, if you were a prospective employee, then you won’t get hired.