Article Written By: RichardMilford
If you are someone who occasionally goes out for a drink after work, then you might be surprised to hear that on the way home you could possibly face a DWI, or driving while intoxicated, charge. This can happen even if you don't think you are impaired. Due to the pressure put on state governments by groups such as Mothers Against Drunk Drivers, also known as MADD, the laws regarding drinking and driving have become tougher. An additional bonus is that this also boosts revenue for the states.
Drunk drivers are involved in more fatal accidents, so states don't make much difference in treatment of those that have a couple drinks after work and those that are alcoholics that down a twelve pack every night after work. You will both have to pay an attorney the same costs and you are both subject to the same penalties, jail time and fines, especially on first offenses. Once the BAC (blood alcohol content), was lowered to .08 it was devastating to bar owners and their business. For the average person the .08 level would be like consuming two beers in one hour or less. There can be license suspension for thirty days minimum even before the court date and the offender being found guilty. These suspensions are mandatory. Then there are the SATOP classes which will cost a couple hundred dollars and don't forget the legal fees. Penalties for alcohol are higher, even though it is sold legally, than some charges for marijuana use or possession and the cost for your defense higher. It is the same for the person who only stops for a drink or two twice a year. The next charge that comes into play is DUI (Driving Under the Influence). This comes into play when it is obvious to the police that you have had a drink, but failed to test out at .08. Just one sip of alcohol can accomplish this because of the odor. Thus all the same expenses occur, just the same ones that would the habitual drinker. Thought and risk associated with the new stricter laws makes people withdraw from any social settings such as a simple drink with dinner or stopping for a visit at a bar for a birthday. People are staying home and having a drink rather than risk being caught. Somebody would need to take them home and not partake in any festivities, so most drinkers don't want to pressure their friends into NOT drinking at a friend's birthday or bachelorette party, because it doesn't seem fair, so they don't go. If you are a drinker, this is something you need to accept with the DWI laws that exist. The standard in the majority of states is a mandatory license suspension, whether you were found guilty or not. If you are reading this it is a good guess your interest is because you have gotten a DWI or DUI, so for starters be prepared to spend a lot of money even if you haven't been found guilty.If you are in need of more information about Maine OUI, please visit this site which has lots more info on Maine DUI Attorney.
This Article Has Been Published on Fri, 18 Sep 2009 and Read 168 Times