What is DWI?
Posted on Oct 11, 2009 3:26pm PDT
DWI (
driving while impaired) is a criminal offense that is committed when people choose to drive after drinking alcohol or taking drugs that impair their coordination. DWI is also a criminal offense that is typically committed anytime a person drives with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08% or higher. The legal blood alcohol concentration varies state-to-state. However, in the majority of states, the legal limit is 0.08%.
People usually get caught driving while impaired by law enforcement after they have engaged in erratic or unsafe driving behaviors like: speeding, ignoring traffic signals, weaving in between traffic lanes, making random stops, stopping and then speeding up or running or making wrong turns. Once police notice these types of driving behaviors, they will have sufficient probable cause to make a DUI traffic stop.
When people have been pulled over by law enforcement for suspected DWI, they will then be asked to submit to a breath test which will determine their BAC. In some states, breath tests are mandatory and in others people have the right to refuse. People may also be asked to perform a series of field sobriety tests. If people fail the breath test or field sobriety tests, they will be arrested for DWI.
From that point on, it is imperative that they are aware of their rights and legal options as they may be facing criminal charges. The best way for people to remain informed and protected is by
hiring a skilled DWI lawyer who practices in their state of residence.
Click here to learn more about DWI!