DWI arrests are more common than most of us realize. In fact, if we were to put it in numbers, about 1.5 million Americans are arrested yearly for drunk driving. This is about one person in every 121 drivers, which could also happen to you at some point in time.

But as common as it is, people seem to know very little about laws concerning DWIs in each state. This alone can make people very nervous about being pulled over in an intoxicated state.

Here are some common DWI-related FAQs that everyone should know.

FAQ No. 1: Is It Always Illegal To Drink And Drive?

The amount of alcohol you’ve been drinking is important if you’re being charged with a DWI. The officers who pull you over will check your blood alcohol level. According to New York law, driving would be a criminal offense if the BAC is 0.08% or higher. The law enforcement authorities check the BAC level using a breath test.

FAQ No. 2: What If I Refuse To Take A Breathalyzer

A driver taking a breathalyzer

This is a common query, and many people wrongly believe that they can refuse a breathalyzer and that it’s within their rights. However, this is only partially true. First, the state you’re in matters; not all states have given you the right to refuse the test. In New York, for instance, your refusal to take a breathalyzer could result in an automatic suspension of your license and a hefty fine being imposed.

FAQ No. 3: What Could Be My Punishment After A DWI Arrest?

Drunk driving is a serious offense, and therefore it has serious consequences as well. For starters, it will start an overwhelming legal process, to say the least. And although the punishments vary between states and cases, you can expect jail time and huge fines even as a first-time offender. Alternatively, you could be asked to do community services, probation, or abuse counseling.

Another FAQ that we come across is how one can beat a DWI charge and whether you still need a DWI attorney if you’re pleading guilty anyway. The answer to the latter is yes, you do need an attorney, and that’s also the best way to beat a drunk driving charge.

If you need more advice from an experienced DUI lawyer, reach out to us at DWI And Traffic Lawyers. As a DWI law firm, our drunk driving lawyers can help you beat DWI charges in Harrison and surrounding areas.

Get in touch for more information.