DWI. Three little letters, but considerable consequences. Our DWI Lawyers Minot ND at Ward K Johnson, have seen the effects these three letters have had on people’s lives. That is why we offer the best possible services to help you fight your case!
What is the Meaning of DWI?
DWI expands to Driving While Intoxicated or Driving While Impaired. It refers to the situation when someone is suspected of driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or if they are impaired in some other way.
DWIs are also sometimes called DUIs, which stands for Driving Under the Influence. A DUI is usually charged when someone is driving while intoxicated by alcohol or drugs, while DWI is charged when a person driving is impaired by other factors.
NOTE: DWIs and DUIs are differentiated only in some states of the United States of America. In other states, they may be used interchangeably. They may also be known as OWIs (Operating While Intoxicated) or OUIs (Operating Under the Influence) or DWAI (Driving While Ability Impaired). Reach out to our DWI Law Firm Minot ND to know which terms apply to your case, and how they are defined legally!
State laws concerning DWIs and other charges tend to have complicated definitions. Each has its own legal definition as to how much your blood alcohol concentration is allowed to be, and what penalties you might face. With trained DWI Lawyers Minot ND like those at Ward K Johnson, you can clearly identify your charges, and therefore be able to mount the best defense possible.
What Repercussions Can Be Avoided by Hiring a DWI Lawyer?
Having a DWI on your driving record can have some unwanted repercussions. It can cause some inconveniences in your daily life. Here are some negative consequences our DWI Law Firm Minot ND can help you avoid:
- License Suspended: The biggest inconvenience you will probably face is having your license suspended. If you live in North Dakota and find yourself with a DWI on your driving record as a first-time offender, you might be facing a license suspension of up to 90 days. In some cases, you might be granted limited driving privileges during the license suspension, 30 days after it is granted. These limited privileges may allow you to drive during certain hours of the day or for certain limited purposes.
- Increased Insurance Rates: If convicted of a DWI, you can surely expect your car insurance rates to increase. Drivers with a DWI are viewed as riskier candidates, so you may have to reach deep into your pockets to provide the premium required. To add to this, a DWI stays on your record, which means that it will have an influence on your car insurance rates for at least three to five years!
- Job Prospects: Without our DWI Lawyers Minot ND on your side, you might find your current job prospects affected, especially if your work requires a commercial driver’s license like a bus license. You could lose your job, and your commercial license as well. If your sentence requires jail time or a large number of community service hours that cause you to take extended leaves of absence, you might find yourself in need of a finding a new job. This won’t be easy as a DWI charge is a criminal offense and might make you an undesirable candidate for employment. Some jobs like that of a firefighter, nurse, or police officer can be nearly impossible to attain with a DWI on your record.
How to Avoid A DWI Conviction?
The answer is simple. If you are charged with a DWI case, contact a DWI Law Firm Minot ND like ours. A good defense can get your penalties reduced, or even your case dismissed! We at Ward K Johnson will use our expertise to make the best possible case for your defense.
This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for legal advice.