DWAI Charges in Florida

Within the realm of DUI, there are multiple categories that can change the charge that you may end up facing. With standard DUI and DWI, the consequences are substantial, and you can see hefty penalties depending on how often you’re found in that situation. With DWAI (Driving While Ability Impaired), there are two varying levels, one of which is more severe than the other, but both are not a pleasant experience. A standard DWAI is viewed as a traffic infraction, and the more dangerous penalty is a DWAI Felony.

Penalties for a DWAI Traffic Infraction

If you’ve been found to be operating a vehicle while impaired, but not beyond a legal limit, it’s still possible that you will be handed a DWAI. As a basic traffic violation, it’s not as problematic as a criminal charge, but you will still be facing problems that you don’t wish to have. The following is a list of what you may encounter with a standard DWAI:

• First Conviction: You will see a fine anywhere from $300 to $500, with a jail time of up to fifteen days, and a mandatory ninety day suspension of your license.
• Second Conviction Within Five Years: You will face a fine of $500 to $750, in addition to a jail time of up to thirty days, and a revoked license of at least six months.
• Third Conviction Within Ten Years: Fines can be anywhere from $750 to $1,500, and a jail time of up to ninety days, and a revoked license of at least six months.

As you may see, the fines, jail time, and license revocation numbers at the highest level are less than a standard DUI charge, but that doesn’t mean it’s a good thing to have on your record. Traffic infraction DWAI is still a noteworthy penalty, and you don’t want to be caught with that.

Penalties for a DWAI Felony

The key difference between a DWAI traffic infraction and a DWAI felony is the level of intoxication in addition to the types of materials in your body at the time of the incident. If you’re found to have a combination of both alcohol and drugs in your body, you are automatically put into the DWAI felony category. Since this is a much higher infraction, there are unique penalties that exist only with this, and they are:

• First Conviction: You will see fines anywhere from $500 to $1,000, a jail time of up to one year, and a revoked license of at least six months.
• Second Conviction Within Ten Years: The fines increase to $1,000 anywhere to $5,000. Jail time maximum increases to four years, and your license is revoked for at least a year to eighteen months.
• Third Conviction Within Ten Years: At this stage, fines are anywhere from $2,000 to $10,000. Jail time increases to up to seven years, and your license is revoked for at least a year to eighteen months.

Penalties for a DWAI felony are closer to that of a DUI, or DWI, which means that it’s a much more imposing thing for you to overcome. That’s why it’s vital that you seek out a professional and experienced attorney.

Having a quality lawyer on your side means that you can fight to the best of your ability to get those charges reduced or ultimately removed. We are here for you, so do not hesitate to contact us today. We will help you with your case regardless of your history. Our experience can help you from being overwhelmed by the penalties you’re facing and get it removed from your permanent record. You’re not alone, so let us fight for you today!