The basic rule is the same, if you drive with a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) of .08% or greater, you’ll be charged with Driving Under the Influence (DUI). However, consequences of this transgression vary from state to state, meaning a DUI in Colorado isn’t quite the same as it might be in California. Furthermore, Colorado even penalizes those who drive with a BAC of .05%-.08%, less than the amount that constitutes a DUI, and call it a DWAI, Driving While Ability Impaired. DWAI is a serious charge in and of itself and may result in jail time and license revocation. The lawyers at www.cjmdefense.com outline the various penalties associated with each respective charge and let you know what you can do to avoid being charged with drinking and driving.
The more serious of the 2 charges, DUI may result in a wide range of penalties, including the following for a 1st time offense:
The charges apply to anyone found guilty of driving with a BAC of .08% or greater. The tolerance for minors is far less, any minor with a BAC of .02% or higher may be charged with a DUI.
DWAI, while not quite as serious as DUI, still carries a number of hefty punishments. If you’re pulled over and found to have a BAC between .05% and .08%, you’re eligible to be charged with DWAI. A first time DWAI offender can expect to face the following punishments:
Notably absent is the license suspension present in the DUI consequences. DWAI offenders are not subject to any license suspension or revocation in light of their lesser transgression. It’s important to remember that DUI and DWAI charges will stay on your record for a total of 10 years, meaning any subsequent charge within a 10 year period will compound the consequences. If you find yourself facing a 2nd DUI, you’ll be spending a minimum of 10 days in jail, and a 3rd offense will see you subject to the judge’s decision.
While states such as California don’t have a DWAI law, DUI consequences are similar, meaning it’s a bad idea to drink and drive no matter where you are. The legal experts of www.cjmdefense.com can answer any additional questions or concerns you may have about driving under the influence, whether in Denver or in Los Angeles. Contact a DUI lawyer today to see how they can help you with your DUI or DWAI case.