When a law enforcement officer pulls you over on suspicion of driving while intoxicated (DWI), they may require you to submit to a breathalyzer test. This test is used to measure your blood-alcohol content (BAC) level. And if your BAC level is particularly high, you may be facing heightened penalties. Continue reading to learn the penalties for a DWI with a high BAC level and how an experienced Morristown criminal defense lawyer at Graves Andrews, LLC can work to deflate them.
What are the possible penalties for a DWI with a high BAC level?
If your BAC level is detected at 0.08 percent at the time of your stop, then you may be accused of a DWI. But if the breathalyzer test reports a BAC level of 0.10 percent or higher, then there may be heightened consequences associated with your DWI. An example of the possible penalties is as follows:
- First-offense DWI with a BAC level between 0.08 percent and 0.10 percent:
- Up to 30 days in jail.
- Fines of $250 to $500.
- Mandatory installation of an ignition interlock device (IID) in your vehicle for three months.
- Mandatory license suspension until an IID is installed.
- Mandatory attendance at the Intoxicated Driver Research Center (IDRC) for 12 to 48 hours.
- First-offense DWI with a BAC level between 0.10 and 0.15 percent:
- Up to 30 days in jail.
- Fines of $300 to $500.
- Mandatory installation of an II in your vehicle for seven to 12 months.
- Mandatory license suspension until an IID is installed.
- Mandatory attendance at the IDRC for 12 to 48 hours.
- First-offense DWI with a BAC level of 0.15 percent or more:
- Up to 30 days in jail.
- Fines of $300 to $500.
- Mandatory installation of an II in your vehicle for nine to 15 months.
- Mandatory license suspension for four to six months.
- Mandatory attendance at the IDRC for 12 to 48 hours.
What other extenuating circumstances may heighten my penalties?
In addition to a high BAC level, there may be other extenuating circumstances that may your criminal offense all the more difficult to defend. Examples of what may heighten your penalties are as follows:
- You were found to be driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol while you were passing through a school zone.
- You were found to be driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol while you were operating a commercial vehicle.
- You were found to be driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol while you had a minor as a passenger.
- You were found to be driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol while you were under the age of 21.
Of note, this is not to mention if this was your second or third offense. Regardless of what your specific circumstances may be, you must not second-guess your instinct to retain the services of a skilled Morristown criminal defense lawyer from Graves Andrews, LLC. Schedule your initial consultation with our firm today.
