What Does OWI Mean?
Many people are confused when they hear the term OWI. What does OWI mean? The term stands for "operating while intoxicated." It's essentially the same charge as a DUI or a DWI. Many states have OWI laws on the book. Here's what you need to know about OWI laws.
These Laws Don't Just Apply To Drivers
A lot of people think that you can't be arrested for a DUI or an OWI unless they're behind the wheel of a car. In reality, you can be arrested for commanding any type of vehicle while intoxicated. People have been charged with this crime while riding a bike. People have also been charged with this crime for operating a tractor or a lawnmower while intoxicated. You need to be very careful about what you do while you are drinking. Laws cover a lot more ground than many people think.
These Laws Don't Just Apply To Drivers
A lot of people think that you can't be arrested for a DUI or an OWI unless they're behind the wheel of a car. In reality, you can be arrested for commanding any type of vehicle while intoxicated. People have been charged with this crime while riding a bike. People have also been charged with this crime for operating a tractor or a lawnmower while intoxicated. You need to be very careful about what you do while you are drinking. Laws cover a lot more ground than many people think.
Laws Vary From State To State
The laws regarding OWI vary from one state to another. If you don't know what your state's laws are, you should try to read up on them. In Indiana, the legal blood alcohol level is .08%. If you refuse to take a breathalyzer when police suspect you are drunk, this will be entered as evidence against you. It's smart to know what the rules are in your state. The more you know about the local laws, the easier it will be for you to follow those laws.
The Consequences Of An OWI Are Severe
Even if you have no previous charges, the consequences for an OWI can be fairly severe. You may have your license suspended for a year. You may have to pay a fine, and the charge may remain on your permanent record. Because there are steep consequences for an OWI, it's best to be cautious. Even if you've only had one drink, you may want to avoid driving until you are sober again. There's no such thing as being too safe when it comes to alcohol. If you take extra precautions, you'll be able to avoid a lot of the problems that other people have to face.
What Should I Do If I've Been Charged?
If you have already been charged with an OWI, the smartest thing that you can do is talk to a lawyer. The lawyer will be able to look at the facts of your case and decide what to do from there. It's likely that you'll face some consequences no matter what. With that said, the right lawyer should be able to mitigate some of those consequences. They'll help you to deal with what you are facing, and they'll help you to get your license back in the future. Whether you've been charged with an OWI or simply live in a state that has OWI laws on the books, you should make sure you know what you are dealing with. Start looking into these laws now. You never want your local laws to catch you off guard. You should be aware of the challenges that you are facing.
The laws regarding OWI vary from one state to another. If you don't know what your state's laws are, you should try to read up on them. In Indiana, the legal blood alcohol level is .08%. If you refuse to take a breathalyzer when police suspect you are drunk, this will be entered as evidence against you. It's smart to know what the rules are in your state. The more you know about the local laws, the easier it will be for you to follow those laws.
The Consequences Of An OWI Are Severe
Even if you have no previous charges, the consequences for an OWI can be fairly severe. You may have your license suspended for a year. You may have to pay a fine, and the charge may remain on your permanent record. Because there are steep consequences for an OWI, it's best to be cautious. Even if you've only had one drink, you may want to avoid driving until you are sober again. There's no such thing as being too safe when it comes to alcohol. If you take extra precautions, you'll be able to avoid a lot of the problems that other people have to face.
What Should I Do If I've Been Charged?
If you have already been charged with an OWI, the smartest thing that you can do is talk to a lawyer. The lawyer will be able to look at the facts of your case and decide what to do from there. It's likely that you'll face some consequences no matter what. With that said, the right lawyer should be able to mitigate some of those consequences. They'll help you to deal with what you are facing, and they'll help you to get your license back in the future. Whether you've been charged with an OWI or simply live in a state that has OWI laws on the books, you should make sure you know what you are dealing with. Start looking into these laws now. You never want your local laws to catch you off guard. You should be aware of the challenges that you are facing.