What You Should Know About DWAI
Most people know that to operate a motor vehicle of any kind, whether it’s a car, truck, boat, golf cart, or more, you have to be sober. If you are caught legally impaired while driving a motor vehicle, there are severe penalties and repercussions. While many people know about DUI and DWI laws in the state of Florida, not too many know about DWAI (driving while ability impaired) and what that means for them.
Matthews & Jones, LLP is a DUI law firm in Destin with years of experience helping those who have been arrested for DUI, DWI, BUI, and DWAI. We understand that the consequences for a conviction of DUI is severe, especially here in Florida. Below, we’ll go over a bit more about DWAI. contact our DUI attorneys today!
What is DWAI?
DWAI is still a drunk driving charge in the state of Florida, albeit a lesser one. It is when you are caught operating a motor vehicle with less than the legal content of alcohol or other substance in your system, but you are still impaired. DUI laws, while carrying threshold values, still intend to ensure you are not drinking at all. Since having “a beer or two” affects everyone differently, the idea is that if you are driving, you don’t drink at all.
What are the Standards for a DWAI?
DWAI is usually the charge when someone is below the .08 threshold that is used to determine if you are drunk. This usually starts a .05. The legal definition is where someone is operating a motor vehicle and drugs, alcohol, prescription drugs, or other substance impairs their ability to drive to the slightest degree than what that person ordinarily would have been capable of driving, including reaction times, physical control, and judgement.
What are the Consequences of a DWAI?
DWAI is considered a serious offense, and the consequences can be just as harsh, especially if someone else was involved and their property or themselves were injured. However, in general, DWAI penalties are less and are misdemeanor charges. DWAI is usually determined with a breath test. If you refuse a breath test, the penalties are more severe because it is believed that you are hiding something if so. Those under the age of 21 face harsher penalties, as do those who are operating a commercial vehicle of some sort.
CHOOSE MATTHEWS & JONES, LLP AS YOUR DUI ATTORNEY IN FLORIDA
DWAI is a complicated charge, much like DUI, DWI, or BUI. This is because although there are guidelines and legalities involved, every DUI case is different. The case depends on the person’s previous convictions for DUI or a related charge and if anyone or their property was hurt because of your actions.
If you’ve been charged with DUI, DWI, BUI, or DWAI, contact our DUI attorneys in Destin today. We have years of navigating the legal waters of DUI charges, and our mission is to get you the most favorable outcome possible. The DUI laws in the state of Florida can be complicated, and you don’t want to trust your future to anyone. After all, a DUI conviction will follow you for the rest of your life and go on your record. It could even result in a felony conviction, which affects your legal rights substantially.
The DUI attorneys at Matthews & Jones, LLP offer compassionate representation, as well as expertise. We understand how life circumstances just happen, and we’re here to help. We have three convenient locations to better serve you: Destin, Santa Rosa Beach, and Niceville. When your future is on the line, you want only the best. Contact our expert DUI attorney team today!
