Local Law Firms Home > DUI DWI Drunk Driving Overview > Driving While Intoxicated > DWI Arrests Driving While Intoxicated Arrests While driving home after a night out some buddies, you see the flash of red and blue lights in your rearview mirror, signaling you to pull over. If you have been drinking, it is important to know your rights and options should the officer decide to investigate you for driving while intoxicated. And, if you have made the unfortunate decision to drive while impaired, you should also know what to expect during your arrest and subsequent booking. Driving while intoxicated past the point of DUI standards is known as "per se" DUI. A person does not necessarily have to pass the established DUI standards in order to be arrested and charged with DUI, however; even at a legal level, police can arrest drivers if their driving abilities are impaired as a result of the consumption of drugs or alcohol. Moreover, some states have zero-tolerance policies for certain classes of drivers, such as minors. In these states, even the slightest trace of impairment can lead to a DWI arrest and prosecution. Were you or a loved one arrested for driving while intoxicated? Contact a DWI attorney in your local area today for more information. Our drunk driving lawyers assist those injured in drunk driving accidents, but in other cases, can represent those who are facing DWI charges. For those facing charges, our lawyers can offer legal assistance and services regarding:
The police can stop motorists on suspicion of violating traffic laws, but an officer needs probable cause to arrest a driver for DWI. DWI offenses are criminal, and can even involve felony charges if someone other than the driver was injured. Depending upon the state where you live, the severity of the offense may vary. In some states, the drunk driving laws differentiate between a DUI and a DWI, where the DUI is a lesser charge. In these states, a DUI usually signifies a lesser degree of intoxication, which is determined by a person's blood alcohol level at the time of arrest. Sometimes, states will allow the charges of a DWI to be reduced to a DUI. In the case of a reduction from a DWI to a DUI, certain conditions typically must be met, such as the incident being a first offense, the defendant’s display of remorse for the action, and a blood alcohol level that was not drastically over the legal limit. Have you or someone you love been charged with a DWI? An experienced drunk driving attorneys can help! Contact a DWI lawyer in your local area to discuss your case today. |