DWI Charges

There are usually two types of DWI charges. One type is `per se’ which is based on the observation of the law enforcement officers during the field sobriety test or is evaluated by a breathalyzer test. In the US, the legal limit of BAC is 0.08 percent, more than this leads to a DWI offense and a DWI conviction.

DWI laws depend on the state in which you are living. Each state has its own way of administering field sobriety tests, specific legal limits to BAC for adult, underage and commercial vehicle operators.

Consequences of a DWI Offense

The consequences of a DWI offense are usually quite severe. They include various penalties like:

• One year jail time,
• Heavy fine,
• Community service,
• License suspension, and
• Counseling.

The severity of the punishment increases with the frequency of the DWI charges. In states like New York, the first DWI offense is considered as a misdemeanor and will not affect the records of the driver. However, subsequent charges are considered as felonies and will appear on criminal records. A DWI conviction can also affect various other areas like employment, probation, promotions and subsequent offenses.

The penalty increases if you refuse to cooperate with the law enforcement officers and your charge is termed as an “aggravated” DWI charge. Refusal to take a breathalyzer test can also lead to aggravated DWI charge. If you have caused a fatal accident, then it will be considered as a felony.

If it is your first offense with test failure and your BAC is between .08 and 0.149, your driving privileges will be suspended for 30 days, with restricted driving to and from work and to school for 330 days. Second and third offense will lead to suspension of driving privileges for one year followed by one year of restriction of driving only a motor vehicle equipped with an ignition interlock device. The reinstatement fee is $200. The extent of DWI penalties will increase with the number of offenses committed.

Handling DWI Charges

A DWI charge is applicable to vehicles like cars, trunks or commercial vehicles. However, penalties are more severe for those who:

• Operate commercial vehicles
• Drive with minors in the car
• Drive with a suspended or revoked license or
• Drive with no license at all

Before you are convicted of DWI charges, the Department of Motor Vehicles will begin proceedings to suspend your license. This is different from the criminal charges brought by state prosecutors.

If your BAC was above the legal limit and you were arrested for drunk driving, you need to handle the DWI charges effectively as the penalties are very severe and can affect your life and the lives and safety of those around you.

Factors Affecting Women’s BAC

There are many factors which affect a person’s BAC. This includes:

• The body weight and size of the person,
• Gender,
• Physical condition,
• The amount and type of food eaten,
• Amount of sleep,
• Types of medication taken
• The alcohol content of the drink.

The most important factor affecting the blood alcohol content is the size and gender of the person. With the increase in body weight, the BAC also varies. If the body weight is about 90 pounds, then the BAC would be about .05; however, if the body weight is 220 pounds, then the BAC will be about .04.

Women, on average, have a smaller built than men, hence equal doses of alcohol lead to higher BAC in women. Moreover, as women have more body fat which contains lesser water, alcohol does not get easily diluted which leads to higher blood concentration levels in women. Alcohol dehydrogenase, which helps the body expel alcohol from the system, is found less in women which leads to more pure alcohol entering their bloodstream. The hormone levels of women also fluctuate, and alcohol sets in faster when estrogen levels are higher, such as during the premenstrual period.

Irrespective of the offender’s gender, DWI laws are quite strict and the consequences are similar in various states of the US. It is necessary that offenders undergo a series of tests to analyze the amount of alcohol consumed. The testing procedures are same for both men and women.

Reasons for Drunk Driving Among Women

The major reason for higher DWI cases among women is the change in lifestyle and increase in stress which has lead to alcohol abuse. Various drunk driving cases have resulted in fatal accidents as well as severe injuries. Heavy drinking among women can also lead to health problems and health conditions like miscarriages and complications during pregnancy.

Though there are different DWI laws for women, those are as strict as the laws for men and the consequences are just as severe ranging from penalties to license suspension.

Driving under the influence (DUI) will greatly affect your current or future jobs. Now, let’s have a look how does it affect your employment.

Attend Alcohol Awareness Classes

It is essential to attend alcohol awareness classes in most states. These classes are ordered by the court and everyone should have to attend alcohol education classes. You would have to devise your work schedule in such a way that you would be able to attend the classes on time. Because receiving a DUI may disqualify you from your current job in the company. Moreover, you may also want to contact an attorney prior to addressing your DUI with your current employer.

You License can be Suspended

After getting a DUI offense most states suspend your operator’s license. It will create a big trouble for you in reaching your workplace. Depending on someone else’s for a ride could make you late for a work and ultimately you might be fired for tardiness. Occasionally, the DUI or DWI will be reported automatically to your employer and you might be immediately released from the company. Additionally, receiving a DUI on your record will also increase insurance rates and your employer may feel the increase too and you can be fired because you could affect the company’s reputation. In case you have a CDL or drive for a long, you will have to find alternative ways to support.

Exhibit a Negative Impact on Potential Employers

Your future potential employers may require your criminal background record. Having a DUI might disqualify you from a position you really deserve. While filling out a job application, there is usually a section about prior convictions. Your prospective employer will surely discard you application if you filled out the conviction section. In case, it is not disclosed and your employer requires your background check, your DUI will show up and eventually you may not qualify for the job. Prospective employers may go back on your criminal background check or driving records up to ten years. Occasionally, potential employers will get your complete record.

Cleaning Your Criminal Record

There is an option to get your DUI expunged that is you can clean your criminal record, conviction information, destruction and sealing of arrest. This will give you a new hope of getting a job. For expunging your criminal record, you will need a help of an attorney. This will help you get a lucrative job.

Since, a DUI offense is major cause of driver’s license suspension and serious criminal charges that would certainly affect your employment. Alcohol education programs will enable you to make well informed decisions about your own use of alcohol that will help you secure your job.