Getting to drive on the open road is a privilege. But if you’ve gotten a DWI before, it’s worth considering that you could lose this luxury if you don’t plan a sober ride.
Sometimes the only thing on your mind after a night of drinks is getting home. Thanks to public transportation services and a plethora of rideshare apps, you have options when it comes to finding a safe ride. Otherwise, that one last drink you justified shortly before your drive home could result in lasting consequences.
Loss of license
One life-altering effect of a DWI offense is losing your driver’s license. The revocation or suspension period depends on your level of impairment, and repetitive DWIs result in longer periods of driver’s license revocation.
Here is a breakdown of license penalties by offense:
- DWAI: A DWAI (driving while ability impaired by alcohol) can be issued when your blood alcohol content (BAC) is under 0.08%. A first offense could result in a 90-day license suspension. But a second offense within five years or a third or subsequent offense within ten years could result in a six-month revocation.
- DWI: A DWI (driving while intoxicated) can be issued when your BAC is 0.08% or higher. A first offense could lead to a six-month license revocation, and subsequent DWIs within ten years could lead to a year-long license revocation.
- Aggravated DWI: An aggravated DWI can be issued when your BAC 0.18% or higher. Since aggravated DWIs are issued when an individual’s BAC is more than two times the legal limit, a first offense could result in a year-long license revocation. Consequently, a year and a half license revocation could be the outcome of a second or third offense within ten years.
Permanent revocation is also a real consequence under a couple conditions. If you face three or more DWI convictions or refuse chemical tests at three traffic stops, then you may never get to be in the driver’s seat again.
There are DWI attorneys who can fight for your right to keep a driver’s license to your name for many years to come.