What is a DWI?
A person is guilty of DWI in California when he or she drives or is in actual control of a car and is under the influence of alcoholic drinks or any chemical or controlled substance so much that his or her mental faculties is impaired or when his or her blood alcohol level (BAC) is above the legal limit for the state of California.
Depending on what state in which the defendant charged, driving while intoxicated can also be known as any of the following: Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants (DUII), Operating Under the Influence (OUI) or Operating While Intoxicated (OWI). In recent times, 48 states have enacted a second, "per se", offense: driving with an excessive blood-alcohol concentration (usually either .08% or .10%). In those states, BOTH offenses are charged, and the defendant can even be convicted of both, including a Felony DUI In California.
Although he/she can only be punished for one, if a person drinks while boating, he or she could potentially be charged with Boating While Intoxicated (BWI), which carries similar California DUI Penalties as DUI charges in CA. All these forms of running vehicles while intoxicated are criminal law matters, which could potentially incur a felony conviction and possibly a prison sentence, depending on how serious the charges are. Whether you are charged with a misdemeanor or felony offense, you should contact a California DWI law firm or California DUI Lawyer right away if you are arrested.
DWI is such a highly technical field, you not only need to hire a lawyer, but one who specifically specializes in DWI defense in California, which is different from DUI And California. DWI attorneys know that some enforcement and judicial procedures are unconstitutional and break motorists' rights.
California DWI attorneys are more well versed with the different sobriety tests and their varying accuracy levels. Don't give up your rights and find a qualified DWI attorney who understands your specific needs and circumstance, even if you get a DUI In CA.
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