People often think that drunk driving is different from drugged driving. In actuality, these crimes are synonymous. Whether you’re legally intoxicated with alcohol or impaired because of drug use, you will be charged with the same crime: DWI.
A person is deemed legally intoxicated if their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.08% or greater. Similarly, you will be charged with DWI if you operate a vehicle under the influence of drugs. These may be over-the-counter, illegal, or even prescription drugs.
In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at why drunk driving and drugged driving are in the same category. We’ll also look at their punishments.
1. Understanding DWI
Many people think that drunk driving is more serious than drugged driving. This isn’t true, since you face similar charges whether you are under the influence of alcohol or of another drug at the time of your arrest. DWI means driving while intoxicated and legal intoxication can be caused by alcohol or another drug.
First-time DWI charges (drunk or drugged) can incur a penalty of up to a year in prison, fines of up to $2,000, and driver’s license suspension.
2. Penalties Will Vary
For both drunk and drugged driving cases, the penalties vary depending on the circumstances. Ultimately, the gravity of the charges depends on the severity of the crime. Your intoxication level can elevate your punishment even if it’s a first-time offense. Injuries, deaths, vehicular damage, property damage, etc., can also increase your penalties to felony offenses.
For example, if you’re charged with a second offense, you’ll be required to pay up to $4,000 in fines and spend up to 180 days in prison. Third offenses entail up to $10,000 in fines and between 2 and 10 years in prison.
If you’re caught driving with alcohol or drugs in your system AND a child passenger, you will be charged with child endangerment, a felony. This entails an additional fine of up to $10,000. The penalties will increase based on the nature of the case.
3. You Should Contact a Lawyer Immediately
Whether you were recently pulled over for drunk or drugged driving, hire a lawyer as soon as you post bail. Your future and freedom are at stake. If you’re looking for a qualified, experienced, and detail-oriented criminal defense attorney in the Greater Houston area, attorney JL Carpenter should be your first call.
Over the years, JL has successfully worked on a wide range of DWI cases. She builds a strong case for her clients in Friendswood, Clear Lake, League City, Galveston, Webster, and the surrounding areas. Her practice areas include DWI, domestic violence, family violence, drug possession, and more. Click here to contact her today.