Knowing the Terms - DWAI vs DWI
"DWAI vs DWI" What are the differences and what type of penalties and convictions come with them? A DWI offense stands for “Driving While Intoxicated,” while the DWAI meaning stands for “Driving While Ability Impaired.” Both of these terms are used for the description of actions taken when a person drives under the influence of illicit drugs or prescription painkillers.
New York State focuses on the driver’s level of impairment when judging the severity of the DWI. If a driver has a blood alcohol content between .04 and .07, or they show evidence that they have been mentally or physically impaired, they can be subject to a DWAI charge.
Driving While Ability Impaired in New York
DWAI charges are considered a criminal law violation. If you’ve been charged with this offense, you need a New York defense attorney who’s experienced in handling DWAI and DWI cases.
What are the Penalties for Conviction?
For a first-time offense, a person with a DWI might face fines between $500 and $1,000. There’s also a potential for up to one year spent in jail, along with loss of driving privileges for a minimum of six months.
If a second offense occurs within ten years, the mandatory fine will increase from $1,000 to $5,000. The potential prison term has a maximum of four years.
For third offenses, a person might face fines of $10,000, prison sentences of up to seven years, and permanent revocation of their license.
If a person has been convicted of multiple DWIs within the last decade, they might be charged with a felony DWI rather than a misdemeanor. This results in additional fines and potential jail time.
Sobriety Tests
Three different types of sobriety tests might be performed by an arresting officer. The first is a field sobriety test, in which the officer might ask the person to walk a straight line or state the alphabet backward. A screening test is the next option, with a chemical test being the third.
Screening tests are administered through the use of portable breath tests. Chemical tests are designed to detect the blood alcohol concentration of a person by using their blood. A chemical test must occur in the two-hour period following the arrest.
Can breathalyzers give false readings?
It’s possible for false readings to occur with a breath test. Breath sprays, cough syrup, and mouthwashes all have the potential to produce a false reading. It’s also possible for a person’s body temperature to affect the reading. Depending on the circumstances, a New York State court might throw out the results of a breath test because of the unreliability.
Importance of Hiring Criminal Defense Attorneys That Understand How DWI and DWAI Cases Are Tried in New York
This is part of the reason that hiring a defense attorney is critical. Defense attorneys understand the way that driving while intoxicated(DWI) and driving while ability impaired(DWAI) cases are tried. They can ask the right questions, analyze the facts of your case, and make sure that all the rules were followed when your breath test was administered.
There are a number of options available for people who have been charged with DWI and DWAI. When you get in contact with an attorney, they can help you understand your options and make the best decision going forward.
Stephen J. Riebling, Jr. and Marcia Payton are criminal defense attorneys at Riebling & Payton, PLLC, located in Westchester County, NY. They have handled countless DWI and DWAI cases, resulting in dismissals and reductions throughout New York State. To learn more about them, the firm and their approach please visit Riebling & Payton, PLLC.